Chapter V: Part 5

[Footnote 54: We understand it is intended to make some further alterations, and to build a new "hostel," on a plot of ground nearly opposite the gateway on the western side, forming a block of buildings to include accommodation for sixty boys, with masters' and servants' offices, as well as the dormitories, studies, and day rooms for the boys.]

We will now cast our eyes over the Park, which was much improved by the exertions of Dean Peacock; it was formerly divided into several inclosures by walls or hedges, but is now in two pieces, separated by iron fencing, and has been planted in various parts with ornamental trees; a pathway runs round the south-eastern portion, and another across it, and by a pair of iron gates (closed at night) a communication is formed with a street at the lower part of the city. On the south side is an artificial mound generally called "Cherry Hill," the origin of which is uncertain; but it was probably occupied by a mill for the use of the monastery; Mr. Millers thought it once formed the site of a castle erected for the defence of the monastery, which in early times experienced some of the vicissitudes of war; it is covered with trees and shrubs, and a winding path leads to the top, where there is a kind of summer-house. A good view of the adjacent country may be had from the summit, particularly towards the east, south, and west.

From the foot of this hill, extending to some length westward, is a range of buildings used in part as stables and coach-houses, and partly as workshops and store-houses for stone and materials required for the repair of the Cathedral and buildings; this was the small grange within the precincts, a larger one stood more to the westward, outside the monastery.

We will pass through the gateway and examine its western front which remains nearly in its original state; there are some niches and canopies, and several shields but their bearings are nearly all obliterated. The gates are closed at night.

While here we may notice at a short distance to the left, at the south-west corner of the open space, the new Theological College, designed for candidates for Holy Orders desirous of religious preparation, theological instruction, and pastoral training; and is open to students who have graduated at one of the Universities: of which the Rev. Dr. Luckock, Canon of the Cathedral, is principal. The building is of red brick with stone dressings, and contains chapel, lecture room, studies and dormitories for the accommodation of twelve students, with the usual offices.

Our course will now take us northwards towards the Cathedral, outside the western boundary of the monastery, thus giving the opportunity of observing the other side of the buildings we noticed after Prior Crauden's chapel: that they are of great antiquity is evident by the flat Norman buttresses on part of the western wall; but they have at various times undergone considerable alterations which have done much to obliterate their original appearance, and alter the character of the buildings. We first pass the house occupied by the Rev. W.E. Dickson, then those occupied by the Rev. R. Winkfield, including the house standing a few feet in retreat, originally part of the prior's residence, which adjoins the western end of the Deanery; the remaining space to the south-west Transept being occupied as a private garden by the Dean. On our left are the gardens belonging to the Bishop's Palace; and this brings us to the west end of the Cathedral, from whence we started on our tour of observation.

The Cathedral is too much encumbered by buildings to allow us to take the whole of it into view from any one position; but several good points of view may be found at moderate distances, ranging from south-west to east, which will, we think, amply repay those who may have leisure and inclination to go a short distance to observe them.

* * * * *

Having endeavoured to point out, to the best of our ability, the objects most worthy of notice in the Cathedral, as well as others around it within the precincts of the ancient monastery, we will add a brief notice of a few other buildings which are without the precincts, but should not be passed without some observation.

+The Bishop's Palace.+

This is a large mansion consisting of a centre and two wings, nearly adjoining the west end of the Cathedral, being separated from it only by a public road. But little is known of a palace here prior to the time of Bishop Alcock, who erected the present wings with a noble hall or gallery about the end of the fifteenth century: his arms, and those of the see may be seen in the face of the eastern wing. The gallery adjoining the western wing was erected by Bishop Goodrich in the third year of the reign of Edward VI., whose arms appear in stone on the centre of the lower panels of the bay window; on the panel to the right of this are the arms of Bishop Goodrich, and on the left panel, the same arms impaling those of the see; on the left-hand splay panel is carved the "Duty towards God," and on the right-hand splay panel the "Duty towards our neighbour." The more modern part of the house next the garden is said to have been erected by Bishop Keene, but was perhaps only altered by him, as there was on the eastern side of the part projecting into the garden, a stone door arch apparently much older than this part of the house; and another on the eastern side near the chapel; this has been removed, and now forms the servants' entrance from "the Green."

