On misty evenings, the River Ouse near Ely transforms into a hauntingly beautiful setting for a centuries-old procession. The ghostly monks, crewing a barge, glide silently along the water, their soft chanting of hymns echoing through the mist. They are escorting an open coffin, said to contain the body of Saint Withburga, taken from her grave at East Dereham by the monks of Ely, acting on the orders of their abbot. This eerie spectacle is a poignant reminder of the town's rich history and the enduring legacy of its medieval past.

Historical records confirm that Saint Withburga's body was indeed removed from her grave in East Dereham and brought to Ely, where it was eventually reburied in the cathedral. The ghostly procession is believed to reenact this journey, with the monks singing hymns as they transport the coffin. While there's no concrete evidence to support the existence of these ghostly apparitions, the story has become an integral part of Ely's folklore, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The haunting is weather-dependent, occurring on misty evenings when the atmosphere is most conducive to such a mystical experience.