History of Diocese Booklet

History of Ely Diocese now available

A booklet, commissioned to mark the 900th anniversary of the Diocese of Ely, goes on sale this month.  The 52-page colour publication, compiled by former Ely Standard editor John Ison and local historian Lynne Turner, tells a fascinating story that has relevance far beyond the faithfulness of the Christian community it records. 

The account begins with the foundation of the Ely Diocese in 1109 and the consecration of its first Bishop.  The booklet, entitled '900 years of worship in the Diocese of Ely', records the growth of the Diocese in the thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, which was brought to a sudden halt by the Black Death and its widespread devastation.  It outlines the impact of the Dissolution of the Monasteries in our region, and the austere lifestyle imposed by the Puritans during Oliver Cromwell’s rule.

Taking a look at each of the 15 deaneries in turn, the booklet also highlights a fund of remarkable and quirky local stories that have been chronicled over the years.  It explains how St Neots came to be named after the saint who worked miracles with animals, tells of a church that lost its altar when the cricket team needed a table on which to keep the score and reveals what poet John Betjamin would cycle 40 miles into a head wind to see. 

Above all, this readable publication pays tribute to those who shaped our local communities and built our impressive churches. 

This booklet, costing £2 a copy plus postage and packing, is available from Jackie Cox at the Diocesan Office . Telephone 01353 652701

Click here to download an order form.