Twelve things you didn’t know about Ipswich

Twelve things you didn’t know about Ipswich

How well do you know Ipswich? Sarah Patten explores some lesser-known facts about the Gateway to Suffolk 

As county towns go, Ipswich has a lot going for it. Steeped in history, it boasts ancient buildings, medieval churches, and an enviable heritage.

Steeped in history, it boasts ancient buildings, mediaeval churches, and an enviable heritage.  

Combine this with modern attractions, a vibrant culture, a bustling port, and proximity to some of the East’s most stunning countryside – and it is truly a town to be proud of.

But how well do you really know Ipswich? From ancient bells to lawnmowers, here are some facts about the town that may just surprise you.

1. Clerical connection

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.

2. Doing the rounds

St Lawrence Church, Ipswich, houses the oldest circle of church bells in the world. Known locally as Wolsey’s Bells, they were cast in the 15th century – meaning their sonorous chimes would have been heard by the young Cardinal himself.

3. Cutting it fine

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.

4. On the rails

In a further display of engineering prowess, Ipswich’s Ransomes and Rapier constructed China’s first railway. The Woosung Road, which opened in 1876, carried passenger trains through the city of Shanghai until its dismantling by the Chinese just a year later.

Two successful England's football managers, Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson, have both managed Ipswich Town FC.  

5. Voyage’s end

St Clement’s churchyard, Ipswich, is the final resting place of naval architect Sir Thomas Slade. Most famous for designing HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, Slade has also lent his name to a stretch of Australia’s Queensland coast.

6. Admirable Admiral

On the subject of Lord Nelson, the Admiral himself was appointed High Steward of Ipswich from 1800 to 1805. He numbers among only 24 men to have held the office since 1557.

7. On the ball

Two successful England’s football managers, Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson, have both managed Ipswich Town FC.

Under Ramsey’s stewardship from 1955 to 1963, the club rose from the third to the top division – defying the odds to become 1961-62 Football League Champions. Robson, too, led Ipswich Town to some significant victories during his 13-year tenure. These include beating Arsenal to win the 1978 FA Cup, and claiming the UEFA Cup just three years later.

8. Novel location

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.

9. Artist’s retreat

Sudbury-born artist Thomas Gainsborough moved to Ipswich in the mid-18th century. While living in the town he earned a living through portraiture, but also created a landscape of the reservoirs at Holywell Park.

10. Making the grade

In 1991 Ipswich’s Willis Building, designed by Norman Foster in the 1970s, became the UK’s youngest Grade I listed building. It retained this accolade until 2011, when London’s Lloyd’s building obtained the prestigious listing status at just 25 years old.

The Willis Building in Ipswich is one of the earliest buildings designed by Foster Associates.

Constructed between 1970 and 1975 for the insurance firm now known as Willis Towers Watson, it is now seen as a landmark in the development of the 'high tech' architectural style.

 

11. The mother of all cookery writers

Before Delia Smith or Mary Berry, even before Mrs Beeton, it was an Ipswich-raised girl who invented the modern genre of cookery writing. Eliza Acton published her "Modern Cookery for Private Families" in 1845. It remained in print for over a century. Delia Smith described Acton as "the best writer of recipes in the English language".

12. Local flavour

Historically, Ipswich and the surrounding area have housed the largest malt industry in the country. It played a particularly important role in the 18th and 19th centuries, when Ipswich sprung to prominence as a major manufacturing centre.”

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like:
How do you choose the best recruitment agency for you?
The top 10 email mistakes to avoid

 

Published: 8 May 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

New job
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.25 - £13.07 per hour
Location: Snetterton
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913715
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based near Snetterton, to recruit a Warehouse Operative on a permanent basis to their long-standing team.

The key purpose of this role is to ensure that all items are correctly received and packed to meet company requirements.

Duties include:

  • Operating MHE safely and effectively according to requirements
  • Unloading goods-in
  • Checking in goods
  • Putting away products, keeping the warehouse tidy
  • Picking products as per order requirements
  • Checking orders, ensuring accuracy
  • Packing orders to ensure safety in delivery
  • Loading deliveries
  • Undertaking any other duties as may be required
  • Using WMS

Key skills required:

  • Good level of numeracy and literacy
  • Basic PC skills
  • Knowledge of company's health and safety policy
  • Housekeeping awareness
  • Qualifications to operate Bendi/Flexi
  • Physically active

Please note that this is a very manual-based role; you will need to be able to lift heavy items safely.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This is a great opportunity to join a friendly team.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913714
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

This role will involve working closely with Account Managers on new developments, handling samples of new products and sending them to the client for approval.

