Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Ely is a cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, in the Isle of Ely area of the county. Although one of the smallest cities in the United Kingdom, it has held the status of a city since time immemorial. Ely stands on a hill amidst the level fenland and before the fens were drained it was an island amidst the fen waters. Ely Cathedral stands atop the hill dominating the horizon for many miles, and is known romantically as "the Ship of the Fens". Ely retains many historic buildings and winding shopping streets. The city is on the River Great Ouse and was a significant port until the 18th century, when the fens were drained. The river is a popular boating area with a large marina. Ely is within the council area of East Cambridgeshire (Cambridgeshire).

Place Type: City
Historic County: Cambridgeshire
Division of County: Isle of Ely
Lat, Long: 52.398987,0.259207
Grid Reference: TL 5380 8028
Civil Parish: Ely CP
Council Area: East Cambridgeshire CA (Cambridgeshire CA)
Strategic Authority Area: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough SA
Police Area: Cambridgeshire PA

GBPN ID: 15168
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Ely,_Cambridgeshire_15168

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