Ely Museum
Copyright Ely Museum
Fire Engine
Copyright Trustees of Ely Museum
The History Centre for the Isle of Ely and the Fens
A journey through time…
Discover the story of Ely from prehistoric times to the twentieth century in one of the oldest buildings in Ely. Dating from the 13th century, the building is best known for being the Bishop’s Gaol from c.1679 until 1836. Encounter prehistoric tools and weapons, Roman pottery and Anglo Saxon jewellery. Watch the story of life in the fens and learn how eels were caught. Find out about the Ely and Littleport Riots as well as what life was like in the Bishop’s Gaol. Marvel at the prisoners’ graffiti and the original planking on the walls. Visit the Victorian living room and laundry room. Meet the land army girl and the local policeman and investigate the traumatic story of the Cambridgeshire Regiment’s imprisonment by the Japanese in World War Two. Exhibitions, Events and Activities A programme of temporary exhibitions runs throughout the year. Living History days, finds identification afternoons, a programme of talks and many children's activities are just some of the fun events that are held throughout the year.
Exhibitions, Events and Activities
A programme of temporary exhibitions runs throughout the year. Living History days, finds identification afternoons, a programme of talks and many children's activities are just some of the fun events that are held throughout the year. Details can be found on the museum website.
Facilities
- Gift shop with an array of gifts, books and cards
- Toilets, disabled toilet and baby changing facilities
- Room available for hire during daytime and evening with kitchen facilities
- Level front entrance and a stairlift to the upper floor with wheelchairs available for use on both floors.
- Portable hearing loop available.
- Access to the stored collection by appointment
Education and Outreach
Ely Museum runs a wide range of educational activities at the museum and around Ely. Further information about our service for schools can be found on our website or by calling the Education Officer.
We offer:
- Hands-on discovery workshops for KS1 and KS2 school groups.
- Guided Tours, re-enactors and story-tellers - bring learning to life.
- Cross-curricular workshops cover history, geography, literacy and citizenship.
- Combined visits with Ely Cathedral, Stained Glass Museum and Oliver Cromwell’s House.
- Loans boxes and handling objects.
To book, or to discuss your specific needs please contact our Education Officer at the museum on 01353 666655 or email learning@elymuseum.org.uk. Ours is a friendly, flexible service!
Volunteers
Would you like to support our work by volunteering at ElyMuseum? We are always looking for volunteers to assist with a variety of different tasks such as reception duties, helping with education sessions, cataloguing, fundraising and events. Please contact the museum for further details.
Friends of Ely Museum
The Friends of Ely Museum has over 200 members, many Friends are involved in activities to assist the museum, such as helping on the museum's reception, doing research, giving guided tours and much more.
The Friends committee also help with fundraising, which allows the Museum to make collection acquisitions as well as providing essential equipment for the smooth running of the Museum. The Friends provide a lively programme of events each year, which can be enjoyed by all members.
Being a Friend of Ely Museum allows certain benefits; Free Entry to the Museum, a reduced fee to a full programme of talks and the right to attend the AGM.
Address & Contact Information
Ely Museum
The Old Gaol, Market Street
Ely, Cambridgeshire
CB7 4LS
[Telephone] 01353 666655
[Fax] 01353 659259
[Email] admin@elymuseum.org.uk
[Website] http://elymuseum.org.uk/
Find the Museum next to the Lamb Hotel on the corner of Market Street and Lynn Road in the centre of Ely, only 250 meters from the West Door of Ely Cathedral.
Opening Hours
Summer Opening Times
Monday — Saturday: 10.30am — 5.00pm
Sunday: 1.00pm — 5.00pm
Winter Opening Times
Monday — Saturday*
10.30am — 4.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm — 4.00pm
*closed on Tuesdays except for school and group bookings
Admission
Adults £3.50
Concessions £2.50
Children aged 5- 16yrs £1.00
Under 5s FREE
Local Ticket: A Locals Ticket for Residents of East Cambridgeshire is available. This allows the holder to visit the museum as often as they like within one year for the price of one admission.
Joint Ticket: A joint ticket is available for Oliver Cromwell's House and Ely Museum.
This page was added on 03/12/2009.