St Leonard's Chapel
St Leonard's Chapel

At the entrance to 18th-century Smeaton's Pier stands a small medieval chapel dedicated to St Leonard. St Leonard's Chapel is popularly known as the Fisherman's Chapel, as it served the working fishermen of St Ives who used the nearby harbour.

We do not know exactly when the chapel was built. The first written records refer to repairs carried out in 1577 so it was obviously in existence for some time before that date. It was very likely in existence for several hundred years before the pier was constructed.

Fishermen would traditionally use the chapel to pray for a successful voyage when setting out to sea. When they returned safely they would give part of their catch to the chaplain. The chapel also served a very practical purpose; it offered a sheltered place in stormy weather.

The chapel is built of rubble walls under a slate roof, hipped at one end and topped with red ridge tiles. There is a low set of granite steps to the side entrance. To the left of the entrance are a deeply incised cross and a plaque commemorating the voyage of the St Ives lugger Lloyd SS 5, which in 1902 made the 600 mile trip from Scarborough in a record-breaking 50 hours, bringing herring to market in St Ives that had been caught in the North Sea just 3 days earlier. Despite the plaque, other sources claim the record of 50 hours was held by the Mary Stevens SS 5.

In 1971 the historical building was restored and opened as a museum and memorial the fishermen of St Ives. The chapel interior now houses a collection of model fishing boats and is home to a memorial to local fishermen lost at sea.

A very short walk from St Leonard's, on top of The Island, is another chapel dedicated to St Nicholas. It is interesting that there were two small medieval chapels built so near each other. St Leonard's was used by the local fishermen, while St Nicholas' was a focal point for local sailors.

St Leonard's Chapel has limited opening times, but even when it is closed it is worth taking a walk to see, and strolling from the chapel along the historical 18th-century pier.

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About St Ives, St Leonard's Chapel
Address: The Harbour, Smeaton's Pier, St Ives, Cornwall, England
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: At the northern end of Smeaton's Pier, off The Wharf and Back Road East. The nearest postcode is TR26 1PS. There is parking nearby at The Island.
Website: St Ives, St Leonard's Chapel
Location map
OS: SW520408
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express


NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest

St Ives Museum - 0.1 miles (Museum) Heritage Rating

St Ives, St Nicholas Chapel - 0.2 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

St Ives, St Ia's Church - 0.2 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden - 0.2 miles (Museum) Heritage Rating

Tate St Ives - 0.3 miles (Museum) Heritage Rating

Barnoon Cemetery - 0.3 miles (Landmark) Heritage Rating

Towednack Church - 2.7 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary - 3.4 miles (Family Attraction) Heritage Rating



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