St Ives (Cambs) Bible Dicing

Gambling isn’t something usually encouraged in church, but every year children roll their dice on a table in order to win a copy of the Good Book at All Saints Church in St Ives ( the Cambridgeshire St Ives, not the Cornish one). Dr Robert Wilde left money in his will to fund the charity back in 1675; tradition has it that the church bells guided him to safety after being lost in fog, so he bequeathed funds to buy land to produce an income for buying the Bibles. Bible Orchard  is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the church.The custom  takes place each Whit Tuesday, subject to school holidays etc and  3 local schools usually attend so the church is full of excited children!

Helpful Hints

In 2024 it should be on Tuesday 4th June.

As the event involves several organisations it can be tricky to schedule and dates are often confirmed close to the day; it isn’t a public event so anyone considering a visit is advised to contact the church first to check.

Click here for the church website: http://www.stivesparishchurch.org.uk/