48 (so far) Written Postcards, Of and From St. Ives, Cornwall, England. (1900-1953)

Number SI 109 by Crome Series. Posted in Penzance on 18th July 1952. Stamp is King George VI who died on 6th February 1952 but Queen Elizabeth II was yet to be crowned. The cost of the stamp at 2d is the equivalent of 0.83p. The licence board of the Sloop Inn St. Ives, Cornwall gives Philip Rogers as the licensee. The sign high on the house to the far right is for “Bed And Breakfast.” The sign on the building in the bottom left hand corner states “Motorists are requested not to drive over the weighbridge except for weighing purposes. The “Strike” referred to in the postcard is unknown but possibly a transport strike that was averted. 

Written by Rosemary George from 30 Penare Road, Penzance and addressed to the writer’s mother Mrs. A George of 7 Nelson Road, Hastings, Sussex. Dear Mum,
I shall be sending a parcel today and maybe one tomorrow – registered I expect. Jean and I are going to the Regatta Dance tonight and as a naval boat will be in harbour today we hope to find a couple of sailors. Ship Ahoy! Will write over weekend to let you know what time we expect to reach Hastings on Monday. Looks like the strike is off now. Love Rosemary xxx. 

Man posing on staircase in the Digey, St. Ives, Cornwall, with young boy posing outside the building to the right, which has been extended upwards since a similar postcard of 1902. The window frame above the porch building has been removed. The "London NW" of the address has been added in pencil, possibly by the Post Office. The card either went to Ilford without stamping and stamped there or the card was taken home to Ilford before posting it. The Digey back then was often referred to as The Decay and derives from the Cornish Dye Chi or dye house.

To, Mr H. Masters, 112 Kilburn Lane, Queen’s Park, Harrow Road, London NW. Dear Bert, just a line t say it was all over at 9.35 and have settled all arrangements, hoping you are going on all right as it leaves us a bit down, but I must keep Lill’s pecker up. Love from us both, Jack. Have not seen Spuurr? Yet.   

Postmarked 11th August 1908, High Street, St. Ives Cornwall is full of shops as it is even today. On the left are Ratt's Spirit, then Aerial Cycles & Motors, then people walking down towards the Parish Church. The first sign on the right states, amongst other things Heraldic Porcelain and Post Cards. Note that all ladies skirts are ankle length.  

To. Miss R??? Moralian?, "St Swithin" London Road, Worcester.
Hethleigh, St Ives August 11th 1908. Hope you are all well at St Swithin. We love this place. Having glorious weather. Margaret was very excited last night, went fishing with Mr. Bradling? and caught a fish. She had it for lunch just this morning. We enjoy the glinting? blue sea? and lovely beach. Love ?&?

Postmarked 18th August 1930. Smeaton's Pier, St. Ives, Cornwall is on the left as the tide comes in to float the harbour's boats. 

To Miss Kent, c/o Miss Rowles, Church Lane, Abbots Leigh, Bristol. Hope you had a nice time at your ?? Home. Last Friday we went to the Scilly Isles. I like around here very much. So far all the family are well. EHC. 

Postmarked 24th August 1907. The Wharf, St Ives, Cornwall. The residents, as was usual at the time of this photo, have been posed and positioned. On the far left is the premises of C. Stevens and next to it is Quack's Sail Loft. The wharf at this time was cobbled. An advert, facing us is for Salmon's Tea at 1/6d which is 7.5p 

To Miss T Houdzside?, Sillwood, Prescot Road, Hall (now in Altrincham) Cheshire.
Heath Cottage, Carbis Bay, August 24th 07. Don't know whether you are at home or away but thought I'd better send this to Hall. The weather here is bad (for Cornwall) but better than I think you are getting. Love from Said? or Enid? 

Man posing on staircase at The Digey, St. Ives, Cornwall, with young boy posing outside the building to the right, which has been extended upwards since a similar postcard of 1902. The window frame above the porch building has been removed. This card is from St. Ives? to Colchester and stamped Cardiff. The writing is tiny and can only be read with a magnifying glass and starts with an acronym (common on love letters at the time) and appears to be from a man to an unmarried woman. 

