You will be welcome here! The building is normally open between 1000 and 1500 hours each weekday. It stands in the heart of the town, between the harbour and the old Market Place. The Church was consecrated in 1434 - the actual date was remembered each February on our "Feast Day" - when there are special services in Church, a procession to the ancient Holy Well (near the Tate Gallery) and the old custom of hurling the Silver Ball begins from the churchyard.

The Church building is well worth a visit. There is a beautiful barrel roof with medieval roof figures depicting saints and angels. Some of the sandstone pillars list outwards. The granite tower is over 24 metres high (80 feet). At the high altar there is a statue of St Ia, to whom the church is dedicated and from whom St Ives takes its name. Legend has it that St Ia came to where the town now is during the golden age of the Celtic saints - the 5th or 6th century - travelling on a leaf.

In the Lady Chapel you will find the beautiful 'Madonna and Child' carved by the famous sculptress Barbara Hepworth in memory of her son, who died in 1953.

The main Sunday service is at 10 am - all the other services are announced on notices around the church. St Ives Parish Church retains the catholic tradition of worship within the Church of England and tries to make visitors welcome. Each year thousands of people come into the Church to look around, rest, think, pray or light a candle. The church web site is at http://stiveschurch.org.uk/

Further Information:

Churches in st ives | Methodist Churches in st ives | st ives Parish