IPSWICH HERITAGE OPEN DAYS · St-Mary-at-the-Quay The award winning former St mary at the Quay church is now a ‘wellbeing centre’ for Suﬀolk mInd. There will be a merchant adventurers

IPSWICH HERITAGEOPEN DAYSSEPTEMBER 2018

The Ipswich Society

This year, the national Trust, national coordinators of the event, arecelebrating england’s cultural heritage across two weekends inSeptember. The Ipswich Society is proud to once again coordinate ourlocal event in Ipswich on behalf of the town.

please check carefully the listing for each venue or event as openingtimes vary and not all venues will be open for both weekends.

The buildings listed represent seven centuries of our history and manyof those participating are not open to the public throughout the year,so here’s your chance! we have more than 30 buildings open in 2018,along with free guided walks around some of the town’s best locations.

you won’t go hungry - several buildings have refreshments on offer.There are independent cafes in the Saints and Blackfriars areas or youcould pack a picnic and make a day of it in one of our beautiful parks.

The Ipswich Society is grateful to all concerned for their participation. Ifyou’re visiting, please note that opening times were correct at the timeof going to press. If you are travelling any distance and hoping to see aspecific building you should check details in advance of your journey.

why not share your favourite place or better still, record your journeyabout the town on social media?

#HODIpswich2018

The heritage open days are a fantastic opportunityto discover Ipswich’s hidden heritage

Above: Christchurch Mansion, Christchurch Park Front cover: Mutual House, Princes Street, Illustration courtesy of IpswichBuilding Society and Steamboat Creative. www.steamboatcreative.co.uk

welcome To herITageopen dayS 2018

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St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Lane

Fabulous light and airy15th and 16th centurychurch better known asIpswich’s TouristInformation centre.

among the treasures inthe chancel is a splendidmonument to robertleman and his wife, mary,who died on the same dayin 1637.

Saturday 8th 9am-5pm

Saturday 15th 9am-5pm Walking tour 10.30am

Sunday 16th 10am-2pmWalking tour 10.30am

Unitarian Meeting House,Friars Street

Built in 1699 and one ofthe architectural gems ofIpswich. original boxpews, a magnificent pulpitcarved in the style ofgrinling gibbons, dutch17th century candelabraand a clock from an evenearlier date. Fine entrancedoors, one with a spyholefor use against visits fromopponents of non-conformist worshippers.

Saturday 15th 9am-5pmSunday 16th 12-4pm

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Willis Towers Watson,Friars Street

This iconic building is nowover 40 years old. Thearchitect norman Fosterhas been given credit forthe building, his ideas tohang a glass curtain walloutside and create largeopen plan office spaceswere revolutionary in theearly 1970s. architects Sirmichael hopkins andIpswich born Birkinhaward (junior) alsoworked on the project.This Ipswich landmark isworth a visit. guided tourswill lead you to the hiddenswimming pool, one of theoffice floors as well as theroof garden, whererefreshments are availablefrom the restaurant.

Saturday 15th 10am-3pmSunday 16th 11am-4pm

Willis Towers Watson

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3-5 Silent Street

The former book shop is agrade II*, late medieval(probably early 16thcentury) timber framedand plastered building withjettied upper storey andexposed timber framing. Itis thought that 3 SilentStreet originally formedpart of curson lodge, aninn or guest house used toaccommodate theentourage of high statusvisitors to Sir robertcurson’s house which wasopposite (now lost). Thebuilding retains exposedand carved timber beams.


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Ipswich Building Society,Mutual House, Princes St

Built in 1901 and designedby prominent localarchitect Thomas cotman.This building wasoriginally constructed asthe Ipswich branch ofparrs Bank and is nowoccupied by IpswichBuilding Society. Visitorswill be able to see theexposed ceiling restoredto its former glory andtake a peak into thebasement at the bankvault, coal cellar and nightsafe.

Saturday 15th 9am-5pm Sunday 16th 10am-3pm6

Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road

Built 1851 in theelizabethan style, in redbrick. The porch entranceis a reproduction ofwolsey's gate in collegeStreet and the towerresembles Tom Tower atchrist church, oxford.The chapel has Victorianstained-glass windowsand a library stained glasswindows by John piper.

For tours - meet in Receptionoff Henley Road. Leave towncentre via High Street orFonnereau Road.