Duties will include:

  • Liaising with design to generate new artwork and amend existing artwork correctly
  • Liaising with purchasing at UK and international sites to obtain pricing and sampling quotations, and updating the CRM/Creator system accordingly
  • Handling customer enquiries and complaints efficiently and resolving them to a successful resolution
  • Producing periodic reports when required for the Account Manager and the client
  • Monitoring stock usage of certain products and taking ownership for ordering stock within company guidelines
  • Setting up brand manuals to include order forms, procedures, item references and prices
  • Keeping department code lists and size charts up-to-date
  • Liaising with the international sites regarding customer and retailer enquiries in regard to the production and dispatch of products
  • Keeping the CRM/Creator updated with all relevant artwork required for each brand
  • Assisting order processing as and when required, paying attention to detail

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Read more
New job
Counterbalance Forklift Driver
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.70 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-CFD-0725
About the role

Just Temps seeks an experienced Counterbalance Forklift Driver looking for a fresh start with a company in Halstead, Essex, that values hard work and reliability. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What’s in it for you?

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build a long-term career. Starting on a temporary basis, this role offers the genuine opportunity to go permanent. You'll be joining a close-knit team within a growing business where your efforts are recognised and rewarded.

About the role:

  • Operating a Counterbalance forklift safely and efficiently
  • Loading and unloading deliveries
  • Moving stock within the warehouse
  • Supporting the wider warehouse team with general duties
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday
  • 6.00am to 2.00pm
  • Weekly pay
  • Ongoing support and progression opportunities

What we’re looking for:

  • A valid Counterbalance forklift licence
  • Previous warehouse or forklift experience
  • A strong work ethic and a team-player mindset
  • Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail

This is a fantastic opportunity to secure stable, long-term work with the potential to grow within the company.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913713
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Procurement Manager to join their growing team.

About the role:

  • The primary purpose of this role is to lead the procurement function in delivering greater strategic and operational value, supporting the achievement of key business objectives.
  • This is a hands-on, strategic and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.
  • You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to shape and implement a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals across quality, cost, sustainability and risk management. This role is pivotal in maintaining robust and value-driven supplier relationships while enabling continuous improvement in all procurement activities.
  • You will also oversee raw material planning and call-offs, ensuring that the business maintains the right balance between availability and inventory control — essential for production continuity and working capital efficiency.
  • This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.

Key duties include:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, operational needs and sustainability goals.
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories to ensure quality, continuity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and other departments to align procurement with broader supply chain goals and business plans.
  • Contribute to the company’s sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing commitments through strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, indirect goods and services, and CAPEX items, ensuring optimal quality, cost and delivery performance.
  • Manage tendering processes, contract negotiation and supplier onboarding activities.
  • Ensure the ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
  • Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, savings and supplier performance metrics.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
  • Identify and assess risks within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team to achieve high levels of engagement, performance and professional growth.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
  • Support the wider Supply Chain team by contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects.
  • Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, financial controls and ethical standards.
  • Support internal and external audits with relevant documentation and compliance reporting.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives and embed best practices across the procurement function.
  • Build and nurture key working relationships with Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams, Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change within a business — offering a great working environment.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm — although some flexibility is required.

Please note that due to the location of the business, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Production Operative
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Hadleigh
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAD-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is excited to be supporting a fantastic company based in Hadleigh, assisting with the search for dedicated Production Operatives to join their friendly and fast-paced team.

This is an immediate start, temp-to-perm opportunity role!

You will be working in a clean, well-organised working environment, and full training will be provided — no previous experience required.

This role involves:

  • Manual production work
  • Standing on your feet and using your hands for the majority of the shift
  • Supporting day-to-day operations on the production line
  • Following health & safety procedures at all times

What we’re looking for:

  • A strong work ethic and attention to detail
  • Reliability and punctuality are essential
  • Own transport – the site is not accessible by public transport
  • Safety shoes and long workwear are required

If you're ready to start immediately and want to be part of a stable, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends
  • Overtime

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Production Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-BRA-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is working with a respected manufacturing business based near Braintree to help them look for a reliable and motivated Production Operative to join their specialist production team.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Hours: Day shift, Monday to Friday, 38 hours per week.

Why this role?

This is a hands-on role and a great opportunity to be part of a highly skilled and collaborative team that works in a modern, clean, and controlled environment. You’ll be working with precision-manufactured products, contributing to a business that’s been going strong for decades, and if all goes well, this could become a long-term position.

What’s in it for you?

  • Eligible for a generous annual bonus (typically around 10%). Discretionary and not guaranteed
  • Full training provided
  • Clean and safe working conditions
  • Daytime working hours – keep your evenings free

What will you be doing?

You’ll be based in a specialised area. Typical tasks will include:

  • Polishing and finishing high-quality components
  • Preparing moulds and applying coatings
  • Carefully mixing and pouring resins using vacuum systems
  • Assembling parts and preparing them for final inspection
  • Maintaining a clean and tidy workspace, wearing full PPE

Who we’re looking for:
We need someone who is:

  • Practical, hands-on, and detail-oriented
  • Comfortable working with materials like resins and glues
  • Flexible and willing to learn new tasks within the department
  • Committed to health & safety and quality standards
  • Own transport is essential due to the location

Previous manufacturing or cleanroom experience is a bonus, but not essential – just bring a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more