Ely Heritage Weekend – 11th/12th/13th Sept.

What will you being doing at this year’s Heritage weekend?

This year’s Heritage Weekend Programme is going to be full of exciting things to do in historic Ely from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September.

A series of events have been organised by the Tourist Information Office at Oliver Cromwell House to form part of East Cambridgeshire’s contribution to the national programme.

A number of homes and buildings will be opened specially for the weekend and special guided walks have also been organised to allow residents and visitors to learn more about Ely’s past.

Tracey Harding, Tourism & Town Centres Team Leader at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The National Heritage Weekend has become a great opportunity to visit the places which you pass by every day but never get the opportunity to see what they look like from the inside. Whether it is our fantastic Oliver Cromwell House, the amazing Ely Museum or one of the old monastic buildings around in Ely there is a great range of things to see and do. So seize the day and find out what amazing sights and historic locations you have on your doorstep.”

The weekend starts on Friday 11 September with an Open Night where Ely’s visitor attractions are opening their doors, free of charge, so visitors can experience these atmospheric buildings after hours.  These include:

•       Oliver Cromwell’s House (5pm to 8pm). Visit this impressive historic house at dusk and experience domestic life in the 17th Century in our re-created period rooms. Play with the toys of the times and venture into the Haunted Bedroom. No pre-booking necessary.
•       Ely Museum (5pm to 8pm). Take this free opportunity to visit displays which include original prison cells, fossils to touch and Roman remains. No pre-booking necessary.
•       Ely Cathedral (6.30 pm to 8.30 pm). The Cathedral will be offering Twilight Tours of either the historical West Tower or the world famous Octagon Tower. Places for the tours are limited to two tickets per person and must be pre-booked at 01353 660359www.elycathedral.org
•       The Stained Glass Museum (6.30 pm to 8.30 pm). For those wanting to find out more about stained glass join a guided tour with our Curator at 6.30 pm. Pre-booking advisable for the tours as places are limited. Contact 01353 660347, shop@stainedglassmuseum.com

On Saturday 12 September there will be a series of Open Tours:

•       Ely Cathedral – West Tower Tour – 10am. At 215ft high, the West Tower offers one of the most spectacular views across the Cambridgeshire landscape. Places for the tour is limited to two tickets per person and must be pre-booked via our website at 01353 660359,www.elycathedral.org
•       Ely Museum – 11am. A knowledgeable guide will lead visitors around Ely Museum exploring the fascinating history of The Old Gaol. Discover fascinating local archaeology, learn about the Fenland landscape and spot Oliver Cromwell’s signature. Children can pick up one of our ‘Explorers’ Kits’ from the front desk. Pre-booking advisable. Contact 01353 666655, admin@elymuseum.org.uk
•       Ely’s Historic Guided Walking Tour – 11.30 am. Discover the origins of the Cathedral and the importance of trade in this former Isle of Eels. Departing from Ely Tourist Information Centre at Oliver Cromwell’s House. Pre-booking advisable – contact 01353 662062,tic@eastcambs.gov.uk
•       Old Palace – 10 am to 4 pm, departing every 40 mins. The splendid Bishop’s Palace dating from the 15th century, now owned and managed by Kings School Ely, is open for guided tours. There will also be an illustrated talk in the Lecture Theatre by Francis Young, author of “A History of the Bishop’s Palace at Ely”, which will be repeated several times during the day as well as an exhibition for the Long Gallery entitled “Prisoners in the Palace”. This tells the story of the Catholics imprisoned in the Palace during the reign of Elizabeth I . Three simultaneous tours will depart from the main entrance hall. Pre-booking advisable. Contact 01353 660700, EmandaMoscatelli@kingsely.org
•       Ely Courthouse (The Sessions House) – 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm. Recently taken over by Ely City Council following the closure of the Magistrates Court in 2012, this is a chance to visit this fascinating building and view the actual Court famously featured in the Toad of Toad Hall Film. Tour the cells and hear about the ‘Murder Most Foul’ which concluded with the execution of John Rolfe in 1823. Places for the tours are limited and must be pre-booked by contacting 01353 662062, tic@eastcambs.gov.uk

Finally on Sunday 13th September, there will be a series of Open Houses:

•       Silver Street Cottages – 10.30 am to 4 pm. Take the chance to visit these medieval cottages dating from the 15th Century and view the 16th century first floor wall paintings. Pre-booking via the Tourist Information Centre is essential. Contact 01353 662062,tic@eastcambs.gov.uk
•       Prior Crauden’s Chapel – 10pm to 4pm. Rarely open to the public, don’t miss the chance to visit this impressive 14th Century chapel with its wall paintings and medieval tiled floor. Places for the tours are limited and must be pre-booked via our website at 01353 660359,www.elycathedral.org
•       Old Porta – Tours, courtesy of Kings School will run at 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, and 3.30 pm. Ely Porta was once the main entrance to Ely monastery and through it passed travellers, pilgrims, royalty and local people selling their wares to the monastery. Today it houses the Kings’ School Library and you can marvel at the architecture of the building and its impressive collection of books. Pre-booking essential. Contact 01353 662062, tic@eastcambs.gov.uk
•       The Monastic Barn – tours, courtesy of Kings School will run at 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm and 3.30pm. Situated beside Cherry Hill Park the Monastic Barn was built c.1375 in the reign of Edward III for storage of wheat, malt, salted meat and other foodstuffs. Now a magnificent dining hall for the Kings School with arched doorways and exposed beamed ceiling.
•       St Peter’s Church – 11 am to 4 pm. Built in 1890 as a Mission Church for the riverside area, this is the chance to see the fine wooden screen and rood loft decorated in red, green and gold which was designed by Sir Ninian Comper. Pre-booking essential.   Contact 01353 667672

For more information please visit www.visitely.org.uk or call 01353 662062