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When we think of establishing churches and cathedrals, we tend to forget the involvement of women. It's assumed that men were the main focus in establishing religion throughout England.  We rarely think of women's participation, especially in the early days of the establishment of cathedrals. That is why the establishment of the Ely Cathedral is so significant. Ely was officially established as a monastery in 970 by Queen and nun Etheldreda, who would later become a saint. Etheldreda had an impact on Ely and the surrounding area's religious institution, which is evident by examining the writings, architecture, and relics of the Ely Cathedral. There are many variant spellings of Etheldreda's name, including Æthelthryth, Ediltrudis, Audrey. Some of the mentioned sources and artifacts will use Æthelthryth.