Ely Cathedral exterior Octagon from the southwest

Photographer

De Smet, Arthur

Date

• June 2007

Summary

• The octagon was built in 1322-42 over the crossing after the crossing tower fell in 1322. With conversion from a square to an octagon a large Decorated window was placed in each of the four short sides. A large pinacle is at each corner of the octagon with longitudinal rows of crockets. On each side are rows of windows with ogee curves at their top. There is a parapet with pierced tracery running around the top of the octagon. The lantern at the top of the Octogan is made of eight large timbers with lead covered timbers making a pinnacle on each corner.