Ely, Cambridgeshire

Flower Delivery to Ely with Clare Florist

The historic cathedral city of Ely, Cambridgeshire is perfect for a day trip or holiday for every history lover or nature enthusiast. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Ely was officially founded as an abbey in 673 AD.

The famous Ely Cathedral was constructed over a period of 300 years, beginning in 1083 AD. The octagon of the cathedral is one of the wonders of the medieval world. The cathedral was restored beginning in the mid-1800s. It can be seen from the roof of the King’s Chapel in Cambridge, nearly 26 km distant.

The city originally sat on Kimmeridge Clay Island in the fens, the highest land in the region. William the Conqueror built Ely Castle on Cherry Hill during Norman times in about 1070 AD. When the marshes were drained in the 17th century, the island remained the high ground and the cathedral continued to dominate the horizon.

Oliver Cromwell called the city home from 1638 to 1646, and his residence at St. Mary’s Vicarage now houses the Oliver Cromwell House Museum. Wild fowling, agriculture and fishing have been the traditional economies of the area along with pottery production for over 700 years. Roman roads cross the area and evidence of Roman settlements lie close to modern Ely.

Fairs and festivals in the city date back to medieval times, with the first Saint Audrey’s Fair granted a charter by Henry I in 1189. The word “tawdry” dates to this fair, referring to cheap lace necklaces sold to the populace at the event. The event continues to this date every June, alongside others including the annual Eel Festival every May.

Henry III granted a charter for the Ely Market in 1224, and market days continue on Thursdays and Saturdays today. Seasonal markets, featuring produce and flowers in Ely are held on Bank holiday Mondays from Easter through November as well as on Sundays.

The city lies on the banks of the River Great Ouse, a popular spot for boating and site of a popular river walk and year-round market. The local Rotary Club hosts Aquafest on the first Sunday in July at the riverside. Events include a carnival procession, fireworks display and all manner of family fun. The Ely Horticultural Society puts on their Great Autumn Show focusing on the local expertise of Ely flower and garden enthusiasts annually.

Crafts and Collectables Markets occur every Saturday throughout the year, offering an amazing selection of handmade goods by local artisans. The FARMA-certified Ely Farmer’s Market offers the best local produce on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, as well. On the final Sunday of the month, Ely hosts the Flower, Food and Craft Market to tempt shoppers with more unique offerings.
Wicken Fen is one of the most important wildlife reserves and wetlands in Europe and lies close by Ely. The National Trust owns it, and it is possibly the only remaining places to explore the fen landscape as it once existed.

Another must-see site in Ely is the Anglesy Abbey Gardens and Lode Mill. This home is built on the site of a 12th century priory, and contains a priceless art collection. The 98-acre landscaped garden and arboretum contains the most amazing collection of flowers in Ely, along with 100+ sculptures and a famous winter snowdrop walk. The summer dahlia collection is also not to be missed.

Residents and visitors in Ely who need flowers delivered for any reason need only enter clareflorist.co.uk in their browser for the best selection of flower arrangements available for next day delivery. We supply beautiful arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or just to say thank you to someone special in Ely.

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