Prior Crauden’s Chapel: Architecture Uncovered

Part of the ‘Stories of Ely Cathedral’ Tour Series. Monday 9 – Saturday 14 March.

Listed as one of seven small pilgrim places in the East of England, Prior Crauden’s Chapel is best known for its beautiful architecture, its impressive floor tiles and, of course, its fading medieval murals. Pevsner, the well-known architectural historian, even called it a real gem of the decorated style. With its flowing curves and delicate details, the early-14th-century design is unmistakably of its time. The floor tiles are a striking form of mosaic called opus sectile. Despite centuries of wear, Pevsner still described them as “one of the most important tile mosaic pavements in England.” They really are something special. As for the main mural, you may find yourself tilting your head, squinting a little and letting your eyes adjust to see the details emerge. Painted around 1330, it has naturally faded over the centuries. Even back in 1924, one historian warned that the painting “should be carefully studied before it completely disappears.” And, well… time hasn’t stopped ticking