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Ispwich Leasing

Did You Know?

The Ipswich Arts Festival, known as ‘Ip-art’ or “Ipswich Entertains“, has been the town’s annual summer arts festival since 2003 and seen a developing and varied programme of events from visual arts, performing arts, literature, film and music, notably a free music day in Christchurch Park.

Ipswich has its fair share of famous former residents, but it’s not just Ed Sheeran locals associate with fame and fortune! Actor Ralph Fiennes was born in the city, who is well known for many films including Schindler’s List, Harry Potter, and In Bruges. Actor and director Richard Ayoade, known for many roles including Moss in the IT Crowd, was also from Ipswich, as well as Hunger Games actor Sam Claflin.

In addition to the Christchurch Mansion and Ancient House, Ipswich has some important cultural buildings, including the New Wolsey Theatre and the Regent Theatre – the largest theatre venue in East Anglia, where the Beatles performed in the 1960s, back when it was still known as the Gaumont.

The historic waterfront area in Ipswich is just 5 minutes down the road from our Suffolk University accommodation and is amidst a massive regeneration project, and has some exciting developments including bars, hotels and restaurants. It’s easy to get to on foot so it’s well worth taking a walk by the marina to see all the luxury boats, grab a bite and enjoy the views on a warm day.

Charles Dickens visited Ipswich several times, and used the town as a setting in his 1836 novel, The Pickwick Papers. Landmarks that feature in his work include Tavern Street's former Great White Horse Hotel, and St Clement's parish. Sudbury-born artist Thomas Gainsborough moved to Ipswich in the mid-18th century.

The port of 'Gippeswic' (old-English form of Ipswich) is founded with a small trading settlement during the Anglo-Saxon times, after the collapse of the Roman Empire. The name 'Gippeswic' comes from the name of the river, Gipping, and the Anglo-Saxon word wic meaning 'dwelling-place'.

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was born in Ipswich in 1475. He started his education at Ipswich School, before moving to Oxford’s Magdalen College School, and then to Magdalen College, Oxford. Famed as King Henry VIII’s right-hand man, Wolsey rose through the Church’s ranks to become Archbishop of York in 1514, and then a cardinal a year later.

The world’s first commercially available powered lawnmower was built in Ipswich. Produced in 1902 by agricultural machinery manufacturer Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, the machine was driven by an internal combustion engine.