St Ives, Cambridgeshire c.1890
St Ives, Cambridgeshire c.1890.
These photographs are of a previously unpublished Victorian photograph album acquired at auction in Ely in 2026. It is one of a series documenting Cambridge and locations throughout Cambridgeshire.
You can the full album by clicking HERE.
St Ives Bridge and Bridge Chapel, St Ives, Cambridgeshire. MBHPC-029
Photograph 029
Reference: MBHPC-029
Title: St Ives Bridge and Bridge Chapel, St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Identification: St Ives Bridge and Bridge Chapel, St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Confidence: Confirmed (100%)
Location: St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A view of the medieval stone bridge across the River Great Ouse at St Ives, showing the distinctive Bridge Chapel constructed upon the bridge. The bridge is viewed from downstream, with the timber-framed buildings of Bridge Street visible beyond and the river reflecting the bridge and chapel.
Notes: This photograph depicts the Grade I listed St Ives Bridge, one of England's most remarkable medieval bridges and notable for its surviving Bridge Chapel, dedicated to St Leger. The image records the historic riverside approach to the town before the advent of modern traffic and alterations to the surrounding streetscape.
All Saints Church, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, viewed across the River Great Ouse. MBHPC-030
Photograph 030
Reference: MBHPC-030
Title: All Saints Church, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, viewed across the River Great Ouse.
Identification: All Saints Church, St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Confidence: Confirmed (99%)
Location: Church Street, St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A view of the elegant spire and west tower of All Saints Church, St Ives, rising above mature riverside trees on the north bank of the River Great Ouse. The church is viewed across the river, with the surrounding vegetation partially obscuring the lower parts of the building, emphasising the graceful proportions of the tall spire against the sky.
Notes: This photograph forms part of a sequence of views taken in St Ives, including MBHPC-029, which depicts St Ives Bridge and its medieval Bridge Chapel. The church's distinctive spire, prominent riverside setting and relationship to the River Great Ouse confirm the identification as All Saints Church.
All Saints Church, St Ives, viewed across the River Great Ouse (probable). MBHPC-038
Photograph 038
Reference: MBHPC-038
Title: All Saints Church, St Ives, viewed across the River Great Ouse (probable).
Identification: Probable view of All Saints Church, St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Confidence: Probable (90%)
Location: Probable: All Saints Church, St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A view across a broad stretch of river towards a church with a tall, slender spire rising above mature riverside trees. A small rowing boat lies moored in the foreground, contributing to the tranquil riverside composition.
Notes: The church and riverside setting closely resemble All Saints Church, St Ives, viewed across the River Great Ouse. The identification is supported by the prominent spire and by the sequence of neighbouring photographs within the album, which include confirmed views of St Ives Bridge and All Saints Church. However, the church is largely silhouetted and partially obscured by trees, preventing a conclusive architectural comparison.
The photographs within the album
Part of the Michelle Bullivant Victorian Photograph Collection (MBHPC), comprising previously unpublished photographs from a Victorian album purchased at auction in Ely in 2026.
© Michelle Bullivant. Image from the Victorian Photograph Album Collection. Please contact the author before reproducing.
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