Saturday 15th 9am-12pmTours at 9, 10 and 11am

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Ipswich Museum, High Street

a real treasure house,with the Victorian naturalhistory gallery (come andsay hello to rosie therhino and wool-I-am themammoth) and a host ofother curiosities fromaround the world. Followthe Ipswich Story aroundthe walls of the gallery ortravel back to ancientegypt.


Saturday 15th 10am-5pm Tour 12pmSunday 16th 11am-5pmTour 2pm

Above left: Ipswich SchoolBelow: Ipswich Museum

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Christchurch Mansion,Christchurch Park

Some would say the jewelin Ipswich’s crown … a16th century mansionwith rooms furnishedfrom Tudor to Victorianperiods. Its wolsey artgallery houses the mostsignificant collection ofconstables outsidelondon. Short toursavailable. christchurchmansion also has acharming café and a shop.


Saturday 15th 10am-5pm Tour 11am Sunday 16th 11am-5pmTour 2pm

Please book a tour placeby calling 01473 433961

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St Margaret’s Church, Soane Street

a fine medieval church intown dating from 1300with the tower addedc.1400 and other parts in1450. donations fromwealthy benefactors overthe years have made Stmargaret’s fascinating,with numerous interestingartefacts. The c15 doublehammer beam roof,decorated in 1695, is thecrowning glory.

Sunday 16th 1-5pm Tours 2pm 3pm and 4pm

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Freemasons Hall, 8-10 Soane Street

The masonic hall wascompleted in 1870 andupdated in 1911 byarchitect george henryBetram gould. In the1970s it was extended toincorporate number 8.The main items of interestare the Temple, diningroom and foyer. TheTemple, in particular,contains many items ofmasonic interest.

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th9.30am-4.30pm

Left: Freemasons Hall

Oddfellows Hall,37 High Street

established in Ipswich in1843 coinciding with anintense period ofdevelopment in Ipswich.as new businesses andworkers came to thetown, membership of Theoddfellows expanded.many new lodges wereestablished in Ipswich andthe surrounding townsand villages. By 1890there were at least 13lodges within the district. In 1896 the first women’slodge in Ipswich wasopened. The oddfellowsare just as relevant today.refreshments andactivities for children(of all ages).

Saturday 15th 10am-4pm Sunday 16th 10am-2pm

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Bethesda Baptist Church,9 St Margaret’s Plain

a classical style buildingby the architect F gFaunch. opened in 1913,it seats 800 and has asplendid gallery on threesides providing the bestview of the interior.


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Pykenham Gatehouse,Northgate Street

a rare opportunity to visitone of the earliestdomestic buildings inIpswich. It has seen thecomings and goings ofsome 20 generations ofIpswich people, at firstthrough the north gateand along the street withthe brook, and morerecently past the imposinglibrary built opposite itduring the last century. on Sunday 16th between10am and 11am and againbetween 2pm and 3pm,you will be able to seeem, the Tudor player andexperience music, songand dance you may haveheard in 16th centuryIpswich

Saturday 15th andSunday 16th 10am-4pm

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Admiral’s House, Tower Street

probably built in the reignof charles II (1660-1685)with a later georgianfront. The interior is adelightful mix ofarchitectural styles. oncethe home of admiralBenjamin page, it wasvisited by wellington in1820, so it’s about timeyou did too! It nowhouses the IpswichInstitute members’restaurant, coffee lounge(refreshments available)and lecture rooms.


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The Ipswich Art Gallery, High Street

Ipswich art gallery showsexhibitions ofinternational importanceand provides a uniquestage to showcase theregion's artistic talents.Ipswich art Societypresents open call 2018celebrating more than 50years of the anna airyaward and displayingworks by past winners. There will be craft arttables, who knows, maybeyou will be a future annaairy award winner!


Right: Pykenham GatehouseDrawing courtesy of Heather Ling

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Blackfriars,Foundation Street

walk in the footsteps ofdominican Friars betweentheir remaining low wallsof septarian stone. Findthe marine worm borings(geologists will be there tohelp) that give clues towhere this ‘harwichStone’ was obtained.

Sunday 16th 10am-4pm

Above: The Old BellLeft: The Ipswich Institute

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Ipswich Institute andLibrary, Tavern Street

Founded in 1824 by drgeorge Birbeck, TheIpswich mechanic’sInstitution moved into theformer chemist shop at 15Tavern Street in 1834. Thishidden oasis of culturaland architectural heritageincludes a popularindependent library in alight airy barrel-vaultedhall, dating from 1876.



