St Mary's Church Ely
A historic parish church in Ely, once attended by Oliver Cromwell, now serving as a vibrant community hub and event venue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St Mary's Church Ely
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic parish church in Ely, once attended by Oliver Cromwell, now serving as a vibrant community hub and event venue.
"An unassuming but well-preserved little parish church of some importance, Oliver Cromwell's community church."
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Local volunteers are super knowledgeable! Ask them about the church's history and community uses.
📅 Check Event Listings
St. Mary's hosts concerts and shows. See what's on before you visit!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oliver Cromwell's Parish Church
Adjacent to Cromwell's House
Explore the church once attended by Oliver Cromwell, a significant figure in English history. A must-see for history buffs!
Stained Glass & Heraldry
Nave
Admire the beautiful stained glass windows and simple ecclesiastical heraldry above the nave, adding to the church's serene ambiance.
1816 Riots Memorial
Outside wall
Discover a unique plaque commemorating five individuals buried in a communal grave after the 1816 Ely & Littleport Riots.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Local volunteers are super knowledgeable! Ask them about the church's history and community uses.
📅 Check Event Listings
St. Mary's hosts concerts and shows. See what's on before you visit! 
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Visit Cromwell's House next door for a deeper dive into local history.
☕️ Relax at Prosper Ely
Enjoy a vegan lunch at the nearby cafe, a lovely spot for a break.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Local volunteers are super knowledgeable! Ask them about the church's history and community uses.
📅 Check Event Listings
St. Mary's hosts concerts and shows. See what's on before you visit!
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Visit Cromwell's House next door for a deeper dive into local history.
☕️ Relax at Prosper Ely
Enjoy a vegan lunch at the nearby cafe, a lovely spot for a break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. Mary's Church Ely is praised as a well-preserved, unassuming parish church with a strong community focus. Visitors appreciate its historical significance, particularly its connection to Oliver Cromwell and the unique memorial to the 1816 riots. The church is also noted as a welcoming venue for events.
"An interesting local parish church that was once frequented by Oliver Cromwell who used to live near by.
The local volunteer, was knowledgeable and pointed me in the direction of some literature giving more detail about the church and it's uses over the year, with a current focus towards being a community hub.
Some good stained glass in place, which is complmented by some simple ecclesiastical heraldry above the nave.
A unique feature of this church, on the outside wall, is a plaque to five people having been buried in a communal grave, following being hung for their part in the 1816 Ely & Littleport Riots.
Local legend also has it that they were buried standing up as hung criminals could not be laid to rest in the church yard."
Neil King
"Unassuming but well-preserved little parish church that is of some importance as it was Oliver Cromwell's community church, and the house he lived in for ten years (now a museum) is right next door. If you visit Cromwell's House, make sure to drop by St. Mary's for a quick look."
Thomas Müthing (theviolinproject.de)
"What a lovely church! We visited just after Sunday service and had a little wander around, everyone was SO friendly."
M T
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Church is centrally located in Ely. If arriving by car, look for local parking options. For those using public transport, the church is a short walk from Ely's main amenities.
Yes, Ely is well-served by public transport, and St. Mary's Church is within easy walking distance of the town center and transport links.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. Mary's Church is generally free, as it's a parish church. However, special events like the Ely Brick Show may require tickets. Check their website or event listings for details.
Opening hours can vary, especially outside of services. It's best to check with the church directly or look for specific event times if you're planning to attend something.
Typically, there is no admission fee for general visits to St. Mary's Church. Donations are always welcome to help with its upkeep.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautiful stained glass windows, ecclesiastical heraldry, and a peaceful atmosphere. It's also known as Oliver Cromwell's parish church.
Absolutely! It's famously linked to Oliver Cromwell and features a unique plaque outside detailing the burial of those involved in the 1816 Ely & Littleport Riots.
Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to be mindful of services or events. Check for any posted signage.
Yes, the venue is described as lovely, spacious, and bright, making it highly recommended for events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options nearby. The cafe 'Prosper Ely' is mentioned as a great spot for vegan fare.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the exterior architecture, the unique historical plaques, and the beautiful stained glass windows inside. The church's setting also offers picturesque views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
This offers a fun, engaging activity for children. The historical connection to Oliver Cromwell might also spark curiosity for older children interested in history. While the church itself is a place of quiet reflection, its role as a community hub means there are often activities that can appeal to a wider audience. Consider checking the church's event calendar before your visit to see if any family-friendly events are scheduled. 🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: Oliver Cromwell and the Riots
Beyond Cromwell, the church exterior bears a unique historical marker: a plaque commemorating five individuals buried in a communal grave following their involvement in the 1816 Ely & Littleport Riots. Local legend even suggests they were buried standing up, adding a layer of intrigue to this somber memorial. It's a stark reminder of the social unrest of the era and a point of historical discussion.
More Than a Building: A Community Hub
to larger gatherings such as the Ely Brick Show, which showcases impressive Lego creations. The church's interior is described as 'amazingly bright' and spacious, making it an ideal venue for such events.
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