30 iconic and historic Ipswich buildings to be opened to the public

Buildings that can be explored include the black glass Willis Building and the 15th Century Ancient House

The 15th Century Ancient House
Author: Sian RochePublished 4th Sep 2023

Around 30 of the most iconic and historic buildings in Ipswich are set to open to the public this month.

It's part of the Heritage Open Days scheme, which is running from 9 and 10 September, with some venues open on 16 and 17 September.

Coordinated by The Ipswich Society, buildings representing seven centuries of Ipswich history will be open to the public, with several also offering refreshments to visitors.

Buildings that can be explored include the iconic black glass Willis Building designed by Sir Norman Foster, the 15th Century Ancient House and the recently refurbished St Stephen’s Church, which has been transformed into a music venue.

The Ipswich Society will also be running open day talks and guided walks around the town to help residents and visitors to discover more about the history of Ipswich.

People will also be able to follow in the footsteps of Thomas Wolsey to explore Tudor buildings which are home to the town’s independent shops and public houses in the Saints area of Ipswich.

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader says: “Heritage Open Day events offer a chance for Ipswich residents and visitors to explore the buildings that are normally closed to the public in our town.

"With many buildings of architectural importance offering a rare opportunity to venture inside, it’s a fantastic opportunity to discover more about the rich heritage these buildings have to offer."

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