Self-Guided Tour Of St Ives (Cambs) Architectural Landmarks - From The Waits to Ramsey Road
41 The Broadway, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5BX
Picturesque and on a pretty backwater of the River Great Ouse, the name The Waits probably dates back to Saxon times as the Saxon word ‘wiht’ means ‘a bend in the river’.
The Bandstand: Next to the Norris Museum is the ornate black and gold ‘Victorian’ (actually brand new!) Bandstand.
WWII Pillbox: At the other end of The Waits, hidden under heavy overgrowth, is a WWII Pillbox. Of brick and concrete construction, this was one of the War Office’s seven basic designs situated at defensive locations.
Manchester House (private property): Just around the bend on Ramsey Road, this lovely Grade II listed 18th-century building was originally built as a private residence. Its elegant Regency design is of gault brick with red brick dressings and a tiled mansard roof. From 1858-1939 it became St Ives Grammar School, but later was used for offices and doctors’ surgeries. It is now in private ownership.
Clare Court (Private Property): Further down Ramsey Road, on the left, is the 20th century development called Clare Court, consisting of private dwellings situated around a central communal garden. Built in the 1960s, this architectural style was known as Span Construction and was designed by Eric Lyons, a visionary architect who aimed to create homes that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and community orientated. The design of these homes reflects the modernist architectural trends of the time, having clean lines, open spaces, and an emphasis on natural light.
Timings & Tours
Available anytime
Location & directions
41 The Broadway, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5BX
- Directions:
- Download the detailed Tour Map, with directions, photos and building descriptions. Click on the globe in the "Check out our online channels" section below or copy and paste https://www.stivescivic.org.uk/events/heritage-open-day/
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Additional information
Please note private properties are for external viewing only. Download the special HODS Tour Map for directions, photos and site descriptions: https://www.stivescivic.org.uk/events/heritage-open-day/