The interior of the house has been much improved, and the chapel in the eastern wing fitted up with taste, the windows being filled with stained glass. The gardens are neat and kept in excellent order. There are in the Palace several portraits of bishops and others, also a curious painting called the "_Tabula Eliensis_" representing the forty knights who were quartered on the monastery by William I., each with his shield of arms, and a monk as his companion. There is also a picture 6 ft. 6 in. long and 2 ft. 2 in. high, representing the funeral of Bishop Cox, in 1581. Bishop Turton left by his will two pictures, to remain in the palace; and there is a good library belonging to the see.

Formerly the bishops of Ely had residences at several other places, viz., palaces at Somersham and Downham; Wisbech Castle, and the Manor-houses at Doddington, Fen Ditton, and other places in Cambridgeshire; and Hatfield, and Hadham, in Hertfordshire; there were ten manor-houses and places of residence belonging to the Bishop of Ely at the time of Bishop Barnet. The London residence of the bishops of Ely was formerly in Ely Place, Holborn, which was occupied successively by forty-one bishops, extending over a period of nearly five hundred years; it is now in Dover Street, Piccadilly, in a house built by Bishop Keene, on the site of Albemarle House and other messuages, which were purchased for the see in 1772.

The "Green" in front of the palace was formerly a piece of waste ground; a few years ago it was laid out and planted with shrubs, and fenced off with a neat iron railing, at the expense of Bishop Turton, reserving to the public the right of free admission from eight a.m., until an hour after sunset; this improvement has, we regret to say, through an unfortunate misunderstanding, been done away, and it now presents an appearance of desolation and neglect much to be deprecated. We hope something may be done in order to remedy this sad state, and render it more worthy of its position in front of one of the noblest Cathedrals in England, and of the residence of the chief pastor of a large and important diocese.

The house standing in a garden with iron gates, nearly opposite the bay window in the palace stands upon the site of the residence of the chaplains of an ancient chantry founded by Bishop Northwold, called "The Chantry on the Green."

+St. Mary's Church.+

This church will be found a short distance to the westward of the Palace, standing in a large grave-yard with a row of lime trees in front. It is a neat building having a Nave with aisles, a Chancel and a Tower surmounted by a spire at the west end. The Church is a mixture of the Transitional and Early English styles, but the Tower and Spire are in the Decorated style. It was built by Bishop Eustachius in the early part of the thirteenth century on the site of a former church. "It contains," says Mr. Millers, "some curious architectural remains, particularly the north and south[55] door arches, which are pointed and decorated with different sorts of Norman mouldings; but the columns have slender detached shafts, united under one capital wreathed with foliage, as in the Early English style. Of this mixture there is no other specimen at Ely, and I have not met with an account of such an one in any other place." "In the Tower of the Cathedral we have the Norman style with pointed arches; in the Galilee, built a very few years after, we have the Early English style; but each of these is perfectly and characteristically distinct: in the interval, between the erection of one and the other, the public taste had undergone a change. It seems as if the work before us had been erected in that interval, and that the architect was disposed to adopt the new style without quitting the old one."[56] The Galilee of the Cathedral was erected about 1215, and it is not improbable that this church was erected shortly before, and as it is stated during the episcopate of the same bishop.

[Footnote 55: This door was blocked up when the Church was repaired in 1829.]

[Footnote 56: Millers' Description of Ely Cathedral, p. 148, 149.]

The columns of the Nave are simple and cylindrical, the capitals are Norman, and nearly similar to some of those in what has been called "The Infirmary," but the high pointed arches which they support are of a shape usual in the age in which this church was built, and some of the mouldings are Early English. The windows in the aisles and clerestory are Perpendicular, probably inserted at a later period, when the church was repaired. The Chancel is Early English, with an inserted Perpendicular east window; there is a double sedile under one trefoil arch, and a double piscina in the south wall.

A chapel on the south side is also Early English; it has a triple lancet east window, and a west window of two lights with a quatrefoil in the head; there is here also a double piscina in the south wall. A portion of this chapel was partitioned off for use as a vestry, but is now thrown open to the church.

