St Ives Literary Institute

St Ives Literary Institute

Hidden away in the centre of town is one of St Ives' oldest institutions. Certainly in existence by 1866, St Ives Literary Institute may have its roots in the even earlier formation of a book club in 1813. Most St Ivians have no clue where to find the Lit (as its members fondly call it). Halfway down Free Church Passage, located over the Spiritualist Church, it's a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Literary Institutes formed in town and village throughout England in the 1800s, sometimes to provide an alternative to that more common social venue, the public house. Newspapers and magazines became more affordable and desirable, particularly with the serialisation of popular literature. Books on science and natural history formed part of the Institute's catalogue. Like-minded men came together to socialise, discuss news and events, and access reading materials.

Click the Early Years button to learn more about the formation of St Ives Literary Institute. Click the Later Years button to read of the heartening renewal of St Ives Literary Institute since the 1970s