[MR] Ely Cathedral Collapse

[Garth Groff via Atlantia]

Noble Friends,

On this date in 1322, the central tower of Ely Cathedral collapsed. When 
the tower was reconstructed, it was rebuilt as an octagon, with 
fantastic wooden vaulting and amazing stained glass. Such an octagonal 
central tower is thought to be unique among European cathedrals, but 
hey, every one of them IS unique. Ely remains one of the crown jewels of 
English church architecture and you can explore the cathedral here: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ely_Cathedral . You can also visit the 
cathedral's own web site for a descriptive tour, including a great 
aerial view that shows the octagonal tower: 
http://www.elycathedral.org/visit/a-descriptive-tour-of-ely-cathedral .

Your correspondent, in his real-world job, had the honor of cataloging a 
series of slides taken at Ely Cathedral by then UVA architectural 
professor John Quale. Among the slides were photos of stoves invented by 
Dr. Goldsworthy Gurney and built by the London Warming & Ventilating 
Company in the 1890s that are still in use. These Gurney stoves were 
originally hand fired with coal 24-hours a day, but are now fueled 
automatically with gas (with great thanks from the sextons!). A gurney 
stove can be seen in the distance in this view: 
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Ely_Cathedral_South_Nave_Aisle%2C_Cambridgeshire%2C_UK_-_Diliff.jpg 
. A better view of a Gurney stove itself can be seen here: 
http://www.pbase.com/alastairneil/image/58284630&gcmd=add_comment . Yes, 
I know this isn't period, but it is fascinating.

Yours Aye,


Lord Mungo Napier, That Crazy Scot