There's an awful lot of historical water under St Ives bridge and chapel. For almost a thousand years it was the only access from the south into St Ives for travellers, pilgrims and traders. At one time the chapel was a pub of ill repute, and Oliver Cromwell blew up the bridge!
For more information visit on this building visit www.explorechurches.org/church/st-ledger-chapel-st-ives
The tall, graceful spire is visible for miles around. It was used by sailors and others returning by boat along the river Great Ouse to the port of St Ives as a welcoming landmark, and it may even have had a lit beacon to aid their way.
Lying on the Via Devana, the Roman road that linked the army camps at Godmanchester and Cambridge, Fenstanton was the site of a Roman villa. It is also in the Domesday Book.
The first known reference to the village is in 1070 as Stantona, an enclosed settlement of stoney ground. The Doomsday Book of 1086 refers to Stantune and the name Longstanton was in use in 1282.
St Mary's is a beautiful church, in a beautiful setting. Many people come from far and wide to enjoy the building, its history, and its sense of peace and tranquility.
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