The Architecture of the Transept of Ely Cathedral

Abstract

Generally accepted chronology of Ely cathedral has an inconsistency. While the choir is considered to have been entered in 1106, the "Monks' Door" is dated in 1120 at the earliest. We suggest that the choir is then situated in the east wing (in the same place as the choir of Durham), until the space under the crossing would be arranged around 1120. During the vacancy of abbot (1093-1200), the church architecture was managed by monks with scanty funds. They constructed three aisles of the south transept. These offered them the space for monastic routine activity and the passageway from the western door of south transept to the eastern choir. In this situation the cross aisle of south transept had an important roll. On the other hand, the cross aisle of north transept was not realized. At the north-east corner there was a change of workshop. This reflects the recovery of monastic funds in about 1106. The turning point was pier N3E, which introduced vertical elements to the pier design.