To Miss Kiddle, C/o Mrs Martin, 94 Hythe Hill, Colchester. MO&ODSL Then a series of unintelligable hyroglyphs before 1.8.05. Have nearly finished up opening kit? this evening, I escaped design? you think it has been a long time about, so it has, but we have been so busy lately, that we have not been able to do anything to it in the daytime, Lid is in love with it, she says she is going to give me notice to clear out of it and she will stay here. I’m not the shavely? In that case. Hope you like this postcard although the picture is hardly large enough to share the whole design, if you would like to all it on the wall dessie? You had better come down on Friday instead of going away from me my dear for pool yesterday. I have had a good deal of looking ? Diaries...frizzles out and unreadable. 

The Warren, St, Ives, Cornwall, postmarked 9th July 1952. Mostly unchanged scene although the board on the wall on the left looks vaguely like a pub sign.

The Wharf, St. Ives, Cornwall, postmarked 21st August 1935. On this site is a hand coloured version of this photo. The card has an X on it to show where the sender was staying. 

To Mrs. Steddy, 26 Novar Road, New Eltham, London SE9. Wednesday. Spending time at Marazion waiting for tide to walk across to St Michaels Mount. Had a lovely day of sunshine. Glad Mike has been a good boy and you have not had to resort to the dicky bird. We shall not be late home on Sat leave here at 10.15 AM. Hope alls well, Love CB. We live just in there X. 

Postmark 21st December 1902. Young girl posing on the stairs under an open, pitched roof at The Digey (Decey) St. Ives, Cornwall. The property to the right is two storey. 

To Miss Audrie Jones, Flushing House, Anlathy Row, Hull.
On the front of the card is "All your wishes yourself back" or something similar. Probably sent in reply to receiving an unexpected Christmas card on 21st Dec, postmarked in Plymouth. 

Postmarked 27th July 1905 and entitled "A Cornish Cottage Porch - at St. Ives" Does anyone have an inkling where in St. Ives this could be because I've failed to find it. 

To Emma Clapp, Tower Farm, Offwell, Near Honiton.
Dear Emma, Thank you so much for the cards which I got this morning. I hope you will like these two. Do you care for this kind? Please tell me if you do not. Nanna. 

The Wharf, St. Ives, Cornwall. Postmarked 1st August 1946 a coloured photo postcard.

To D&H Donaldson and family, 35 City Way, Rochester, Kent. What fun it would be if you were all here. Really hot sunshine this morning and the beach is perfect. Guy had first had a bathe and has also failed in a game of cricket. Father is baking himself and mother writing P.Cs!! Do hope all goes well at home and that the locm? is satisfactory. You will soon be counting the day till your holiday. We are anxious to hear good news of little susan. Best love from all, Mary. 

Posted 13 July 1922. The Digey, St. Ives, Cornwall. The pitched porch roof has been removed from as seen in earlier postcards but the slate flashing remains. Half of the window opening to the porch was open earlier but now is covered in a cloth, presumably to keep out the weather. The woman, seated, is knitting or crocheting. Probably the man who is her husband looks over the other half. Between this building and the one to the right is a heap of stone, either from demolition, or future building.

To Mrs. TC. Tarling, 14 Cecil Road, Hounslow, Middlesex.
Posted from c/o Mrs Young, Skidden Gardens, St. Ives Cornwall.
Dear Mum, just a card to wish you many happy returns for Sunday. I have ordered some cream for you so you will be able to look out for the postman on Saturday. We are still enjoying ourselves very much. Love to Dad and yourself, love Lena 

Third digit of year uncertain, maybe 1st August 1946. Looking down Porthmeor Road towards the cottages on Porthmeor beach. A similar shot in (2021) shows the sloping ramp, bottom left still there (with a guard rail) both sets of stairs shown still exist but with guard rails and the house with bay windows, last on the left still appears to exist. The housing facing us looks to have possibly been rebuilt or heavily renovated. 

To Mrs A M Williams, 185 Wolverhampton Road, Sedgley, Staffs.
Dear Mother, This is typical of the streets down here. We are having bright intervals of sunshine. Today we are off to Lands End. Managed to get a seat on the train but most of them were reserved. I have reserved for one back. Love Arthur & Eileen? 

