Saint Ives

The settlement was known at first as Slepe: it was at a convenient fording point on the river, which encouraged the establishment of a route for travellers between northern and eastern districts of the country, and London and the South, enhancing its importance. A little before the year 1000 CE, a coffin was dug up during ploughing: it apparently contained the remains of a holy man named Ivo of Ramsey, and as a result the town became a destination for pilgrims, and the name Slepe was changed over time to St Ives. A royal charter authorised the holding of a fair in the town; at the time this was hugely prestigious, further emphasising the town's significance.

A route for drovers became established through St Ives: they brought cattle and sheep from farming areas in Scotland and the North of England to the London and southern markets. As a stopping point en route the town developed an important cattle market. The importance of the route encouraged the building of a wooden bridge in 1107, and its replacement by the stone bridge in 1426.