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R Gwinnell & Sons, The Old Bell, Stoke Street

probably the oldesthostelry in Ipswich and saidto have sold beers for atleast 500 years. It ceasedtrading as a pub in about2006 and lay derelict for 10years. The property wasbought at auction by itspresent owner whosympathetically renovatedmuch of the building. nowa funeral directors, withchapel of rest andmortuary. r gwinnell &Sons are planning torenovate the first floorwhich we hope will beopen for heritage opendays next year.


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Quay Place, St-Mary-at-the-Quay

The award winning formerSt mary at the Quaychurch is now a ‘wellbeingcentre’ for Suffolk mInd.There will be a merchantadventurers heritagedressing up box and photobooth, a knot and ropedisplay telling the story ofrope walks and theevolving knots used inbuilding, agriculture andmaritime life. a play tableto encourage storytellingabout the wharfs andquays on the waterfront.

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th 11am-4pm

Buildings list

1 St Stephen’s church

2 Unitarian meeting house

3 willis Towers watson

4 3-5 Silent Street

5 Ipswich museum

6 Ipswich School

7 Ipswich Building Society

8 oddfellows hall

9 christchurch mansion

10 Freemasons hall

11 St margaret’s church

12 Bethesda Baptist church

13 pykenham gatehouse

14 admiral’s house

15 The Ipswich art gallery

16 Ipswich Institute & library

17 r gwinnel and Sons, The old Bell

18 Blackfriars

19 Quay place

20 Tooley’s court

21 Fore Street pool

22 St clements church

23 Isaac lord

24 old custom house

25 Suffolk records office

26 St mary-at-Stoke church

27 St peter’s church

28 gippeswyk hall

29 Broomhill Swimming pool

30 Broomhill library

31 castle hill community centre

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Isaac Lord (MachineRoom and the Brewery),Wherry Quay

a series of grade I andgrade II listed buildings, alate 15th – 16th centurymerchant’s house withwarehouses, it is now awaterside venue andcoffee tavern. The maltkiln is a rare example ofan 18th century handmalting concern. Themachine room has beenrestored and the breweryis an excellent example oflocal craftsmanship. Isaac’s (coffee shop and pub):Open all weekend. For tours,meet in Isaac’s Griddle area.

Sunday 16thTours: 10am, 11am & 12pm

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Fore Street Pool,Fore Street

an elegant Victoriandesign with a clearstoryglass roof. officiallyopened in 1894 by themayor of Ipswich Samuelanness. The first year sawover 42,000 people usethe facility. Thepopulation of Ipswich wasonly 57,000 at the time.Fore Street currently rankswithin the top 20 ofhistoric operational poolsin the country.


Above right: Tooley’s CourtRight: Fore Street Pool

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Tooley’s Court, Foundation Street

'Let gentle Smart sleep onin pious trust, Behold hisCharity, respect his dust'Behold his charity indeed,for it is the Foundation ofthese almshouses thatwilliam Smart, togetherwith a legacy from henryTooley and other Tudormerchants left to thetown. Tooley died in 1550and the almshouses werebegun, aided by Smart’sbequest in 1598.


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St Clement’s Church, St Clement’s Church Lane

Built mainly in the 14th andearly 15th centuries, thishandsome church wasknown as the ‘sailorschurch’. The walls and theelegant tower reveal theattractions of dark knappedflintwork. The roof wasrefurbished after a fire in1996. now developing asan arts centre.


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St Mary-at-Stoke Church,Stoke Street

parts of this lovelymedieval Ipswich churchdate from the 14thcentury, which, until therailway arrived in 1846,served the small hamletof Stoke, with its singleaisle and box pewsoffering 100 seats. withthe increase in the parishpopulation an extensionwas designed by williamButterfield, aninternationally acclaimedarchitect of the Victorianera. he designedhundreds of notablebuildings, St mary’s wasthe only one in Ipswich toreceive his midas touch.In april 2004, the churchwas re-classified as agrade 1 listed Building.one of just two suchchurches in Ipswich. Thisplaces St mary’s in a veryspecial category alongsidechristchurch mansion,wolsey’s gateway and Theancient house. guideswill be on hand at mosttimes and historic guidebooklets are available.