Crimped edged real photo that looks possibly late 50s. Man in shorts with long socks, children in 50s clothing. Although the number 68 on postcard front and the posting on June 22nd 1968 may be the same thing. Believed to be looking down hill towards Fore Street. Note the stairs (compare with other postcard of same shot) are now not timber rails but have become walled. 

To Mr. And Mrs. E Gibson, 29 Canfield Road, Woodford Bridge, Essex.
Dear All, enjoying a lovely holiday, the weather until this evening has been very good. Rain tonight. Had some very enjoyable trips, been to Falmouth today, very interestng. This picture is a street right near here, very quaint place, as it's all like this. Mr & Mrs Harvey. 

Postmarked 12th August 1930. Bethesda Hill is still (2025) cobbled but lacks the central gutter as shown here.

To Miss Ivy Hill, Manor Farm, Limber, Habrough, Lincs. Hope you are keeping well and having a good holiday. It is very nice here and the bathing is safe so the children are happy. Yours Sincerely, K G Heath. 

The Digey, St. Ives, Cornwall. Postmarked 5th August 1914, eight days after the start of the first world war. Same shot as my 1968 postcard. Note the guardrails to the steps are here timber (with toddler hanging through) before being ‘walled’ as in 1968. 

To Miss Doris Bradley, Cattle Market, Louth, Lincolnshire. From 19 Bedford Road, St Ives. Are you all very interested in the war? On Sunday we saw almost 100 naval reservists go off (you must ask your father to ask what they are) and were very enthusiastic. With love from Auntie Jenny. 

Fish Street, St. Ives, Cornwall. Postmarked 3rd July 1939 and posted from the Chy-an-Drea Hotel. This hotel, overlooking the railway station, adjoined the St. Ives Bay Hotel was amalgamated into it after Shearings bought it in 2000 to add it to the St. Ives Bay Hotel. The view on the postcard is an artist's impression of standing in Fish Street and looking down at the harbour. Note war was declared two months after this postcard was sent.

To Miss E. Bailey, Hazledene, West Malvern, Worcs. Many thanks for your interesting ppc (picture post card) from Edinburgh. Very glad you had such a nice time there. We Have had good weather generally and I have arranged some sketches. Returning Thursday, yours R. 

Postmarked 21 July 1953. Bottom end of The Digey, St. Ives, Cornwall. Looking towards Fore Street. Possible mother and daughter walking towards shot. Older woman on left in a long skirt, younger woman on right in open blouse, short jacket and baggy trousers.

To Mr and Mrs Ettritch,68 Knightsbridge Road, Solihull, Warwickshire.
Written from Lands End. Dear Mr & Mrs Ettritch, Have reached the last point at last. We start for home tomorrow, up the north side of Cornwall. We shall be home Saturday evening if everything goes to plan. Love Bob and Mary. 

Postmarked 30th March 1943. It seems there have always been seagulls in St Ives, Cornwall. 

Postmarked 19th September 1919 a scene titled "Tucking at St. Ives." It seems that Tucking was an old Cornish fisherman's term, specific to the historic pilchard seine-fishery between the 1840s and 1900s and used mainly around St. Ives and Newlyn. Tucking referred to gathering in or tightening a smaller net, known as a tuck-net, to raise up pilchards that have aready been enclosed by a large seine net. 

Miss Dorothy Knight, Kia Ora Villa, Barwis Hill, Penzance. Lovely morning, big doings here. Shall be home sometime this afternoon. Hoping you are well in a pleasant mood. Feeling fit and hope to continue. Just having a few calls before packing up. Have made quite a few friends down here. Happy Days. Miosobe. THEN WRITTEN UPSIDE DOWN Keep the old fire burning so as to destroy that photo. Good Morning.  

To Miss E. Cockshott, 94 Cranbrook Road, Redland, Bristol. Very many thanks for letter and books rec this morning. We are having a glorious hol. Perfect weather. Bathes and picnics every day. Phew it's hot, even in the water! We are looking forward to some boat trips. Best wishes for a good time at G. Love W.  

A shot of the Old Arch, just off the Digey, St. Ives, Cornwall with two uprights and I will have to research because I believe it is now one upright and the wall to the left, supporting the arch. Posted on 1st April 1907, so early in the season.  