The church was repaired and pewed, and a gallery erected on the south side in 1829-30, but this gallery, with another at the west end erected many years before, have lately been removed, the tower arch opened, and the nave restored, the floor raised, and the passages and other portions laid with Staffordshire tiles; the nearly flat plastered ceiling is divided into compartments by moulded ribs of wood, and the panels painted in distemper, among the patterns of which may be seen the sacred monogram, the arms of the see and of the Dean and Chapter. The pews erected in 1829 have been removed and replaced by open seats of oak, free to all, and a new oaken pulpit resting on a pillar of stone, the gift of the Bishop, placed against the chancel arch on the south side. A new font, the gift of one friend, and an elegant brass lectern the gift of another, have assisted in the general improvement. A fine-toned organ, built by Bishop and Sons, removed from Trinity Church, Paddington, has been erected at the east end of the north aisle, on a site formerly occupied by a large faculty pew belonging to "Chantry House," alluded to in p. 112.

The chancel has been partially rebuilt and thoroughly restored, and fitted with appropriate seats in oak, at the cost of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.

The church is warmed by hot water, and lighted by gas. A fine peal of eight bells hang in the Tower. There are no ancient monuments, but a few modern tablets on the walls record the deaths of some former residents of the parish; and a new and elegant memorial brass has been put up in the chancel to the Rev. Solomon Smith, M.A., Minor Canon of the Cathedral, and for forty years incumbent of the parish.

The restoration of the church, the purchase of the organ, the fittings, &c., has been effected by subscriptions at a cost of nearly £2500, but a further sum is still required to repair and restore the tower and spire, improve the church-yard, &c.

The living is a vicarage, in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter; the present incumbent is the Rev. John Franey, M.A. Minor Canon of the Cathedral.

+The Grange.+

The premises adjoining the church-yard on the west stand on part of the ground formerly occupied by "The Grange" of the monastery, and the house is stated to have been at one time the residence of the Protector, Cromwell. The "Sextry Barn," one of the largest in the county, perhaps in the kingdom, stood here, and is stated to have been 291 ft. 6 in. long, and 39 ft. 5 in. wide, inside; it was built about the middle of the thirteenth century, and taken down in 1842, and the space once occupied by the monastic "farm-yard" is now covered by modern buildings, part of which at least, are used for as good purposes; on one part excellent and commodious National Schools for both boys and girls have been erected, and on another a series of substantial and comfortable Almshouses for aged men and women, inhabitants of Ely.

+St. John's Hospital.+

The site of this hospital is a few hundred yards further west; the remains of it are very scanty, but sufficient to show that the buildings were of an early age, although not enough to enable us to give an opinion as to their form or extent; what is left has been converted into use as farm buildings, one portion near the dwelling house, and another a short distance from it. There were formerly two hospitals in Ely, this dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and another to St. Mary Magdelene, the site of which is now unknown. According to Mr. Bentham, the revenues of the two were united, and the communities associated by Bishop Northwold about A.D. 1240, by whose ordinance the united hospital was to consist of thirteen chaplains and brethren, who were to have a common refectory and dormitory, and to wear an uniform habit, and be under the immediate government of the Sacrist of Ely. It seems that this was not, like other hospitals of the kind, dissolved by Henry VIII., for it was held under the mastership of Edward Leedes, the second prebendary of the eighth stall, who was also chancellor of the diocese under Bishop Goodrich, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth; he was at the same time chaplain to Archbishop Parker, and Master of Clare Hall, Cambridge; he afterwards obtained from the queen a grant of the hospital, and with the consent of Bishop Cox, he surrendered the whole site and possession to his college; his grant to the college was confirmed by the Dean and Chapter in 1562, and the property is now in the hands of the Master, Fellows, and Scholars of Clare College, Cambridge.

APPENDIX I.

THE CATHEDRAL ORGAN.

