Next week, visitors to Ely can learn about what life was like during the Civil War at the ‘Meet the Cromwells’ day at Oliver Cromwell’s House on Tuesday 28 May.

Between 11am to 1pm people will be able to join Mrs Cromwell in the kitchen to watch her make Pippin Pies using ingredients which would have been used in 17th century cooking. Visitors will also be able to meet and talk to one of Cromwell’s soldiers to learn about the hardships of rationing during the civil war.

Admission prices for Oliver Cromwell’s House start at £4.60 for adults with concessions £4.10, children at £3.10 or a family ticket (2 adult & 3 children) available at £13.00. There is free entry to Resident Pass Holders.

Tracey Harding, Tourism Team Leader at East Cambridgeshire District Council said: "Life in the 17th century was very different from our modern day lives – it could be tough, brutal and short. We can learn a lot about the challenges which our ancestors faced and the often innovative ways they sought to overcome the problems they faced. The events we organise at Oliver Cromwell House aim to shine a light into the past and give visitors the opportunity to think how they would have coped. So I would encourage anyone who wants to see the past come alive to visit us next week."

There will also be the usual series of Spring bank holiday walks organised for anyone who wishes to learn a little more about Ely. These are

- Historical Guided City of Ely Walk on Saturday 25 May at 11.30am. Where a Guide will take people around the city’s splendid array of medieval paths and monastic buildings to learn the origins of the Cathedral and the importance of trade in this former Isle of Eels.

- Guided Ely Riverside Walk on Sunday 26 May at 2.30pm. This expanded tour takes in the city centre as well as the picturesque waterside. Learn about the drainage of the Fens, the life of the Fen Folk and how the river serves visitors and residents today.

- Monastic Walking Tour on Monday 27 May at 11.30am. Discover and explore the grounds of the largest group of medieval monastic buildings still in use today and listen to tales of monks and royalty.

Pre-booking for the walks is recommended as all tickets £3.50 per person and are available from Ely Tourist Information Centre. All the walks are subject to cancellation in the event of adverse weather conditions.

For further information contact Ely Tourist Information Centre on 01353 662062 or check out the website at www.visitely.org.uk.