Bridge Chapel 600th Anniversary
Programme of Events
Completed in 1426 as an integral part of the iconic St Ives Bridge, Bridge Chapel (St Leger) is one of only four surviving bridge chapels in England.
For 600 years, it has stood as a testament to medieval engineering, faith, and community life. Originally a place of prayer and toll collection for travellers, it has since served as a private residence and public house. Today, the chapel is open to the public to explore, for events and even occasionally still used for worship.
The Norris Museum is leading the anniversary programme in partnership with local organisations, creating a wide-ranging celebration that reflects the chapel’s enduring importance to St Ives.
What’s on:
Please keep checking back as new events and workshops will be added as dates are confirmed.
For associated events run by St Ives Town Team, please visit: www.stivescambridgeshire.co.uk
EXHIBITIONS
For Toll and Soul
The Norris Museum will be hosting an exhibition exploring the 600-year history of the bridge and chapel, featuring the remarkable original licence for the consecration of the altar on loan from the National Archives.
September 2026 – January 2027, The Norris Museum
Art in the Chapel
Demonstration and lecture: From Tempera to Pixels—The Evolution of Artistic Techniques (1426–2026)
This lecture traces the evolution of artistic techniques from 1426 to 2026, mapping the transition from the meticulous craftsmanship of the Early Renaissance to the digital and hybrid practices of the 21st century.
Saturday 2nd May, Time of talk to be confirmed, at Bridge Chapel
EVENTS
A Time-travel Family Fun Day
Featuring costumed reenactors, storytellers, and period musicians touring the town centre, alongside boat trips from the Waits offering unique views of the bridge and chapel from the water.
28th July, The Norris Museum
More details coming soon!
New Guided Town Tours
Details coming soon!
LECTURES
Exploring Cambridgeshire Churches
An Evening Lecture with John Vigar, Ecclesiastical Historian
In this profusely illustrated lecture, John Vigar looks at a variety of historic churches and discusses their history, furnishings, and architecture.
Wednesay 20th May, 7pm, The Norris Museum
For more information and to book: www.buytickets.at/norrismuseum
Mysteries of the Bridge and Chapel: All the things we still don’t know about our most famous building
An Illustrated Lecture with Bob Burn-Murdoch
Friday 3rd July, 7pm, St Ives Corn Exchange
For more information and to book: www.buytickets.at/norrismuseum
Murder, Sex and Mayhem in English Churches
An Evening Lecture with John Vigar, Ecclesiastical Historian
This intriguing lecture explores a selection of images of murder and mayhem from across the country and explains both the stories behind them and their relevance to particular periods of history.
Monday 14th September, 7pm, The Norris Museum
For more information and to book: www.buytickets.at/norrismuseum
CHORAL PERFORMANCES
St Austin’s Choir, of Wakefield Chantry Bridge Chapel, will visit us during Heritage Open Day in September, creating a rare and meaningful connection between England’s surviving bridge chapels.
Exact programme of performances will be released soon.
WORKSHOPS
Calligraphy Workshop with Anthea Power
Saturday 18th April, 10am – 3:30pm at The Norris Museum
For more information and to book: www.buytickets.at/norrismuseum
Sketching & Drawing Essentials: The Art of Observation – Workshop by Ernie Butler
Saturday 20th June, 10am – 3:30pm at The Norris Museum
For more information and to book: www.buytickets.at/norrismuseum
Expressive Pen & Wash – Workshop by Ernie Butler
Saturday 4th July, 10am – 3:30pm at The Norris Museum
For more information and to book: www.buytickets.at/norrismuseum
Discover the Magic of Watercolour: Unleash your creativity and embrace the flow! – Workshop by Ernie Butler
Saturday 5th September, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM at The Norris Museum
For more information and to book: www.buytickets.at/norrismuseum