You can't get more St Ives-y than Fish Street!

Fish Street is the road that leads from the harbour, past the side of The Sloop, towards The Island and Back Road West.

Our lovely white ceramic mug shows the original "Fish Street" street sign, with all its little imperfections! Like most of us in St Ives, things tend to get a little worn and weathered. We like to call it sea salty character!

Why Is It Called Fish Street?

From the 1300s (when the harbour at Lelant silted up) right up to the early 1900s, fishing was a mainstay of the towns economy. The famous, lengthy sandy beaches provided a perfect landing place for the pilchard fishing industry - and there were enormous shoals of them in St Ives Bay.

The fishing fleet needed associated industries such as net and sail making and fish processing. Domestic fish processing was a big part of it all. So, buildings were built with fish cellars on the ground floor with residential accomodation above, reached by an external staircase.

Being so close to the harbour, Fish Street was one of the main fish processing streets - and named accordingly! You can still see lots of lovely old examples of the unusual fish cellar houses, although most of these have been turned into beautiful shops and holiday lets.

Interesting Fact (if you like old buildings!)

What is reputed to be the oldest house in St Ives is on Fish Street (number 5) It has a large chimney and is built from slately rubble stone. It is thought to date from the 17th century (1600s). It's basement is cut into the bedrock which must be fascinating to see! If you are feeling flash for cash you can rent it as a holiday home.

The Sloop Inn is on the corner of Fish Street and dates back to circa 1312 (just after St Ives had been granted a Charter by King Edward I).

Our Fish Street St Ives Street Sign mug comes in a lovely presentation gift box - it would make someone a lovely present - or a very nice treat for yourself!

Why not buy the whole collection of 6 St Ives street sign mugs (save ££s)?

St Ives Street Sign Mug - Fish Street, St Ives Cornwall