Pictures of St Ives

About St Ives

This attractive market town has one of the most highly picturesque river bridges in the country. The bridge dates to the 15th century and is famous for the chapel in its centre bay, it is one of only four medieval bridge chapel's surviving in England.

St.Ives was originally called Slepe, but changed its name after a priory dedicated to St.Ivo was founded in 1050. The town grew up on the River Great Ouse, and the lie of the river is such that one of the best ways to enjoy the town is from a pleasure boat which gives you glimpses of old timber-frame buildings, dreamy spires and beautiful tree-lined water-meadows. It is a tranquil scene, little changed since the Great Ouse used to freeze in the latter part of the 19th century when the ice was joyously used by Victorian skaters.

The town has a wider than average square, this is dominated by a huge statue of Oliver Cromwell who had a farm nearby. For decades Market Hill has hosted one of the largest markets in the county attracting folk from miles around. It still does, and although the market no longer sells livestock it does have a rich range of merchandise brought in by numerous traders from all around the country. Together with a excellent range of small shops, the regular Monday market at St.Ives plays an important part in the town's economy.

History buffs can learn if the heritage and history of St.Ives in the Norris Museum, from here you can also purchase a guide book pointing out the towns attractions, most colourful parts and the wealth historic listed buildings to be sifted out on a saunter around the town's wide and narrow streets.

St.Ives mainly acts as an inland resort town and visitors will find plenty of cafe's, pubs and restaurants. For those wishing to stay for a few days to explore the beautiful surrounding fenland where cattle graze on fertile pastures, there are excellent hotels both in and outside of St.Ives.