The following brief account of this fine instrument, furnished by the Rev. the Precentor, may be interesting to many:--

At a very early period the Cathedral or Conventual Church contained an organ or organs: this clearly appears from records preserved among the muniments of the Chapter; and at the dissolution of the Abbey we read that there were "two pair of organs in the Quire, and one pair in the Lady Chapel." It is highly probable, from indications in the stone-work, that one, at least, of these Pre-Reformation organs was placed in the triforium of the present nave, on the north side. It is well known that the Quire at that period extended westward across the Octagon: the organ therefore was situated near the gates, and above the stalls of the ancient Quire, nearly as it is now in the modern Quire. The Great Rebellion swept away organs from Ely, as from all other English Cathedrals; and during this dreary period the Choral Service was suppressed and prohibited. After the Restoration, viz., about the year 1685, a new organ was erected by the celebrated Harris; and it is remarkable that this organ remained in daily use up to the year 1831, without material alteration, not even a swell having been added to the original great and choir. It is worthy of mention, that during the extensive repairs of the Cathedral, conducted by the able architect, Essex, about the middle of the last century, a proposition to place the organ at the eastern end of the Quire was seriously urged by him on the consideration of the Dean and Chapter. He alleged that the instrument would "conceal much cold unornamented wall!" The condition of Harris' organ had become dangerously crazy when Messrs. Elliot and Hill were employed to rebuild it, or rather to insert a new instrument in the old case. This they did with great ability and success, and the organ which comprised ten stops in the great, five in each of choir and swell, and one set of pedal pipes, was a fine specimen of the art as it was understood and practised about forty years ago. When the restorations were commenced which have resulted in the present splendid embellishment of the Cathedral, the organ-screen was removed; and in 1851 the organ was re-modelled and altered to the CC compass, enclosed in its costly and exquisite case of carved oak, and _suspended_ from the triforium of the Choir, above the stalls on the north, or (at Ely) Decani side. Provision was made for an adequate pedal organ, lodged in the triforium gallery, where an admirable site was also secured for the swell-box: the choir organ is _beneath_ the great, and behind it, in a picturesque stone tribune or loft, the organist was seated at the manuals. Three stops, viz. a manual Double of wood and metal, 16 feet tone; a metal Quint of 6 feet; and a Posaune of 8 feet; were added to the great organ, which then possessed a tone of great power and beauty.

By the liberality of the Chapter, the completion and great enlargement of the organ was effected in the year 1867. Messrs. Hill have introduced a new swell of 13 stops throughout, with a pedal organ of adequate dimensions. To this pedal organ the principal inhabitants of the city of Ely contributed the important addition of a Sub-base of 32 feet tone, at a cost of upwards of £80. The whole instrument has 40 sounding stops, and it will be seen from an inspection of the list that every stop, even to the clarionet, is complete and entire, extending through the full compass of its manual. The tone of the full organ, with swell coupled, is very grand. The reeds, like all the stops of this class manufactured by Messrs. Hill, are positively models of smoothness, equality, and power. The two 8 feet reeds of the great, and the 16 feet reed, with the Horn, of the swell, are specimens of which the builders may well be somewhat proud. All the compound stops are very brilliant. Equal temperament has been applied to the tuning.

GREAT ORGAN--CC to F in Alt.

Ft. Pipes.
1. Double Diapason, open
metal to GG, 12 feet
stopt wood below 16 54

2. Open Diapason, metal 8 54

3. Open Diapason, metal 8 54

4. Stopt Diapason, wood 8 54

5. Principal, metal 4 54

6. Harmonic Flute, metal
(vice Quint) 4 54

7. Twelfth, metal 2-2/3 54

8. Fifteenth, metal 2 54

9. Sesquialtera, iii ranks, metal -- 162

10. Mixture, iii ranks, metal -- 162

11. Posaune, metal 8 54

12. Trumpet, metal 8 54

13. Clarion, metal 4 54
---
918

SWELL ORGAN--CC to F in Alt.

Ft. Pipes.
1. Double Diapason, open
metal to Gamut G, 6
feet, stopt wood below. 16 54

2. Open Diapason, metal 8 54

3. Salcional, metal 8 54

4. Stopt Diapason, wood 8 54

5. Principal, metal 4 54

6. Lieblich Flute, metal 4 54

7. Fifteenth, metal 2 54

8. Mixture, iv ranks 2 216

9. Double Trumpet, metal and wood 16 54

10. Horn, metal 8 54

11. Trumpet, metal 8 54

12. Oboe, metal 8 54

13. Clarion, metal 4 54
---
864

CHOIR ORGAN--CC to F in Alt.

