Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, St Ives has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in St Ives.
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Sights in St Ives
St Ives is a town and seaside resort in Cornwall, England. The town lies north of Penzance and west of Camborne on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. In former times it was a fishing port, but it is now mainly a tourist resort. It is known for its mild climate, sandy beaches and picturesque harbour.
The town has a population of about 20,000. The nearby town of Hayle is about 3 miles (5 km) away.
The town of St Ives was first recorded in a charter of 961. The name is said to derive from Saint Ia, the early Breton saint who evangelised Cornwall in the 5th century. Saint Ia is also the patron saint of the town.
The town grew slowly at first but became more prosperous in the late 16th century with the growth of the fishing industry. St Ives was the most important fishing port on the north coast of Cornwall and exported pilchards (a type of small herring) all over Europe.
The town was also an important mining centre for tin and copper. The industry declined in the 19th century but left a legacy of mine engine houses and other industrial remains.
St Ives was a separated manor within the Hundred of Penwith until it was granted a charter as a town by King Henry VIII in 1526.
The town’s harbour was built in the early 16th century and improved over the centuries. It was used by the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War.
Today, the harbour is a centre for leisure boats and has a fish market. It is also the base for the St Ives lifeboat.
The town is famous for its art galleries and artists. The Tate Gallery St Ives was opened in 1993 and houses a collection of modern art by artists associated with St Ives, including Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron, Barbara Hepworth and Roger Hilton.
The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is also located in the town. This museum is devoted to the work of artist Barbara Hepworth, who lived and worked in St Ives for many years.
There are several sandy beaches in St Ives, including Porthmeor Beach, which is popular with surfers, and Porthgwidden Beach, a sheltered beach near the harbour.
The town also has a number of tourist attractions, including the St Ives Museum, the St Ives Civic Society Museum, the St Ives Maritime Museum and the St Ives SubTropical Gardens.
History of St Ives
One of the most picturesque towns in Cornwall, St Ives has long held a special place in the hearts of artists and holidaymakers alike. Steeped in history, this pretty seaside town has a fascinating past, dating back to the Bronze Age.
The first recorded mention of St Ives is in a charter of 961, when King Edgar granted land in the area to Ordgar, Earl of Devon. However, it is thought that settlement in the area dates back much further, to the Bronze Age.
Ruins of a Bronze Age village have been discovered on Trencrom Hill, just outside of St Ives, and there are also remains of an Iron Age hill fort on the hill. It is believed that the hill was used as a fortified lookout point by the Romans, who had a settlement nearby at what is now known as Lelant.
After the Romans left Britain, the area around St Ives was inhabited by the Celts. In the late 9th century, the area was conquered by the Saxons, who built a castle on the site of the hill fort.
The town we now know as St Ives was founded by the Norman Lord Robert, Count of Mortain, in 1066. He built a church here, dedicated to St Ivo, the patron saint of lawyers (perhaps an ironic choice given the Count’s profession!). The town grew up around the church and became known as St Ives.
During the Middle Ages, St Ives was an important market town and fishing port. The town had its own coinage and trade with mainland Europe flourished.
The town was badly affected by the Black Death in the 14th century and then again by the Plague in the 17th century. However, it recovered and by the 18th century, was once again a thriving community.
The 19th century saw a boom in the tourism industry and St Ives became a popular destination for those seeking a seaside break. This was partly due to the opening of the railway line from London in 1877, which made travel to the town much easier.
Artists were also drawn to St Ives, attracted by the light and the scenery. The town became home to a number of artists’ colonies, including the Newlyn School and the St Ives School of Painting.
The 20th century saw St Ives become an even more popular tourist destination, with visitors flocking to the town to enjoy the beaches, the art galleries and the relaxed atmosphere.
Today, St Ives is a thriving town, with a lively arts scene and a rich history. It is a wonderful place to visit, whatever time of year.
Vacation in St Ives
If you’re looking for a quintessential English seaside town, St Ives is the place for you. Located on the stunning Cornwall coast, this picturesque town is full of charm and character. From its lovely beaches and fascinating museums to its winding streets and traditional pubs, there’s something for everyone in St Ives.
One of the best things about St Ives is its beaches. Porthmeor Beach is perfect for surfers, while Porthgwidden Beach is ideal for a relaxing swim. For those who want to explore the coastline, there are plenty of opportunities for walks along the cliffs.
If you’re interested in history and culture, St Ives has plenty to offer. The town is home to several museums, including the Tate St Ives, which houses an impressive collection of modern art. There are also plenty of galleries to explore, as well as the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
No visit to St Ives would be complete without exploring its winding streets and traditional pubs. Take a stroll around the town and explore the small shops and cafes, or relax with a pint in one of the many pubs.
Whether you’re looking for a beach holiday, a cultural break or just a traditional English seaside town, St Ives is the perfect destination.
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