St Ives in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

St Ives.-- mun. bor., seaport town, and par. with ry. sta., Cornwall, on St Ives Bay, 8 miles NE. of Penzance, 1890 ac., pop. 6445; P.O.,T.O., 2 Banks. Market-days, Wednesday and Saturday. St Ives (said to take its name from St Iva, an Irish missionary lady of 5th century) has boat building, rope and seine making, &c., but its principal business is the pilchard fishery, which is extensively prosecuted. Many of the inhabitants are employed in the neighbouring mines; and there are exports of copper, tin, and slates. The harbour is provided with a pier and breakwater, and is defended by a battery. St Ives was incorporated in 1639; it returned 2 members to Parliament from the time of John until 1832, and 1 member from 1832 until 1885. St Ives Bay is 44 miles across the entrance, and penetrates 2½ miles S.; on E. side of bay, on Godrevy Island, is a lighthouse 86 ft. high, with flashing light (Godrevy) 120 ft. above high water and seen 15 miles.