Saturday 8th 9am-4pmSunday 9th 12-4pm

Above left:St Mary-at-StokeLeft: The Old Custom House

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Old Custom House, Key Street

Built 1844/5 by architectJohn medland clark usinga polychromic techniqueof red brick with whitebrick quoins. The groundfloor included a bondedwarehouse which hasbeen converted into thewaterfront conferencecentre. Staffed by Ipswichmaritime Trust. ground floor open only.



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Suffolk Records Office,Gatacre Road

come and see the plansand the model of the newrecords office 'The hold'to be located on theUniversity's waterfrontcampus. on Saturday 8thyou can see the plans ofIpswich buildings,designed by the architectscautley and Barefoot. learn how to undertakeyour property historyresearch using the recordoffice's collections. onSaturday 15th join abehind the scenes tour ofIpswich record office. anational lottery grant of£10.3m was awarded bythe heritage lottery Fundto create a flagshipheritage centre for Suffolk.

Saturday 8th 10am-1pm Cautley and Barefootarchitects exhibit.

Saturday 15th 10am-4pmTours at 10am, 10.30am,11am and 11.30am

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St Peter’s Church, College Street

with historical displaysabout the church fromthe 12th century to thepresent day and home tothe Ipswich charterhangings, depictingIpswich through the ages.St peter’s also houses arare Tournai marble font,a magnificent eastwindow and manyarchitectural features.Information about thebuilding, parish and townwill be on display withadditional informationprovided by the overStoke history group.whilst visiting St peter’syou should also have alook at wolsey’s gate incollege Street. This is thesole remaining part of hisdream for a college inIpswich.



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Broomhill SwimmingPool, Sherrington Road

one of 14 grade II listedlidos left in england. Thelido operated for 64 yearsbefore closing in 2002.The pool has the lastknown wicksteed divingstage in the country.Fusion lifestyle’s heritagelottery Fund bid for it’srenovation was successfulin securing a full grant of£3.4 million. The projectplan includes a fitnesssuite, terrace café andheritage rooms, andindicates a mid-2020reopening.


Gippeswyk Hall

Gippeswyk Hall, (Red Rose Chain)The Avenue Theatre

The heritage lottery Fundsupported the red rosechain in their quest for anew venue behind thegrade II* listed Tudorgippeswyk hall. The newbuilding was Inspired bythe kind of barn structurewhich might have oncestood there, and you areinvited to join tours of thisleading arts and heritagevenue throughout theday.

afternoon tea is availablefrom the café.

on Saturday you will alsobe able to see em, a Tudorplayer. experience music,song and dance as youmay have heard it in 16thcentury Ipswich


TUDOR PLAyeRlook out for em, the Tudor player to experience music, songand dance as you may have seen and heard it in 16th centuryIpswich. learn some dances from the period, enjoy the musicand find out more about the life of a travelling player. emmamordue performs as part of The Kentwell players, at the greatTudor re-creations at Kentwell hall, as well as at events andworkshops up and down the country.On Saturday 15th em can be found at Gippeswyk Hall, (RedRose Chain). On Sunday 16th em will be around the towncentre and at Pykenham’s Gate House at 10-11am & 2-3 pm.

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Castle Hill CommunityCentre, Highfield Road

originally an eightbedroom gentleman’sresidence, built in 1893 byhenry orford on the siteof a roman villa.

The house was gifted toeast Suffolk countycouncil in 1947 by thefarmer george Jenningswho had brought theproperty in 1911 from theorford’s estate.

The house has been manythings to many peopleover the years including adoctor’s surgery and aschool. Today the Buildingis managed by castle hillcommunity centre Img acommunity basedorganisation.


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Broomhill Library,Sherrington Road

awarded a grade II listingin november 2012. Theunique group value of the‘Broomhill twins’ furtherstrengthens the 70 yearbond between the library(built 1942) and Broomhillpool (built 1938). Bothdesigned by county-Borough of Ipswichengineer, e. mclauchlan.Built as a ww2bomb-proofdecontamination unit andpublic shelter, it wasconverted for a morepeaceful purpose in 1948,and has served as publiclibrary ever since. locatedin beautiful Broomhillpark purchased by thecounty-Borough in 1925.



gUIdedwalKSenhance yourenjoyment of theheritage open daysweekend and takeadvantage of the freewalks provided byIpswich Tourist guides.

