East Anglia and Fens
Ely
In the twelfth century
Ely stands on an island of higher ground in the Fens, reached by causeway or boat. It grew up around St Etheldreda's abbey, the last English stronghold after the Conquest under Hereward. The Norman church was begun in 1083. In 1109 Ely becomes the seat of a new bishopric, and the abbey church becomes a cathedral. Building continues through the century, and the long Norman nave is finished around 1189. In the Anarchy, Bishop Nigel fortifies the Isle against King Stephen in 1140 but is forced to flee, and in 1143–4 Geoffrey de Mandeville occupies it. The town lives off the fen and the monastery. Eels are paid as rent by the thousand, and reed, sedge and fish are gathered. Goods come and go by the Ouse to the town's landing places, or hythes.
Landmark: The Norman cathedral, with its long nave completed c.1189 (the famous Octagon did not exist until the 14th century).
Known for
- Eels (paid as rent in thousands)
- Fish and wildfowl
- Reed and sedge (for thatching and fuel)
- River carriage on the Ouse
- Pilgrim trade to St Etheldreda's shrine
Caveats (confidence: high)
Do not draw the Octagon or its lantern: they were built after the Norman central tower fell in 1322. The west tower was only begun in the later 12th century. Ely was a small town dominated by the monastery; the hythes and eel figures are documented mainly in 1086 and 1251 records, not in 12th-century ones.
Sources: britannica.com · british-history.ac.uk · en.wikipedia.org
Playtest: in development, may be reset
In the playtest world now
What the test world shows at Ely, as of Year 12, winter, month 10, day 26. About the playtest
Last season's market
Autumn, year 12. Each good's price at the close of last season, against its usual price in this town: dear, usual or cheap.
- Usual
- Pick, Ox cart, Pit saw, Adze, Axe, Iron hammer, Awl, Chisel