Medieval Bridge and Chapel, St Ives

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.
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 as a place of worship and for an occasional musical event.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 14 September:

1000-1600

Location & directions

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

Contact on day:

Claire Hardy

Telephone number:

+441480497314

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The Chapel is currently undergoing necessary renovations and repairs - it may therefore be closed. However, if there should be access available to the Chapel on that day, please note there is a small step into the building and the floor is uneven. Any access to the lower level would require using very steep and narrow stone stairs - great care must be taken when using them.

Additional information

Plans are being made for the 600th anniversary of the Chapel in 2026.

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