History
While the area around Ipswich was an important one during the Roman period, it wasn't until the Anglo Saxon period of the 7th and 8th century that the town took shape around what today is known as Ipswich Dock. During this time the area was an important port for North Sea trade and communication between East Anglia and the continent. The famous ship-burial at nearby Sutton Hoo is most likely the grave of King Rædwald. Ipwich was eventually granted its own town charter in 1200 by King John. In the centuries following this, the town became famed for its merchants.
Famous figures
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was born in Ipswich and remains one of the town's most well known historical figures. The famous painter, Thomas Gainsborough, lived and worked in Ipswich during the 18th century. In the 19th century Charles Dickens stayed in Ipswich and also used it for the setting of The Pickwick Papers. Lord Nelson also lived in Ipswich, after moving there with Lady Nelson in 1797.
Shopping
Contemporary Ipswich is a shopper's paradise. The Buttermarket Centre and Tower Ramparts Centre both offer a range of outlets, while St Peters and St Nicholas Street has an impressive selection of boutique shops, cafés and watering holes. Queen Street and Westgate Street are the place to go for big brands such as Debenhams, Next, H&M and TopShop.
The Waterfront
When the sun sets, Ipswich's Waterfront comes to life. The lights of the boats on the harbour water serve as a beautiful backdrop for strolls along the waterfront, before ducking in to one of the area's many bars and restaurants. There are also a number of river cruises available on the resident boats such as Sailing Barge Victor and the Orwell Lady.
Sutton Hoo
Arguably the most famous archaeological site in Britain, Sutton Hoo is the site of two 6th and 7th-century burial grounds. The wealth of Anglo Saxon artefacts, mainly held by the British Museum, are generally thought to be linked to the burial of King Rædwald, the ruler of the East Angles. The find was notable due to the sheer volume of preserved material that had been left relatively undisturbed. A visitor's centre on the site provides a detailed account of the history surrounding the discovery.
Museums and Galleries
Ipswich is home to a number of excellent museums detailing the heritage of the town. These include the wartime history of Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter Museum, The Ipswich Transport Museum, Norfolk And Suffolk Aviation Museum and the town's main museum, Ipswich Museum, which features a towering stuffed giraffe. In terms of galleries there is the Waterfront Gallery, the Town Hall Galleries and Ipswich Art School.