Ft. Pipes.
1. Open Diapason, metal to
6 feet, open wood below 8 54

2. Dulciana, metal 8 54

3. Stopt Diapason, wood 8 54

4. Principal, metal 4 54

5. Flute, wood 4 54

6. Gamba, metal 4 54

7. Clarionet, metal 8 54
---
378

PEDAL ORGAN--CCC to E.

1. Sub-bass, wood 32 tone 29

2. Open wood 16 29

3. Open metal 16 29

4. Bourdon, wood 16 tone 29

5. Octave, metal 8 29

6. Mixture, iii ranks, metal 4 87

7. Trombone, wood 16 29
---
261

COUPLERS.

1. Swell to Great.

2. Great to Pedal.

3. Ditto by the foot.

4. Choir to Pedal.

5. Swell to Pedal.

Six composition pedals, three to the Great, acting simultaneously on Pedal: three to Swell. Total number of Pipes, 2421.

APPENDIX II.

STATEMENT OF RESTORATIONS ACCOMPLISHED AND REQUIRED, AND OF SUMS EXPENDED THEREON.

_The following extract from a Memorandum issued by the Dean
in October, 1873, is appended, by permission, to show the
progress of works done, and the amount expended; as well as
of works required to complete the restorations._

The following Memorandum of Works accomplished or required, was issued by Dean Goodwin, January, 1866:--

"The time seems to be now come, when the completion of the great work of restoration, commenced under Dean Peacock and guided for many years by his care and judgment, may be looked upon as being within reach.

The works which have been hitherto accomplished may be enumerated as follows:--

1. The Choir restored and re-arranged.

2. Central Lantern restored (Peacock Memorial).

3. South-east Transept restored.

4. South-west Transept restored.

5. Roof of North Transept restored and painted. (The
painting at the expense of tradesmen employed upon the
Cathedral.)

6. The Nave ceiled and painted. (The painting by the late
Mr. le Strange and Mr. Gambier Parry.)

7. Nave roof repaired and re-leaded.

8. St. Catherine's Chapel rebuilt.

9. Bishop Alcock's Chapel restored.

10. Galilee Porch re-paved.

11. The Western Tower opened, ceiled, (the ceiling painted
by Mr. le Strange), re-roofed, strengthened, &c., (part of
the expense borne by the late H.R. Evans, Esq., and his son,
the present H.R. Evans, Esq.)

12. About seventy windows filled with painted glass.

The expense of the restoration of the Cathedral cannot be given with perfect accuracy, but the account which is here subjoined will be near enough for all practical purposes.

GENERAL RESTORATION.

£ _s._ _d._

Contributed by the public to the "Ely Cathedral Restoration Fund" 9578 0 0

Expended by the Dean and Chapter (about) 11,000 0 0

PEACOCK MEMORIAL.

Contributed by the friends of Dean Peacock to the restoration of the Lantern 2407 0 0

Expended by the Dean and Chapter (about) 4200 0 0

It would thus appear that since the commencement of the great works in 1845 to the present time, the sum of £27,185 has been expended, of which £15,200 has been furnished by the Dean and Chapter. It ought to be added that the sum contributed by the public includes a donation of £500 by the Bishop of the Diocese, and about £1000 contributed by members of the Chapter in their individual capacity.

It must be observed, however, that the sum just mentioned by no means represents all that has been done for the Cathedral. The following works and gifts are not included:--

1. The painted windows, which have been supplied partly by
individual donors, partly by a bequest of Bishop Sparke.
Amongst the donors are Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince
Consort. To the bequest of Bishop Sparke the Cathedral is
indebted for the East windows, and those in the clerestory
of the Choir, and the fund is not yet exhausted.

2. The carved panels above the Stalls in the Choir, now
amounting to 37, and supplied almost entirely by individual
donors, at a cost of about £18 each.

3. Bishop Alcock's Chapel, restored by Jesus College,
Cambridge.

4. A pinnacle at the south-east corner of the Choir, built
by A.J.B. Beresford Hope, Esq.

5. The magnificent Reredos, presented by J. Dunn-Gardner,
Esq.

6. The contribution of Canon E.B. Sparke towards the
restoration of the south-west Transept, and that by the two
Messrs. Evans to the works in the western Tower.

