Ely Cathedral c.1890
Ely Cathedral c.1890.
These photographs are of a previously unpublished Victorian photograph album acquired at auction in Ely in 2026. It is one of a series documenting Cambridge and locations throughout Cambridgeshire.
You can the full album by clicking HERE.
Ely Cathedral c.1890 MBHPC-010
Photograph 010
Reference: MBHPC-010
Title: Ely Cathedral from the west.
Identification: Confirmed.
Confidence: 100%.
Location: Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880-1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic process: Albumen print (probable).
Description: A striking view of the west tower of Ely Cathedral, framed by overhanging tree branches. The cathedral's great Norman west tower dominates the composition, while the famous octagonal lantern rises above the crossing in the background. The cannon and a figure can just be made out near the cathedral, adding a sense of scale.
Stone pedestal within the cathedral precincts, Ely (probable). MBHPC-011
Photograph 011
Reference: MBHPC-011
Title: Stone pedestal within the cathedral precincts, Ely (probable).
Identification: Probable.
Confidence: 60–70%.
Location: Probably Ely Cathedral Precincts, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880-1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic process: Albumen print (probable).
Description: A carved stone pedestal or fountain base standing before a long Gothic wall with regularly spaced buttresses and crenelated parapet. The close framing concentrates on the architectural details, suggesting the photographer had an interest in recording individual features as well as wider views.
Notes: The photograph immediately follows a confirmed view of Ely Cathedral and is therefore thought likely to depict another feature within the cathedral precincts. However, the exact location has not yet been confirmed and further comparison with historic photographs and architectural plans may help identify the setting.
Stone pedestal sundial, within Ely Cathedral precinct (companion view). MBHPC-041
Photograph 041
Reference: MBHPC-041
Title: Stone pedestal sundial, within Ely Cathedral precinct (companion view).
Identification: Probable stone pedestal sundial within the precincts of Ely Cathedral.
Confidence: Probable (95%)
Location: Ely Cathedral Precinct, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: Close view of a carved stone pedestal with sundial on top, standing on a circular stepped base within the precincts of Ely Cathedral. The background shows part of the cathedral's exterior wall with blind arcading and buttresses.
Notes: This photograph almost certainly depicts the same stone pedestal recorded as MBHPC-011, photographed from a closer viewpoint. The architectural detailing of the cathedral wall and the form of the pedestal closely correspond with the earlier image.
Ecclesiastical procession outside Ely Cathedral. MBHPC-031
Photograph 031
Reference: MBHPC-031
Title: Ecclesiastical procession outside Ely Cathedral.
Identification: Ecclesiastical procession outside Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Confidence: Confirmed (99%)
Location: Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A procession of clergy in surplices passes beside Ely Cathedral during a formal ecclesiastical gathering. The photograph captures part of the cathedral's monumental Norman architecture, with members of the public gathered nearby to observe the procession. The image forms the first in a sequence documenting different aspects of the same ecclesiastical event.
Notes: This photograph forms part of a sequence documenting an ecclesiastical gathering at Ely Cathedral. It is closely associated with MBHPC-032, MBHPC-033 and MBHPC-034, which depict members of the clergy participating in, or assembled during, the same occasion.
The precise event has not yet been identified but appears to have been a significant cathedral service, diocesan gathering or other formal ecclesiastical ceremony involving numerous members of the cathedral clergy.
Ecclesiastical procession outside the west front of Ely Cathedral. MBHPC-032
Photograph 032
Reference: MBHPC-032
Title: Ecclesiastical procession outside the west front of Ely Cathedral.
Identification: West front of Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Confidence: Confirmed (99%)
Location: Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A procession of clergy in surplices passes along the west front of Ely Cathedral. The photograph captures the monumental Norman architecture of the cathedral, including its distinctive blind arcading and richly moulded Gothic west doorway. Members of the public stand nearby watching the procession as it approaches or enters the cathedral.
Notes: This photograph forms part of a sequence documenting an ecclesiastical gathering at Ely Cathedral. The distinctive Norman west front and west doorway confirm the identification. It is closely associated with MBHPC-031, MBHPC-033 and MBHPC-034, which depict individual members of the clergy and informal scenes recorded during the same occasion.
The precise event has not yet been identified but appears to have been a significant cathedral service or diocesan gathering involving numerous members of the clergy.
Canon or senior member of the clergy outside Ely Cathedral. MBHPC-033
Photograph 033
Reference: MBHPC-033
Title: Canon or senior member of the clergy outside Ely Cathedral.
Identification: Senior member of the cathedral clergy photographed outside Ely Cathedral.
Confidence: Confirmed location. Individual unidentified.
Location: Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A portrait-format photograph depicting a robed clergyman standing beside the cathedral entrance. The subject wears a surplice over a cassock together with an academic hood and soft cap, suggesting he was a canon or other senior member of the cathedral clergy.
Notes: The photograph appears to have been taken during the same ecclesiastical gathering recorded in MBHPC-031, MBHPC-032 and MBHPC-034. Although the individual has not been identified, the clothing and setting indicate that he was a senior participant in the ceremony.
Group of clergy outside Ely Cathedral. MBHPC-034
Photograph 034
Reference: MBHPC-034
Title: Group of clergy outside Ely Cathedral.
Identification: Members of the cathedral clergy outside Ely Cathedral.
Confidence: Confirmed location. Individuals unidentified.
Location: Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A candid photograph showing several members of the cathedral clergy gathered outside Ely Cathedral following, or during, an ecclesiastical ceremony. The clergy are dressed in surplices over cassocks, with one senior clergyman wearing an academic hood while conversing with colleagues.
Notes: This image forms part of the same photographic sequence as MBHPC-031, MBHPC-032 and MBHPC-033, documenting an ecclesiastical gathering at Ely Cathedral. While the identities of the individuals remain unknown, the photograph provides an informal record of clergy assembled during the event.
Ely Cathedral c.1890. Photographs in context in their album. MBHPC
Part of the Michelle Bullivant Victorian Photograph Collection (MBHPC), comprising previously unpublished photographs from a Victorian album purchased at auction in Ely in 2026.
© Michelle Bullivant. Image from the Victorian Photograph Album Collection. Please contact the author before reproducing.
While I have identified many of the locations, some remain uncertain. If you recognise a place, can help identify a building, date a photograph, or have any other information to add, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Simply scroll to the bottom of this page and leave a comment in the box provided. Your knowledge could help solve some of these little historical mysteries and add to our understanding of Cambridgeshire's rich past.
If you have enjoyed exploring this collection and would like to support the work that I do to rescue, preserve and share local history collections such as this, you can do so by clicking your preferred donation button at the bottom of this page.
Every contribution, however small, helps me continue saving, researching and making these remarkable pieces of Cambridgeshire's history freely available for everyone to enjoy.