In between these two major formations, the high ground forming the Isle of Ely is from a lower division Cretaceous system known as Lower Greensand which is capped by Boulder Clay; all local settlements, such as Stretham and Littleport, are on similar islands.
Mesto je razdeljeno na štiri od četrti: Ely jug, vzhod in zahod - vsak, prispeva dva svetnika - in Ely sever, ki ima tri svetnike.