Medieval Bridge and Chapel, St Ives Cambridgeshire

The first bridge was a wooden structure built in 1107AD. Tolls collected from travellers provided a valuable income for the monks of Ramsey Abbey. A stone replacement bridge was completed in 1425, and a chapel was added in 1426 dedicated to St Leger. Bridges incorporating chapels were not uncommon in medieval times, but St Ives bridge is one of only four remaining today. The other 3 are in Wakefield, Rotherham and Bradford on Avon.
During the English Civil War Oliver Cromwell, concerned about attacks by the opposing Royalist forces and mindful of the strategic importance of the bridge at St Ives, ordered the southern part of the bridge to be blown up and a drawbridge to be erected. 70 years later replacement of the destroyed two arches was completed, but note they are in a different architectural style to the original arches.
Following the dissolution of monasteries in 1539, Ramsey Abbey relinquished ownership of the bridge. The chapel became a private residence and two extra floors were added in 1736. These were taken down in 1930 following concerns about the building's structural safety.
Since 1736 the Chapel has been used not only as a consecrated place of worship and a private residence, but also as a toll house, a pub of ill repute known as 'Little Hell' by the locals, and a doctor’s surgery. It is still in use today for an occasional musical event, art shows and small meetings.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

10.00-16.00

Location & directions

St Ives Bridge and Chapel, London Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5UW

Directions:

The medieval bridge with the Chapel is easy to find. Approaching from the east side bus station or guided bus station the river Great Ouse will be on your left, possibly at the end of a path way or when you reach Bridge Street. Approaching from the south on London Road, you have only one way to go, over the bridge! From the west of St Ives, (Holt Island, Norris Museum and other locations you will probably be walking and with the river Great Ouse on your right you will get to Bridge Street. Turn to the right and the bridge is clearly in front of you. From the north, walk through one of the slightly curved lanes to the main part of town and ask a member of the Civic Society for directions. Members of the Civic Society will be in town easily visibly by their bright pink sashes, they are happy to direct you and have leaflets with information of locations and times.

Contact on day:

Claire Hardy

Telephone number:

+441480497314

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The 600 year old Chapel is open every weekend in the summer from 10.00 -16.00. Please note there is a small step into the building and the floor is uneven. Access to the lower level is by very steep, narrow, twisting stairs. Great care needs to be taken when using them. The number of visitors to the lower floor is restricted to 5 at any time. The Chapel is not a large building, once inside you can read the history clearly presented on large white boards. The volunteer is always happy to talk about the Chapel, Bridge and St Ives. Only 3 other bridge Chapels remain in England.

Additional information

There are a number of events throughout the year to celebrate 600 years of both bridge and Chapel. Go to https://www.norrismuseum.org.uk WHAT'SON for further information.

Max number of people:

8

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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