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Historic British Cities: Ely
Bath | Cambridge | Canterbury | Chester | Durham | Edinburgh | Ely | Lincoln | Oxford | Wells | Winchester | York
“...an island surrounded by water and marshes”
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Situated amid the Cambridgeshire Fens, Ely is England’s second smallest city with a resident population of little over 15,000.
Its name is derived from its historical association with Eel fishing - the creatures once having been found in great numbers in the surrounding waters – and was founded by Saint Ethelreda (an Anglo Saxon princess) who founded a monastery here in AD673.
However, Ely is most famous for its magnificent cathedral, colloquially known as ‘The Ship of the Fens’, which some consider to be one of the ‘Wonders of the Medieval World’.
The city is also celebrated as the site of Hereward the Wake’s last stand against William the Conqueror in 1071, and having once been the home of Oliver Cromwell, who ruled England as Lord Protector between 1653 and 1658 – his house is now the city’s tourist information centre.
Its name is derived from its historical association with Eel fishing -
However, Ely is most famous for its magnificent cathedral, colloquially known as ‘The Ship of the Fens’, which some consider to be one of the ‘Wonders of the Medieval World’.
The city is also celebrated as the site of Hereward the Wake’s last stand against William the Conqueror in 1071, and having once been the home of Oliver Cromwell, who ruled England as Lord Protector between 1653 and 1658 – his house is now the city’s tourist information centre.
Period Places to Stay in Ely
The Anchor Inn. Thought to have been built circa 1650, The Anchor is a traditional Fenland inn located in the village of Sutton Gault a few miles to the west of Ely. It offers four guest rooms (two suites, a double and a twin). The property is graded by Visit England as a 4-star restaurant with rooms.
LateRooms
The Old Hall. Recently restored having fallen into disrepair during the late 20th century, the Old Hall offers bed & breakfast accommodation via just two guest rooms: The Steward and The Ambrose. Distinctly Jacobean, the building was the birthplace of one Elizabeth Steward – the mother of Oliver Cromwell. Located just outside the city in the open countryside, this beautiful house boasts fine views of the city and its cathedral.
TripAdvisor
Bury House B&B. Just five minutes drive from Ely in the village of Little Downham, Bury House is a former farm dating back to the 1700’s. Providing award-winning and highly-rated bed & breakfast accommodation, it offers just two rooms and free parking for guests.
TripAdvisor
Riverside Inn. A pretty 1800’s building on the River Great Ouse, this family run guest house offers only three rooms but has been the recipient of some favourable independent reviews. All rooms are en suite.
TripAdvisor
The Old Porch House. For a real slice of English heritage, this beautiful property at Haddenham is difficult to match when it comes to self-catering. The accommodation itself is within a self-contained wing of the Elizabethan house and is able to sleep between four and six people. Interestingly, the house is reputed to have been visited by Oliver Cromwell on several occasions.
Cottages4You
The Old Hall. Recently restored having fallen into disrepair during the late 20th century, the Old Hall offers bed & breakfast accommodation via just two guest rooms: The Steward and The Ambrose. Distinctly Jacobean, the building was the birthplace of one Elizabeth Steward – the mother of Oliver Cromwell. Located just outside the city in the open countryside, this beautiful house boasts fine views of the city and its cathedral.
TripAdvisor
Bury House B&B. Just five minutes drive from Ely in the village of Little Downham, Bury House is a former farm dating back to the 1700’s. Providing award-
TripAdvisor
Riverside Inn. A pretty 1800’s building on the River Great Ouse, this family run guest house offers only three rooms but has been the recipient of some favourable independent reviews. All rooms are en suite.
TripAdvisor
The Old Porch House. For a real slice of English heritage, this beautiful property at Haddenham is difficult to match when it comes to self-
Also see...
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There are other period properties offering accommodation in the county of Cambridgeshire.
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It might not yet be the definitive list, but there are some fabulous places to discover in our Beautiful Villages of England section.
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If you prefer a holiday or break under your own steam, there are plenty of Historic Holiday Cottages throughout the country. And we keep the ones we feature to those said to have been built before 1700, too.
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It might well be one of the smallest cities in Europe, but despite our research we accept we’ve probably missed a hotel or inn in Ely of interest to visitors to the site. If so, please get in touch and let us know, just so long as the accommodation is highly rated and is of an historic nature. Moreover, suggestions or feedback relating to any part of Nights In The Past is always extremely welcome. We genuinely want to make it one of the most useful and best travel websites on the internet, and look forward to many years of helping travellers find beautiful places to stay.
Copyright. Nights In The Past 2007 -