7. The Font, presented by Canon Selwyn.

8. The Gates of the Choir Aisles, presented by Alan Lowndes,
Esq. and Dean Peacock.

9. The Brass Eagle Lectern, presented by Canon E.B. Sparke.

10. The Tombs of Bishop Allen and Dr. Mill.

11. A legacy of £100 by the late Mr. Millers, Minor Canon of
the Cathedral, and a contribution of £300 by his residuary
legatees, applied to the ceiling of the Nave.

Neither does the sum mentioned as having been contributed by the public include a legacy of £500 from the late Miss Allen, daughter of Bishop Allen, (which has been appropriated to a new pulpit, now in progress from the designs of G.G. Scott, Esq.,) and a legacy of equal amount, from Bishop Turton, for the purpose of re-paving the Nave.

It may be safely stated that the expense of the works and the gifts above specified has not been less than £13,000; the windows alone have cost nearly £9000. The entire sum already expended upon the Cathedral will thus be found to exceed £40,000.

In order to bring the Cathedral into such a condition as would appear satisfactory to those who have taken part in its restoration, the following works require to be done:--

1. The Nave, Octagon, and Transepts must be paved. Towards
this work Bishop Turton gave by his will (as before stated)
the sum of £500. The whole expense will probably be not less
than £2500.

2. The stone-work of the Octagon must be completed by the
restoration of the pinnacles and parapet. The external
effect of Alan de Walsingham's Lantern cannot be rightly
estimated until this restoration has been made; the cost
will be about £2500.

3. The Lantern must be internally decorated. This work,
though highly necessary for completing the effect of the
interior, will probably cost not more than £500.

4. The Galilee porch requires extensive repair, partly from
the decay of the Purbeck marble which is largely used in its
construction, and partly from the unskilful treatment to
which it has been submitted in former times. A grand
commencement of this work has been made by Mrs. John Thomas
Waddington, of Twyford Lodge, Winchester, at whose sole
expense the portal which forms the eastern side of the
Galilee is undergoing complete restoration, as a memorial of
her late husband. The restoration of the remainder of the
Galilee would probably cost £2000.

5. The warming of the Cathedral is another work, for which
it would be impossible to set down less than £500; probably
it would cost much more; but this is a work which, if
considered desirable, may fairly be left to the Dean and
Chapter.

6. The proper lighting of the Cathedral is a matter for
consideration; this also might be regarded as a work
devolving upon the capitular body: but when the extremely
artistic character of the standards or coronæ, which such a
building requires, is taken into account, perhaps it may be
fairly added to the list of works in which the friends of
the Cathedral may be asked to co-operate.

From this statement then it would appear that an expenditure of from £7000 to £8000 would complete the principal necessary works of the Cathedral, with the exception of the rebuilding of the north-west Transept, which it will probably be deemed desirable to omit from consideration, at all events until all the other works specified have been finished.

Call the sum necessary £7000; this is not much to raise for so good a purpose; and when it is considered what the effect of the expenditure of such a sum will be, it seems difficult to believe that the money will not be forthcoming.

The Dean and Chapter have not shown themselves hitherto insensible to the primary claim which the Cathedral has upon them, nor are they likely to do so in the completion of the great work which they have now had in hand so long. But the Cathedral has claims upon others beside the Capitular body. It has claims, which it is believed will be once more acknowledged by the wealthy landowners of the Diocese, by the Colleges of Cambridge, several of which are intimately connected with Ely, and finally by lovers of architectural beauty and ecclesiastical propriety throughout the country.

To all persons, therefore, who take an interest in Ely Cathedral on Diocesan or any other grounds, an appeal is now made, and they are respectfully urged to make one final effort for the purpose of completing a work which has been so well begun, and hitherto so prosperously carried out.

H. GOODWIN."

"_The Deanery, Ely, January, 1866._"

Since the issue of the foregoing memorandum further progress has been made in the Restoration of the Cathedral.