Address not clear but possibly, Mrs. F. E. Howard, 5 Snow Hill, Birmingham. Dear L. We have had a lovely day. We shall go to Buckingham Tuesday?? Morning, we are just going to Dudley's for the evening. We have met this?? John and Fred also Mrs. Pegs and lots of people. Love Grace??  

Porthmeor Square, St. Ives, Cornwall which would be illuminated at night by a large gas lamp on a long bracket. Posted on the 15th July 1912, the postmark is the 16th. 

To Miss Robson, Central Public Library, Holloway Road, London N. 15-7-1912 Dear Miss Robson, please excuse me sending this to you at the library but I have forgotten your number. Weare at St Ives now. We first went to Penzance but this place is much nicer, the weather is lovely now although at first it was so wet. Give my regards to the girls. I am yours sunny?? Marjorie Hall, trevessa en pension, St. Ives, Cornwall.  

An ususal portrait shot of the Sloop Inn, St. Ives, Cornwall, posted from Hayle on 16th August 1949. 

To, Mr and Mrs J McCarthy, 23 St Peter's Street, Sth Croydon, Surrey. Tues. We are having a good time and lovely weather so far. Went to see St. Ives yesterday. Could you post Jack's shorts. They are in the middle drawer in small bedroom, also my mauve CARDIDAN on shelf in large wardrobe, left hand side. Lovely sands here but not much to do in the evenings. Love J and G. 

Church St. Ives, Cornwall, posted on new year's day in 1910. 

To Mr W R Snell, 250 Spring Road, Ipswich. Dear all, have you received the Westminster carol book, we had one sent to the shop so we wondered if it came here instead of going to you. If you haven't had it let us know and we will send it as soon as we can. Father is better he has been out for a walk two or three times this week. With love to all, wishing you a happy new year, Connie. 

Tuck's postcard of Virgin Street in St. Ives Cornwall posted 13th September 1949. 

To Miss Molly Diggins, 67c Grand Parade, Harringey, London N4. Dear Molly, I hope you are not working too hard - I thought of you on Monday morning.My mum and dad met Michael and I at the station yesterday, and they were very brown indeed.Last week was gorgeously hot but guess what - it has rained all day today. Love to your mum and dad, see you Saturday, Love Sylvia. 

A familiar view of The Digey (often earlier termed The Decey) in St. Ives Cornwall, posted on 6th June 1906 probably on return home to Paddington in London. 

To, Miss Wattsman? 52 Hinge? Street Hammersmith W. Thanks very much for till? And news, sorry to hear about mum Ada. Give all my love. I shall be over next Tuesday evening about 8.15 or 8.50 if convenient to you all. Till all this then. M. 

A staged view with a couple at the top end of the court and a woman at the top of her steps of Capel Court, St. Ives, Cornwall. Postmarked 2nd September 1920. 

To the misses Johns, Stenalees, St. Austell, Cornwall. (research shows Stealees to be a small village just outside St. Austell.) My dear W and Ischtt?? I suppose you have arrived at home by this time.Has Jamie arrived yet. We are all staying here until Monday morn.I hope you all feel better for the change and father all right. Natalie left here yesterday and Edward. Your loving aunt Dorothy.  

A postcard photo of Porthmeor Road, St. Ives, Cornwall with washing hanging out and children posed. Postmarked 7th August 1928.  

To Mrs E Venning, 41 St George's Terrace, Stoke, Devonport. Dear Eva, Got your letter and glad to note that you are having your holiday in Wales. We shall be getting back on Saturday, our rooms are booked so so shall see you before we leave. Love from Will and Blanche. We have not got Franks address and should have sent him a card.  

Friths series postcard showing a quaint corner of St. Ives, Cornwall. Postmarked 25th July 1929.  

To Mr James Davey or Davies, 56 Albany Road, Redruth, Cornwall. Wednesday. Dear Jim and Gladis, just a pc to say we have arrived safely. Heavy rain last night but dry again today. All looking forward to Saturday trust it will be nice day. Love from us all, Alfred and Elaine?  

A rare view in postcard terms of Back Road East in St. Ives, Cornwall, postmarked 11th August 1913. 

