Historic Ipswich
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Ipswich from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Ipswich's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Ipswich's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
The Willis Building
Ipswich
The Willis Building of 1970-75, Ipswich, is listed at Grade I for the following principal reasons: Fitness for purpose: the building continues to...
Rushmere Hall School
Ipswich
Rushmere Hall School, Ipswich, a primary school of 1947-9 by Johns, Slater and Haward, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:...
Sprites Primary Academy, including entrance walls with sc…
Ipswich
Former infant and junior schools, designed in 1959 by Birkin Haward of Johns, Slater and Haward for the County Borough of Ipswich.
Mosaic mural at former department store of Ipswich Indust…
Ipswich
Mosaic mural at the former department store of the Ipswich Industrial Co-operative Society, designed by Gyula Bajó and Endre Hevezi and installed...
Church of St Pancras
Ipswich
Roman Catholic church built in 1860-1861 to the designs of George Goldie.
Former public air raid shelter and gas decontamination ce…
Ipswich
Former air raid shelter and gas decontamination centre, now known as Westbourne Library, built 1942 to the designs of the Borough Engineer E.
25 Elm Street
Ipswich
25 Elm Street is an early C19 house that incorporates earlier fabric from the C16. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church of St Mary at the Elms
Ipswich
Late C11 or early C12 in origin, with S door of this date. Late C15 or early C16 N aisle. W tower C16.
War Memorial at the Church of St John the Baptist Ipswich
Ipswich
The St John the Baptist War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: with the Grade II-listed Church of St John the...
Walls Enclosing Jews' Burial Ground
Ipswich
Boundary walls to Jewish cemetery, c1764 with later repairs. In use as a Jewish burial ground 1796-1855.
Church of St Matthew
Ipswich
Medieval in origin, with late C14 S arcade and C15 chancel, N arcade and W tower.
Church of St Helen
Ipswich
S porch and part of S nave wall C15. Transepts, chancel and part of nave N wall, 1848 to designs by William Pattisson.
Church of St Mary Le Tower
Ipswich
Church of medieval origins but largely rebuilt in the mid-C19. Designed by Richard Makilwaine Phipson. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church of the Holy Trinity
Ipswich
1835 by Frederick Harvey. Restoration in 1894-5 by E F Bisshopp when the chancel was added. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church of St Thomas
Ipswich
An Anglican church of 1937 designed in the Perpendicular tradition by N F Cachemaille-Day.
Historic Ipswich through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Ipswich
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Ipswich
View over Ipswich and St Stephen's, St Lawrence's, and St Mary's Churches, Ipswich, 1920
Ipswich
The town centre, Ipswich, 1938
Ipswich
The River Orwell and the town, Ipswich, 1930
Ipswich
Cliff Quay Power Station and Coal Yards, Ipswich, 1950
Ipswich
Wrinch & Sons Ltd Works, Ipswich, 1930
Priory Heath
The Crane Ltd Nacton Works, Priory Heath, 1953
Ipswich
Stoke Hill Station and area, Ipswich, 1920
Ipswich
The Eagle Steelworks, Ipswich, 1949
Ipswich
The Royal Agricultural Show, Ipswich, 1934
Ipswich
The Royal Agricultural Show, Ipswich, 1934
Historic England Archive images of Ipswich
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Ipswich's past.
Eric de Mare
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1956
Exterior view of a malt kiln at Paul's Maltings, subsequently a nightclub called Kartouche
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW OF WILDERNESS POND
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1900 - 1905
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING ENTRANCE TO ARBORETUM AND DRINKING FOUNTAIN
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1900 - 1906
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE DRINKING FOUNTAIN IN THE UPPER ARBORETUM
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1926 - 1931
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE DRINKING FOUNTAIN
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING GROVE ENTRANCE
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1900 - 1909
GENERAL VIEW OF THE POND
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1908 - 1913
GENERAL VIEW
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW OF OAKS IN THE PARK
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1900 - 1909
GENERAL VIEW FRONT ASPECT WITH MANSION IN BACKGROUND
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ipswich, Suffolk
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING CHRISTCHURCH MANSION AND ROUND POND
Stories about heritage in Ipswich
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Ipswich.