FRee GUIDeD WALKSWITH IPSWICHTOURIST GUIDeSat 10.30am on Saturday 15th andSunday 16th a 90-minute walkingtour of Ipswich’sarchitectural andhistorical heritage. addan extra dimension tothe heritage open daysweekend by joining oneof the free town walks,led by Ipswich Touristguides. The walks leavefrom the TouristInformation centre at StStephen’s churchpassing many of thebuildings listed in thisguide.

Contact Ipswich TouristInformation CentreTelephone: 01473 258070 email:[email protected]

Broomhill Swimming Pool

Take a free trip back in time by travelling between destinations on an Ipswich Transportmuseum veteran bus accompanied by a tour guide. The heritage bus will depart fromthe custom house every 60 minutes. Timings are approximate - Saturday service only.every effort will be made to maintain the timetable but please remember that we areusing one of our historic buses.

noTe: The service will be provided by a heritage vehicle from theIpswich Transport museum. It may not be possible to accommodatemobility impaired passengers. wheelchairs, buggies etc. must befolded and stowed in the luggage compartment. please signal thebus clearly at any recognised bus stop en route.

For further information on Ipswich Transport Museum visitwww.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk

IpSwIch TranSporT mUSeUm BUS SaTUrday 15Th only

1 custom house, waterfront 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30

2 Bolton lane 10.35 11.35 12.35 13.35 14.35 15.35

3 Sherrington road, Broomhill pool 10.47 11.47 12.47 13.47 14.47 15.47

4 henley road, Ipswich School 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 15.00 16.00

5 high Street 11.02 12.02 13.02 14.02 15.05 16.02

6 museum Street 11.04 12.04 13.04 14.04 15.04 16.04

7 princes Street 11.05 12.05 13.05 14.05 15.05 16.05

8 return to custom house 11.15 12.15 13.15 14.15 15.15 16.15

If you enjoyed Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited towntoday, its heritage and its architecture, why not return for aguided tour, a river trip or to explore our parks, museums andhistoric waterfront.

The Tourist Information Centre in St Stephen’s Church hasplenty of ideas for a grand day out in and around Ipswich.

Contact them on 01473 258 070 or [email protected]

The IpSwIch SocIeTyThe Ipswich Society was founded in 1960 and campaigns to preserve the bestof the town’s old buildings and to ensure new building is of similar quality.

Society members enjoy a series of winter lectures on subjects about, oraffecting Ipswich and its environs and a programme of Summer outings.members also receive a quarterly newsletter.

The Society monitors planning applications and comments on those which willhave a noticeable impact on the town. members attend Ipswich Boroughcouncil’s conservation and design panel. comments are made on regional,county and local planning documents, including the development plan. It alsocontributes to debates on local transport strategy and the balance betweenpublic transport and the alternatives.

The Society is for individuals, families and corporate organisations who careabout the appearance, character and well being of Ipswich. If you would like tojoin please use the form below.

www.ipswichsociety.org.uk

facebook/ipswichsociety

I/we* wish to join The Ipswich Society as an individual/family* member and enclosea cheque for £10/£15* as first annual subscription.If you join during heritage open days weekend membership will continue until theend of 2019.name

address

postcode email

Signature date

*pleaSe deleTe aS approprIaTe cheques are payable to The Ipswich Society and should be sent, together with the form, to The membership Secretary, The Ipswich Society, 32 cowper Street, Ipswich Ip4 5JB

The Ipswich Society

Autumn Exhibition12 - 24OCTOBER

2018RIBA Suffolk are pleasedto announce an Exhibitionof Architecture to be hostedin collaboration with theIpswich Society and theUniversity of Suffolk.

Hosted at the UniHosted at the University of Suffolk WaterfrontBuilding in Ipswich theexhibition will showcasethe work of local RIBAChartered Practices inSuffolk.

WWe will also be highlightingprevious exemplaryprojects which have wonthe annual RIBA SuffolkDesign Award, promotingthe RIBA Suffolk DesignReview Panel as well asexhibiting entries for theexhibiting entries for thenewly established StudentDesign Competition.

www.ribasuffolk.com

riba_suffolk

@riba_suffolk

Documents

IPSWICH HERITAGE OPEN DAYS · St-Mary-at-the-Quay The award winning former St mary at the Quay church is now a ‘wellbeing centre’ for Suﬀolk mInd. There will be a merchant adventurers