Castles: Anarchy and Rebellion in Ely
19th September 2026 - 31st January 2027
Castles: Anarchy and Rebellion in Ely
A Special Exhibition at Ely Museum
Did you know that Ely had a castle?
Did you know that Ely probably had more than one castle?
Starting on 19th September, come find out about the history of castles in the Isle of Ely. Who built them and why? And crucially, where might they have been?
In the 12th Century, Ely was caught up in the conflict of the period known as The Anarchy, when Stephen and Matilda fought for the crown of England. Its location surrounded by fens made Ely an easy place to defend and a common stronghold of rebellion.
Find out more about Bishop Nigel’s exploits against King Stephen and his difficulties in building a stone castle. Discover the bad treatment of Ely residents by the disreputable Geoffrey de Mandeville, his fortifications on the Isle, and his attack on Cambridge.
Learn more in Anarchy and Rebellion in Ely.
This exhibition is included with an admission ticket or a valid annual pass.