Reverend Brampton said that although “the landscape has changed enormously”, there was “certainly still work to be done” as many female bishops were still not accepted by some in their diocese.

She remembers “that feeling of enthusiasm” 30 years ago when her fellow trainee vicars were formally ordained.

“The cathedral was full of people, people from our parishes came to the service,” she said.

“We later learned that there were a few people protesting outside the west door of the cathedral, but I think most of us had gone through the south door.”

Now the priest in charge of Benefit of North Leightonstone, external – including the parishes of Alconbury, Hamerton and Stukeley – she reflected on “what has happened over these 30 years – where God has led me and the church through this incredible ministry” .

She paid tribute to St Etheldreda, originally from Suffolk, founder of the abbey which preceded Ely Cathedral.

“She was a saint, a princess and an extraordinary woman,” Rev. Brampton said.

“She founded this place with monasteries for men and women. And I think we felt that sense of leadership and following, where God led her.”