The history of the “Rheola Panels” came to the attention of the St Ives Civic Society in early October 2025, following an alert from a local resident. It was reported that the Rheola Care Home, scheduled for imminent demolition, may still contain historic oak panels believed to have been crafted in the eighteenth century.

The resident’s father, Gordon Reeson, previously a Borough Surveyor, saved four oak panels from destruction years ago and gave them to his son. This prompted research into the panels’ history and whether any were still in Rheola. The Victorian building, Rheola, was demolished in October 2025.

The resident’s research into the history of the panels placed particular emphasis on the 1930 reference guide authored by John Skeeles, a St Ives native, titled “Notes on the History of St Ives from 1796 with some excursions beyond the parish boundaries and the earliest date named.” The following excerpt from this guide is relevant to the panels.

So, it appears that the panels originated from an Elizabethan House in St Ives, which was demolished in 1827 to accommodate the construction of a new Post Office. The oak panelling from an upper room was subsequently removed and sold to Mr. G. D. Day, after which it is believed to have been installed at his residence, “Rheola.”

The Civic Society passed these findings to the St Ives Norris Museum, which provided additional relevant information regarding the history of the panels. According to records, Mr. George Dennis Day, proprietor of Rheola, passed away in 1948, following which the property was sold. By 1960, the building had been converted into a care home. A search of the Norris Museum archives yielded two wonderful photographs of Rheola’s interior that clearly depict the oak panels (see below).

Above is a photo of two panels belonging to the resident which can be seen on either side of the panelled wooden fire surround in the Norris Museum photo on the left side.

Above is a photo of a panel which can be seen in the Norris Museum’s photo above as part of a frieze above the room’s ordinary fielded panels.

Suspecting a link between the panels and the Huguenots, the Norris Museum reached out to the Huguenot Museum in Kent. This museum showcases the stories of Britain’s early refugees, highlighting their crafts, trades, skills, and the significant impact they’ve had on the country’s progress. We are curious if the Huguenot Museum will uncover more about the history of these remarkable oak panels and will share any new details we learn here on the St Ives Civic Society website.