Ely Museum

Ely Museum is the local history museum of Ely, Cambridgeshire, set in the former Bishops' Gaol, usually called the Old Gaol, on Market Street. Its displays follow the story of the Fens and the people who lived there, from prehistoric times to the 20th century, across two floors of a historic building in the middle of the cathedral city.

What can you see at Ely Museum?

The collection is arranged roughly in chronological order. Downstairs you meet the earliest chapters: fossils from the era when the sea covered this landscape, then Roman remains and the medieval centuries. Archaeological finds include Saxon weaponry and Roman cookware, which give a tangible sense of how people lived and fought in the region long before the fenland was drained.

Upstairs the story moves into more recent centuries, after the marshes were drained and the landscape changed into the farmland seen today. Archive film brings the 20th century to life, and displays on traditional Ely trades such as leatherwork and eel-catching explain how the town earned its living from the water and the land around it.

Why is the building part of the attraction?

The museum occupies a former gaol, and parts of the prison have been kept. You can step into the original cells, see etchings left by inmates on the walls and hear the stories of the prisoners held here. Some of the cells include tableaux that show prison life in a vivid, rather grim way. For many visitors this is the most memorable part of the visit, because the building itself is the exhibit.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes. Hands-on elements, such as a replica Stone Age axe you can hold, make the early history less abstract for children. The cells and the eel-catching displays tend to catch their attention, while adults can dig deeper into the archaeology and local archive material.

How did the museum begin?

The museum's roots go back to 1849, when Marshall Fisher opened his own museum in the gaol. The collection moved into the Old Gaol in 1997, and a redevelopment costing about £2.2 million between 2019 and 2021 refreshed both the building and the exhibitions.

Where is it and how long should you plan?

The museum is at The Old Gaol, Market Street, Ely, CB7 4LS, a short walk from the cathedral and the town centre. Coordinates are about 52.4005, 0.2631. Allow an hour or two for both floors, longer if you like reading displays or watching the archive film. Opening times and admission can change, so check the museum's official website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

What period does Ely Museum cover? From prehistoric times, when seas covered the area, up to the 20th century.

Can you see the old prison cells? Yes. Original cells survive, including walls with etchings made by inmates.

Is it worth visiting together with the cathedral? Yes. The cathedral shows Ely's religious and architectural heritage, while the museum explains everyday life, trades and the draining of the Fens.

Is there anything interactive? Yes, including a replica Stone Age axe that visitors can handle.