Friday, December 16, 2011

Monk's poem is published 900 years on

A medieval monk’s poem which describes the natural beauty of Ely has been translated, published and is now available to buy.

In Praise of Ely is a six-page, hard-copy book which was the brainchild of Chip Coakley, Janet Fairweather and Andy English, all from the Ely area.

The Latin poem, which was written in the 12th century by Brother Gregory, a monk at the abbey in Ely, is part of a large manuscript in Cambridge.

A couple of years ago, Mrs Fairweather, a scholar who speaks fluent Latin, translated the poem for a flower festival in Ely.

Inspired by the poem, Mr Coakley persuaded her it should be published.

Click here to read this article from Ely Weekly News