Ely Museum
Ely Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Ely, dating from the 13th Century, it has been a private house, a Tavern, a Registry Office & the Bishop's Goal.
Sensitively renovated in 1997 much of the buildings history can still be seen, including prisoners graffiti, hidden doorways and original planking on the walls.
The displays include fossils from marine dinosaurs, prehistoric tools and weapons, Roman pottery and Anglo Saxon jewellery.
An archive film shows methods of farming in the past, and the Debtors and Condemned Cells show visitors what the Bishops' Gaol was really like.
Visitors can enjoy the attractive and secluded courtyard before and after their visit.
The Cambridgeshire Regiment Collection display includes two of the Singapore Drums, and tells the traumatic story of the Regiment's imprisonment by the Japanese during World War Two.
Ely Museum has a level front entrance, an adapted toilet and a stairlift to the upper floor. There are chairs throughout the Museum for visitors.
Quiz sheets are free to children visiting the Museum, there is a Teacher's Resource Pack, and many more 
objects which can be touched. Guided tours are available by appointment.
There are toilets and a nappy changing unit for visitors. The gift shop sells many items from the Robert Opie range as well as local history publications, and work by local artists and crafts people.
Special events and exhibitions are held throughout the year, including finds and identification afternoons, living history days and a programme of talks.
Consider becoming a Friend of Ely Museum, and enjoy free admission, a free newsletter twice a year and discounted entry to special events.
Ely Museum Trust was set up in 1972 with much voluntary support.
After opening in the High Street, the Museum moved to the Old Gaol on Market Street in 1997. Many items in the collection were donated by local people and organisation. Ely Museum is independent and relies on grants, admissions and the generosity of visitors to remain open.
Visit the official Ely Museum website.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comment form