To Mrs Beekerstowe? 29 Staverton Road, Brondesbury Park, London NW. Just a pc to let you know we are alright. We are having a ual? Wet day today. We have managed to get our bathe before breakfast but it began to rain around 10.30 and has been ever since. We have been sitting by the window reading. It looks a little better now so perhaps will clear soon. We had a letter from Ethel about? coming their? them delighted with their tour? and Newquay. Am so glad. I expect dad is with you if his time? wonder if auntie stoo?. Bert. Love from all, Lola? 

Frith's Series postcard of St. Nicholas Chapel, St. Ives, Cornwall. Unposted so probably sent in with a letter. The pic decalres;- St. Ives. This ancient chapel of St. Nicholas which has stood from time immemorial, partially destroyed by order of the war office in 1904, was rebuilt and restored to its original condition by Sir Edward Hain 1911, being the coronation year of His Majesty King George V. 

The obverse has written on it, "Had lunch at St. Ives on our way to Lands End Wed, June 2nd /1926." 

Hick's Court is just off the Digey, St. Ives, Cornwall. Postmarked 24th August 1938. 

To Mrs L Ames, 22 Old Park Avenue, Canterbury, Kent. Lil, Dear mum, thank you for your nice letter and hope you enjoy the things I send. We have found some shiny nice stones here which I've had made into various things - Hope all is well with you - please give my love to missAudrey? Love to all, Dorothy.  

A sepia version of a card of Virgin Street that also exists in black and white. Postmarked 17th August 1939 so around a fortnight before World War One was declared but the writer seems oblivious of any tensions.

To Mrs Gibson, St Lawrence, Old Leake, Nr. Boston, Lincs. Dear Auntie Cloe? We are having a lovely time down here. We think there are more cats than ever. Hope to see you all soon, love from Betty and Whisky.  

Court Cocking is just off Fore Street, St. Ives Cornwall and was maybe where the Cockyn (seine fishing boats) were kept. Dated 23rd July 1956 it is a late postcard in this collection 

Mrs Case, CR, c/o Messrs Allders Ltd, North End, Croydon, Surrey. Dear Margaret, this is typical of all the houses here, houses dotted about in any old corners, real early? And at all angles, every little bit of space, there are all different styles of houses. This is a wonderful holiday but the hills are horrific? and our ???? (the rest illegible).  

In The Digey, St. Ives, Cornwall, postmarked 31st July 1904.

Mr. Charles?, 11 Turton Street, Weymouth, Dorset. I was sorry not to see more of you this week hope you will decide to come to Bournemouth. EC.  

St, Ives, Cornwall from theWharf. Postmarked 20th August 1927.  

Miss D. Sawyer, 11 St. Lukes Road,Totterdown, Bristol. Dear Doll, just a card to say we are having a lovely time here. The weather is glorious, very hot, I guess we shant half be brown. We go climbing rocks every day. Most beautiful. Tell my dad I should win the race after my holiday without a doubt. We went to Lands End on Wdnesday. Hope overtime? went well, love Kate.  

Friths series postcard showing the ancient (older than the church) cross in the parish church (St. Ia) grounds at St. Ives, Cornwall. Dated 29th July 1911.  

To Miss Parsons, 11 Beaconsfield Road, Dover. Jammis? Says she has not called for miss Davies' quotation or money? So will you, she promised to have it ready for us. And if you should see Mr. Cahandler? You might try to get a trifle out of him, I have his quotation. I? will be down Monday morning. Am living in a Dinafan? and collcon?. Save this PC for me please.  

The Decey is the old name for The Digey in St. Ives Cornwall. Postmarked 25th September 1905.  

To Miss Butler, 71 Victoria Road, Surbiton. Dear Cous, I arrived quite safely last Monday and am now quite settled down again. Very Much love from Nellie.  

Friths series postcard of Back, Street, Fisherman's Quarters, St.Ives, Cornwall. Dated 11th September 1918. Referring to St Ives being crowded, even back then.  

Not posted from St. Ives but postmark indestinct. To, Miss M Harris, 111 Padholme Road, Peterborough, Northants. Many thanks for letter. I am so glad you had such a good holiday and hope you will enjoy Cambridge. We were very sorry to leave Porthcurno and wish we could have stayed. We like it here but not so much.The weather hasn't been so nice these 2 days there's been drizzling all day. We have been into St. Ives which is very crowded. I hope the sun will shine, we miss it. Much love G W Bailey.  

