Cambridge and Ely

On Saturday, we walked around Cambridge and punted down the River Cam and viewed all of the colleges alongside the river which is also known as "The Backs". We were actually punted by a professional punter, but that still counts. I had full confidence in Craig's ability to punt but I was completely lacking in confidence when it came to all of the other fools attempting to punt around us, so a guided and narrated tour was exactly the right thing to do. It was quite reminiscent of Venice, but a lot busier and noisier believe it or not. Here are photos of the day, including all of the bridges under which we traveled.

Side view of King's College


Clare Bridge - known for its wonkiness in shape

I think this is the Magdalene Bridge.

St. John's Bridge aka The Bridge of Sighs

Mathematical Bridge in the background
Evan and Finn are laughing at something our punter said or one of the non-professional punters crashing &/or losing a pole.


Craig enjoying a pint at The Anchor
This pub is known as the pub where Pink Floyd originated. Syd Barrett, founding member, used to hang out here as a kid.


King's College view from across The Backs
The river runs in between the cows and the people.

Cool sundial

On Sunday, we jaunted over to Ely (pronounced "eely"), a very nice town with a GORGEOUS cathedral, the best one we have seen so far. From Wikipedia: "It is said that Ely derives its name from 'eel' and '-y' or '-ey' meaning island. This may be true, due to the position of Ely, an island in low-lying fens that were historically very marshy and rich in eels." The land around Ely is very flat and was drained years ago for agriculture. First, we toured Oliver Cromwell's House (the only one of his houses still in existence) and actually learned a lot.
From Wikipedia:
Oliver Cromwell (b. April 25, 1599 d. September 3, 1658) was an English political and military leader best known for his involvement in making England into a republican Commonwealth and for his later role as Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland. He was one of the commanders of the New Model Army which defeated the royalists in the English Civil war. After the execution of King Charles I in 1649, Cromwell dominated the short-lived Commonwealth of England, conquered Ireland and Scotland, and ruled as Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658.

Finn and Owen trying on period costume
I am in no way responsible for the latter photo!

Then we went over to the cathedral after lunch. It was just spectacular with the highlight being the Octagon 'Lantern Tower' which rises up in the middle of the cathedral. Its interior is wooden and the painting detail is simply spectacular. The stained glass was beautiful and the cathedral was very visitor-friendly, allowing photographs and just very welcoming. Also, in keeping with the earlier Pink Floyd theme, the Ely Cathedral is featured prominently on the cover of their 1994 album The Division Bell.

Front of Ely Cathedral

Main entrance with beautiful filigree iron doors


This is a king or bishop (I forget) reclining on top of his grave. I liked the painted marble of his tunic.


Interior of the Lantern

The Lantern



Beautifully painted ceiling

And the obligatory stained glass:






Next post: the rest of Venice's story...