An 88-year-old Ely historian launched her new book at Burrow’s Bookshop on Saturday.

Ely Standard: The Riverside at ElyThe Riverside at Ely (Image: Archant)

It is just over 25 years since The Book of Ely - Pamela Blakeman’s most comprehensive work, was published by Barracuda Books in 1990.

Ely Standard: QuaysideQuayside (Image: Archant)

Her final book The Riverside at Ely, published by Ely History Publications, is very different.

Ely Standard: Butcher on Broad StreetButcher on Broad Street (Image: Archant)

It consists of items of local history collected by the late Reg Holmes and by herself.

Ely Standard: Station RoadStation Road (Image: Archant)

Surprisingly from Pamela it is quite a chatty book and includes as well as her own memories, those of many people living relatively close to the river.

Ely Standard: Broad StreetBroad Street (Image: Archant)

The book is illustrated by some interesting old and new photos. It gives glimpses of the past and shows how this part of Ely has changed from a working environment to a residential area and one given over to leisure and tourism.

Ely Standard: GasworksGasworks (Image: Archant)

Pamela said: “I have enjoyed putting this book together and hope that a few more of the secrets of Ely’s past are revealed and will be of interest to many Ely residents.”

Ely Standard: Boat tripBoat trip (Image: Archant)

Pamela, born in Broad Street, Ely, and baptised in the Lady Chapel when it was used as Holy Trinity Church, added: “The city with the cathedral, medieval centre and the river is still a wonderful place in which to live.”

Ely Standard: AppleyardsAppleyards (Image: Archant)

Pamela was awarded the freedom of the city in 2009 and subsequently honoured with an MBE.

Ely Standard: New Year's Honour for Pam Blakeman. The photo is by Mike Petty and was taken at the launch of the book on Ely that they compiled back in 1997New Year's Honour for Pam Blakeman. The photo is by Mike Petty and was taken at the launch of the book on Ely that they compiled back in 1997 (Image: Archant)