Ely Cathedral -inside the lantern

Many years ago, I was the proud owner of a ladybird book all about cathedrals. I particularly liked this book and used to be quite good at identifying architectural styles as a result of studying it very attentively. One place that interested me particularly was Ely, because one of its towers fell down and was replaced by the Lantern (which they seem to call the Octagon now).

Anyway, it turned out that Brew Apprentice and T hadn't yet visited Ely, so, based on the long-since-given -away ladybird book, off we went.

Visiting Ely Cathedral is not cheap - admission plus a guided tour of the Lantern was around £12.50. However, it is a beautiful Cathedral and the tour of the Lantern was very interesting.

There were quite a few steps to be climbed and some very small doors and narrow staircases to squeeze through. Best to go on a diet before you do this tour. This photo is taken inside the lantern - each painted panel opens inwards so that a view down into the body of the building or across to the angels on the panels the other side of the Lantern can be obtained.

The Lantern is entirely built of wood, with 8 oak trees forming the main supports. The wood has been dated, and all the trees used were around 300 years old when cut down, so they're now about 1,000 years old.

The town was very nice as well. All in all a very good day out, and it was excellent to see the Lantern at last.