Porthgwydden Beach, St. Ives, Cornwall, from the headland. Postmarked 21st April 1930.  

To Miss Gwen Mould, No 2. Ward, ENTF, Charring Cross Hospital, London W.C. Dear Gwen, Easter Monday, St. Ives. Cornwall. I am wondering how you are getting on and hope you are beginning to feel much better. We have had a gale here and watched the waves from the Atlantic breaking on the rocks. Love F. Burrows.  

Friths Series postcard of High Street, St. Ives, Cornwall with a policemen chatting to a male wearing a straw boater. Postmarked 14th September. Year difficult but probably 1914. An intriguing message. Was the writer expecting a friendship or more with Miss Cole? Has he been jilted? Will he ever see Dorris Rowland again as he signs off "Goodbye?"  

To, Miss Dorris Rowland, Mt. Pleasant Road, (Bangor) Exeter. There is no area Bangor in Exeter so it assumed that Bangor in brackets refers to a house name. From, 6 Carrack Widden. My Dear Dorris,I hope to leave here for Truro 6.15 PM tomorrow. I'm not going to see Miss Cole so must hurry, Goodbye.  

The harbour, St. Ives Cornwall at a time when the wharf was extremely narrow and the harbour wall was a series of props. Boats are all masted, what is now the harbour beach appears to be pebbles or shingle and the subject (boy at small boat) is very much under exposed. Postmarked, 28th July 1914 in Eastbourne. The address sent to states "Local" and the sender is in Grassington Road in Eastbourne which is a half hour walk from Bedford Grove. We must assume this postcard was picked up on holiday and not posted until done so locally in Eastbourne.  

To Mrs. Crumpton, 19 Bedford Grove, Local. My Dear Mrs. Crumpton, so sorry I have not found time to come to see you, will you be well enough to come to see me. I have got such a lot to say to you. I will call on Sunday. Hoping you are all well, so with love, Mr? Austhope? Grassington Road.  

An often used postcard and the picture here is from another card as the original has been squared in biro as if being used to obtain a sketch or painting. Postcard bought in St. Ives but posted from Penzance to Torquay. Postmarked 18th May 1905.

To Miss Crago?, Lyncourt?, Torquay. I can't think what has become of you, hope you are not ill, write a line soon from Mr C.

Card bought in St. Ives but used in London to a Brixton (London) address. Solon Road is off Acre Lane. Postmarked 17th July 1905. 

To Miss M? Parsons, 90 Solon Road, Acre Lane, Brixton. Arrived this afternoon at the flat. Don't know if we shall be here till Sunday, but ask Ma to come up when convenient. EFP? 

A late and colour photo postcard by local photographer Murray King who worked from Studio Casa Mia, St. Ives, Cornwall. Postmarked 22nd May 1980 and probably the latest in the collection but included because the photographer is local. 

To Mr. and Mrs. D. Simms, 19 Guernsey Close, Heston, Hounslow, Middlesex. Dear both, Inspiteof my train breaking down and throwing us out at Parr for two hours, I'm having a lovely time. Carol and Bryan are spoiling me and I feel very comfortable with them. So far the weather has been lovely and I've been for many of my favourite walks - my legs tiring like hell but I can't miss it all, besides the beauty and the flowers take away all the pain. Mostly elderly people on hols so I have my old haunts to myself. Never feel lonely here, so many people talk. Love Peggy. 

An often used postcard of St. Ives Cornwall at the time. Postmarked with month indistinct but possible August. 17th of the month 1905. 

To Miss E Smith, Cliftonville, Horndean Rise, Caversham. Dear E___ I am still alive to tell the tale.I felt very bad yesterday, pleased to say I am all right today. Have new song to sing when we meet, and it's a lovely song, hope you are well, what lovely weather, tell you all the news when we meet. Ever thinking of TJAZ. 

Frith's Series postcard of Back Road, in St. Ives, Cornwall, postmarked the 5th August 1911. 

Miss Harris,73 Hampton Park, Redland, Bristol. From 13 Tregenna Terrace, St. Ives. We've come to St. Ives after all, got rooms after we arrived here, it was tiring having rather bad weather. Walked to Gurnard's Head yesterday and got very wet. Love Elizabeth??