St Ives Bridge

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The medieval bridge over the Great Ouse in St Ives, Cambs, seen from The Quay. The Chapel is clearly visible.

The fifteenth century St Ives Bridge across the fast-flowing River Great Ouse in St Ives, Cambridgeshire is famous for incorporating a chapel. This is a rare phenomenon — there are only two other bridge-chapels in England, both in Yorkshire — but in fact the chapel was restored in 1930, having previously served as a toll house, inn and as a private residence. It had originally been designed as a chapel, though, by the monks of Ramsey Abbey who built the bridge, and who dedicated it to Saint Leger. By 1736 it was being used as accommodation, and in that year two extra floors were added. These lasted into the early 20th century before being removed as part of the restoration work. As a result of this, the roof is modern. An unusual feature is the crypt, about two metres above the river's water level.

The St Ives settlement was developed extensively by the Ramsey monks, and they built the town's first bridge, a wooden structure, in 1107. The present structure results from their decision in 1414 to construct a stone arch bridge, which they completed in 1425, adding the chapel in 1426. The bridge has undergone significant modifications since. It is now Grade I listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

[edit] External links

• Photographs exploring the Chapel, and showing the previous extra floors
• Panoramic view from the bridge
• Information provided by British Waterways
• Bridge maintenance policy
• See also Old Bridge, Huntingdon, 6 miles up-stream.

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