Yesterday we availed ourselves of the excellent NHS, to secure an appointment at a local GP clinic, and procure some antibiotics for Ian.  He’s going to be resting for a couple more days, so this afternoon I headed to nearby Ely.  This small, neat city is best known for its Cathedral. It has some other interesting medieval buildings, and a pleasant riverside walk.  Sensibly, the local council has provided several sizeable free car parks on the periphery of the city centre, making it easy to explore on foot, and keeping the roads lightly trafficked.

I didn’t exactly need Google Maps to find the Cathedral; its somewhat squat towers were obvious, and before long I was making my way to the entrance.  It’s not the prettiest, or most elegant building, but it is notable for being the third longest medieval Cathedral in the UK. Due to its size it dominates the city (rather as Cobh Cathedral does in Ireland).  It is also famous for its unique Octagon Tower and Lantern, and for its many stained glass windows. It traces its origins to an Abbey founded in 672, although the earliest parts of the present building “only” date back to 1083, when the grand Norman Cathedral began construction.

After exploring the interior and admiring the exteriors from the adjacent dusty park, I meandered down to Cherry Hill Park, where Ely Castle once stood. It had lovely views across a wild meadow to the Cathedral, and I enjoyed my gentle downhill stroll.  Crossing Broad Street (which I crossed in about 2 strides), I found myself next to the Great Ouse River.  This pleasant spot was lined with canal boats, moored so they could no doubt enjoy afternoon tea or a pint.  A family of swans, with half grown cygnets still covered in grey down, sailed past in graceful formation – a quintessential English sight on a mild August afternoon.