1. The Nave and Aisles have been re-paved.

2. The great Western doors have been repaired and
decorated.

3. The Cathedral has been warmed and lighted.

4. Many stained windows have been inserted in the Choir.

5. The fourth large window in the Octagon has been filled
with painted glass.

6. The foundation of the south side of the Choir and the
south-eastern Transept have been underpinned and thoroughly
repaired.

7. The great Western Tower has been braced with iron bands,
and, it is believed, effectually secured.

8. The stone pulpit in the Octagon has been erected.

9. Many figures in wood have been placed on the Choir
screen, the decoration of which is now completed.

10. Nine stone figures have been placed in the ancient
niches in the Octagon; three more are needed to complete the
design.

11. The whole of the carved panels over the stalls in the
Choir have been completed.

* * * * *

Several works still remain to be effected before the restoration can be considered as complete.

1. The paving of the Octagon and Transepts. The cost of the
paving of the Nave has much exceeded the sum anticipated.
The completion of this work will cost from £1000 to £2000
additional.

2. The re-paving of the aisles of the Choir, a work of no
pressing importance at present, but which will demand great
care and consideration whenever it is undertaken.

3. The decoration of the blank space of wall beneath the
great East Window, on which there remain some traces of
painted figures. If these are found too faint and uncertain
for restoration, the space might perhaps be covered with a
copy of some appropriate painting in mosaic.

4. The restoration of the exterior of the east end of the
Choir. Window shafts to the number of about fifty have
disappeared or are broken. The south-east angle turret has
been crowned with a pinnacle, but the corresponding turret
at the north-east still remains truncated. In the eastern
face of the Choir there are twelve niches, which probably
were once all filled with figures.

5. The restoration of the Galilee is still very incomplete.
The shafts of Purbeck marble, which are so numerous
throughout it, require to be repaired or replaced. The
niches in the west face, intended for figures, are all
empty.

6. The pitch of the roof of the Galilee and of the
south-western Transept ought to be raised to give their full
effect to the proportions of the great western Tower.

7. The rebuilding of the fallen Transept (north-west) is a
work much to be desired, perhaps hardly to be anticipated,
yet surely not to be despaired of.

8. The completion of the pinnacles and parapet of the
Octagon. This is very important to give full effect to the
central portion of the Cathedral, which suffers unduly in
estimation from the original design being so imperfectly
carried out.

9. Exterior repairs of Trinity Church, formerly the Lady
Chapel, which is still under the charge of the Capitular
body. The cost of restoring the interior decoration of this
elaborate specimen of art, if it be deemed desirable, may be
left at present out of calculation.

A generous offer has been made for the interior decoration of the Lantern and vault of the Octagon, which there is every reason to hope will be executed at no distant time.

C. MERIVALE.

_The Deanery, October, 1873._

Summary of Expenditure upon Restorations, Memorials, and Special Works executed in Ely Cathedral within the last thirty years.

£ _s._ _d._

Restoring the interior and exterior of the Choir,
providing Memorials, special works, and decorations 28,067 0 0

Restoring the Lantern as a memorial to the late Dean
Peacock, furnishing Octagon, and filling large windows
with stained glass 10,022 0 0

Restoring north and south-east Transepts 4123 0 0

Repairing roof, making new ceiling, laying new floors to
the Nave and side aisles, providing memorials, &c. 7269 19 4

Opening the Lantern of the great Western Tower, securing
the Tower, &c. 4017 15 10

Restoring St. Catherine's Chapel, restoring the south-west
Transept, now the Baptistry 2384 16 9

Restoring west Entrance-gates, &c. 1168 15 10
--------------
£57,053 7 9
==============

Lists of those persons who have contributed from time to time to these Restorations have been published. The general amount of these offerings are shown by the following summary:--

£ _s._ _d._
Contributions and special works by the Bishops of Ely
and their families 3600 0 0

Contributions and payments by the Dean £ _s._ _d._
and Chapter corporate 22,927 10 7

Contributions by individual members of
the Chapter and their families 14,907 19 0
---------------37,835 9 7

Contributions and special works by the Officers and
Tradesmen of the Dean and Chapter 1412 1 0

Contributions by other Inhabitants of the City of Ely 365 11 0

Contributions by the general public 13,840 6 2
--------------
£57,053 7 9
==============

