St Leonard’s Chapel is a tiny little chapel situated at the entrance to Smeaton’s Pier.
It has been there since medieval times although its date of original build is not known. There are records in the archives for repairs made as far back as 1577.
It is where the fishermen used to pray before setting out to sea. Apparently, in “the olden days” a proportion of the fishermans’ catch had to be paid to the chapel friar on their safe return.
When the door is open you are welcome to look inside.
It is tiny, with a lovely little collection of artifacts.
The window overlooking Harbour Beach and Kitty's Corner - it is pretty special!
The Plaques
On the side of Saint Leonard’s Chapel are two plaques.
The first commemorates the record breaking passage made by the St Ives Lugger Lloyd SS5. Scarborough to St Ives, 600 miles in 50 hours in 1902.
Festival Of Britain Plaque
The other plaque is one of the 6 made at the Leach Pottery in 1951 for the Festival of Britain. the 5 others can be found in St Ives at The Baulking House (Huer's Hut) on Hain Walk, Hicks Court just off The Digey, on The Oldest House on Fish St, on the back of the Kidz R Us St Ives Theatre and at the Venton Ia Well at the bottom of Porthmeor Hill.
