Civic Society of St Ives

Civic Society of St Ives

The Society was formed in July 1968, when eight locals came together to stop a proposed bypass from destroying one of the most beautiful riverside views in England. In 1724, Daniel Defoe wrote, "Here are the most beautiful meadows on the banks of the River Ouse that I think are to be seen in any part of England". The Council planned to erased that view forever, bulldozing a road from the bottom of Ramsey Road across Ingle Holt Island and Hemingford Meadow to Armes Corner.

Hemingford Meadow and the River Great Ouse.

At the time, St Ives Bridge was the worst bottleneck in Cambridgeshire. With a one-way traffic light system, some 11,000 vehicles crossed each day, creating long queues through the town centre and beyond. A bypass had been discussed since 1936, and few disputed the need.But the Council's option would destroy what made much of St Ives special.

From the first meeting, recorded in handwriting on address-headed paper, the founders were astonished at the reaction. For the inaugural meeting they expected 60, but crammed in 150. Thus began the Civic Society of St Ives.

For more than 50 years, the Civic Society of St Ives has been guardian of the town’s heritage. It influences planning decisions, works with other organisations for the town’s benefit, and awards black plaques to buildings of historical interest. Among its successes are preserving the New Bridges, securing the Corn Exchange as a community resource, and preventing the Town Council from moving the War Memorial to make way for parking.

Over the coming year, in instalments published roughly every two months, the first 50 years of the Society will be chronicled through minutes, members’ meetings, newspaper reports, and other sources. Original documents, including the minutes, will be available to view. To learn more, click the first instalment below.

This project is a collaboration between the Civic Society of St Ives and St Ives 100 Years Ago. Publication of this article was supported by a grant from the Goodliff Awards scheme of the Huntingdonshire Local History Society. Thank you to the Norris Museum for allowing copies to be used for all documents other than the minutes.

Not yet a member of the Civic Society of St Ives? Join and support their work to preserve and enhance the beauty of the town. Membership costs just £10 a year for individuals or £15 for households. Members receive a monthly newsletter on what's happening in St Ives, an annual report, and free entry to monthly talks from September to May. To find out more, click here.