Besides the Restorations of the Cathedral, and the defraying of numerous expenses incident to their position as patrons or proprietors, considerable works have been carried on by the Dean and Chapter during the last thirty years in providing houses for the Masters of the Grammar School, converting the Great Gate into suitable Schoolrooms (towards which friends have contributed £575, including £325 by the City of Ely), partially restoring Prior Crauden's Chapel, improving the Deanery and the Canons' houses, building new Schools for the Choristers, with a Master's house, turning part of the old Sacristy into a muniment room and Verger's lodge, executing important sanitary works, laying underground drains, laying out and planting the grounds around the Cathedral, &c., at a cost altogether exceeding £12,000, exclusive of ordinary repairs. Total cost of Restorations and Improvements about £70,000.

* * * * *

Some of the works named as being required to be done have been completed since the issue of the Dean's statement in 1873, viz., the decoration of the Octagon and Lantern; the three figures of the Apostles required to complete the series in the Octagon; the floor of the north arm of the Transept; and the erection of pinnacles on the exterior of the Octagon.

+Illustrations of Ely Cathedral.+

T.A. HILLS AND SON,

GENERAL STATIONERS,

PRINTERS, PUBLISHERS, BOOKSELLERS,

_&c., &c._

MINSTER PLACE, ELY,

Have constantly on hand a large and well-selected Stock of

FRITH'S

PHOTO-PICTURES OF ELY CATHEDRAL,

_MOUNTED AND UNMOUNTED_.

Panoramic size, 11 in. by 6 in., exclusive of mounts, about 17 varieties. Universal series, 8-1/2 in. by 6-1/3 in., " 30 " Cabinet series, 6 in. by 4 in., " 25 " Carte de visite series, 4 in. by 2 in., " 30 "

_Lists may be had on application._

A SELECTION of 20 PHOTOGRAPHS, Cabinet size, mounted, and bound in a volume for the Drawing Room table, _21s._ cloth.

Any of Frith's Photographs of English and Foreign Scenery, Cathedrals, &c. can be supplied.

[pointing hand symbol] _A large SELECTION of PHOTOGRAPHS by various artists, mounted and unmounted, from 6d. to 3s. 6d. each._

* * * * *

+Architectural Gems of Ely Cathedral,+

A series of beautiful Engravings of the various styles of Architecture.

_1s. sewed._

A Packet of Six colour-printed Views, in wrapper, _1s._

And a variety of Fancy Articles.

WORKS

PUBLISHED BY T.A. HILLS AND SON,

MINSTER PLACE, ELY.

THE PSALTER, OR PSALMS OF DAVID; together with the Te Deum, Jubilate, Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis, &c., _carefully marked and pointed for chanting_. By the late ROBERT JANES, Organist of Ely Cathedral. A New Edition, revised and accented under the direction of a Committee of the Ely Diocesan Church Music Society. _Quarto, price 4s. sewed. Pocket Edition, 1s. 6d. cloth._

THE HYMNS AND CANTICLES used in the Morning and Evening Services of the Church; selected from "The Psalter," carefully marked and pointed for chanting. For the use of Congregations of Churches and Chapels where the Psalms are not usually chanted.--_price 2d. sewed._

THE ORDER OF MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER, Daily throughout the year; together with the Order of the Administration of the Lord's Supper, or Holy Communion, set to Music, as used in the Cathedral Church of Ely. _Royal 16mo. 1s 6d. limp cloth; or with red rubrics and border lines, in cloth boards and red edges, 2s. 6d._

_An allowance to Clergymen and Organists taking a quantity._

THE Words of about 400 ANTHEMS used in the Cathedral Church of Ely, edited by the Rev. W.E. Dickson, Precentor. _Price 2s. cloth limp._

A HAND-BOOK TO THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ELY; with some account of the Monastic Buildings, Bishop's Palace, &c. _Illustrated by Engravings and Ground Plans._ Eleventh Edition revised. _Crown Octavo, from 1s._

THE ELY DIOCESAN CALENDAR AND CLERGY LIST, published annually, contains a variety of official and general information for the Clergy and Laity. _Price 1s._