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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.
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. 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, and dedicated by the monks 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. |
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