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Places of interest #2 in Ely, Cambridgeshire

Oliver Cromwell's House

4.4 · 1,102 reviews
Quiet, educational, and period-authentic.
Oliver Cromwell's House, 29 St Mary's St, ELY CB7 4HF, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

Oliver Cromwell lived here after inheriting the position of Tax Collector for the town of Ely.

2

The house originally served as the rectory for St Mary's Church before becoming a private residence.

3

The building features a collection of 17th-century artifacts, including clothing and authentic household implements.

4

Cromwell’s primary occupation during his residency involved managing tithes and estate administration.

5

The interior includes a recreated 'Civil War' room where visitors can learn about the military strategies of the period.

6

The house has undergone extensive restoration to preserve its original oak beams and wattle-and-daub construction.

7

It is situated immediately adjacent to St Mary’s Church, where Cromwell’s mother was buried.

Overview

Oliver Cromwell's House is a preserved 17th-century historic residence that served as the home for Oliver Cromwell and his family between 1636 and 1647. The house functions as a museum detailing the life of the Lord Protector and the social history of the English Civil War era. Visitors can tour period-accurate rooms, including a kitchen, a bedroom, and the study. The building is the only residence of Cromwell’s to survive outside of London. It also houses the local Tourist Information Centre for Ely. The site provides an interactive insight into 17th-century domestic life and the political landscape of the 1640s. It features a Civil War exhibition highlighting the impact of the conflict on the Fenland region.

Photo spot

The exterior timber-framed frontage facing St Mary’s Street.

Insider tips

Participate in the audio-guided tour to better understand the significance of specific rooms.

Check the local events calendar, as the house occasionally hosts historical re-enactments.

Combine your visit with a walk around the adjacent churchyard for a complete historical perspective.

What to avoid

Do not rush through the rooms; the primary value of the site is found in the detailed descriptions and period-specific context provided in each space.

Good to know

Open daily, but hours may vary on bank holidays and during winter months.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, as the house is smaller and can feel crowded during peak afternoon periods.
Address
Oliver Cromwell's House, 29 St Mary's St, ELY CB7 4HF, United Kingdom
52.399, 0.259
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits17th-century period rooms, Civil War artifacts, and exhibition on Cromwell's life in Ely

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, as the house is smaller and can feel crowded during peak afternoon periods..

The exterior timber-framed frontage facing St Mary’s Street.

Close by you'll find Ely Cathedral, Ely Country Park, Ely Museum.