Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ely / A History and Description of the Building with a Short Account of the Monastery and of the See

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21003

Title

Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ely / A History and Description of the Building with a Short Account of the Monastery and of the See

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A scholarly yet accessible guide to Ely Cathedral, this volume blends architectural history with the dramatic story of its founding saint, St Etheldreda. Rich in detail and illustrated, it offers an essential resource for visitors and students of English ecclesiastical architecture.

Summary up to 500 words

Written by the Rev. W. D. Sweeting, *Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ely* serves as both a comprehensive historical record and a practical guide for visitors. The volume begins by exploring the etymology of 'Ely,' confirming the traditional derivation from the abundance of eels in the marshes, and establishes the region's geography as an isolated island. The narrative centers on St. Etheldreda, a princess of East Anglia who rejected multiple royal suitors to dedicate her life to religion. After fleeing a forced marriage to King Egfrid of Northumberland, she reached Ely with miraculous assistance, including a sudden flood that blocked her pursuer and a pilgrim's staff that sprouted into a tree. She established a monastery there, which was later destroyed by the Danes and subsequently rebuilt. The text provides a thorough architectural survey, detailing the building's evolution from the seventh century through the Perpendicular period. Sweeting highlights the cathedral's status as a premier example of late Norman work in England, specifically praising the nave for its perfection and lack of transitional details compared to other major cathedrals. Key structural features discussed include the unique Octagon, the West Tower, and the various chapels. The book includes biographical sketches of bishops, descriptions of monuments, and accounts of significant restorations, notably those by Sir G. G. Scott. Sweeting also describes the interior, including the painted ceiling depicting biblical scenes and the labyrinth in the west tower. By combining scholarly research with accessible descriptions, the volume offers an authoritative account of the cathedral's fabric, the history of the monastery, and the life of the see, making it an indispensable companion for cathedral tourists and students of architecture.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• History
• Travel