A Brief Introduction to Cabmen’s Shelters
Mentions Former Cabmen's Shelter West of Bolton Lane Entrance to Park
Discover the history of the small green cabmen's shelters in London that still serve the capital's taxi drivers
Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians
Mentions Ipswich, Area of Middle and Late Saxon town between Upper Brook Street and Upper Orwell Street
Explore the life and work of Aethelflaed, 'Lady of the Mercians'; an Anglo-Saxon ruler who built forts and towns and led armies against the Vikings.
5 Sites That Tell the Story of Early Anglo-Saxon England
Mentions Ipswich
Discover the amazing sites that tell us about the culture, beliefs and society of Anglo-Saxon England.
5 Historic Football Grounds in England
Mentions Ipswich
From pre-match pints to the highs and lows of end of season dramas, football has been entertaining and uniting people since the 19th century.
10 of England’s Best Post-War Buildings
Mentions Ipswich, The Willis Building
With their unusual shapes and lines, discover some of England’s most prominent post-war buildings
Historic England Acquires World-Class Collection Featuring Earliest and Finest Photographs of England
Mentions Ipswich
An important collection of some of the finest earliest landscape photography of England has been added to the Historic England Archive.
Historic Parks and Gardens Protected Thanks to the Suffolk's Unforgettable Garden Story Project
Mentions Ipswich
An exciting project to celebrate and protect historic Suffolk parks, gardens and landscapes is celebrating its successful completion.
New Funding to Uncover and Celebrate Working Class Heritage in the East of England
Mentions Ipswich
Historic England's Everyday Heritage Grant programme will reveal and celebrate fascinating untold stories from across the East of England and beyond.
Heritage at Risk in the East of England Revealed
Mentions Great White Horse Hotel, Ipswich
9 sites have been saved and 31 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023 in the East of England.
Heritage Schools Programme Launched in Ipswich
Mentions Ipswich
Historic England has launched its Heritage Schools programme in Ipswich with Suffolk Archives and The Hold, Ipswich.
Public Artworks Protected With New Listings
Mentions Ipswich
A tiled mural by Gyula Bajó and two murals by innovative sculptor William Mitchell in Stevenage and Birmingham have been listed at Grade II.
War Memorials Listed Ahead of Armistice Day
Mentions Ipswich
First World War memorials in England have been listed ahead of Armistice Day. Many of them also commemorate those lost during the Second World War.
Historic England Reveals its Heritage at Risk Register 2021
Mentions Unitarian Chapel, Ipswich
Historic England publishes its annual Heritage at Risk Register, the yearly health-check of England’s most valued historic places.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Tolly Cobbold Brewery, Ipswich, Suffolk
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This brewery was built in 1896 from William Bradford's design.
Tolly Cobbold Brewery, Ipswich, Suffolk
Sketchley, 3 Northgate Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This was formerly known as Northgate House. It is a large early 19th century building.
Sketchley, 3 Northgate Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Remains of Black Friars Priory, School Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
Here is the remains of Blackfriars priory. It was founded in 1263 on land gifted by Henry III.
Remains of Black Friars Priory, School Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Old Museum Rooms, 13 Museum Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The old Museum, opened in 1847 was designed by the local architect Christopher Fleury.
Old Museum Rooms, 13 Museum Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Odeon Cinema, Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
This Odeon cinema opened on 7th September 1936, closed in 1982, and was converted into a Mecca Bingo Hall after being a Top Rank Bingo Hall.
Odeon Cinema, Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk
Martyrs Memorial, Christchurch Park, Ipswich, Suffolk
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
This 'Protestant Martyrs' Memorial' was erected in 1903 to commemorate the nine Ipswich martyrs who were burnt at the stake for their Protestant...
Martyrs Memorial, Christchurch Park, Ipswich, Suffolk
Maltings, Felaw Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This is a good example of 19th century industrial architecture.
Maltings, Felaw Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Ipswich School, Henley Road, Ipswich, Suffolk
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The school was founded in 1400. The present building was built in 1852 to the designs of Christopher Fleury, an Ipswich architect.
Ipswich School, Henley Road, Ipswich, Suffolk
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House, Friars Street
a Grade 1 listed chapel of historical and architectural interest, built in 1699 and typical of those built by Protestant Dissenters.
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
