Exterior view

The last major phase of building activity at Ely comprised the three Decorated style structures, the Octagon, choir, and Lady Chapel, all of which were essentially complete by 1349 when the Black Death devastated the monastic community. Work started with the Lady Chapel in 1321, but construction was severely affected by the collapse in February 1322 of the Anglo-Norman crossing tower and its subsequent replacement. As the choir-stalls were housed under the crossing tower, work on the new octagon started immediately: the masonry base was complete by 1328. By 1339-40 the timber lantern was nearly complete; bells were hung in the bell chamber in the 1340s and the exterior covered with lead in 1352-53.

The photo shows the Octagon Tower.

View the ground plan of the Gothic Ely Cathedral, 1330s.