Ipswich Thomas Wolsey themed project evaluates progress

The grants went to a variety of groups including The Saints CIC who organised a historical event featuring food and craft stalls and Together for Ipswich who provide support for migrants and refugees.

Black and White Productions used the grant to put on a play about Wolsey while Ipswich Choral Society performed a concert in Christchurch Park.

According to an evaluation report which has been released along with a short film over the last 18 months the Thomas Wolsey 550 project has also worked with 10 secondary schools and 25 primary schools 75% of schools in the town involving 6,372 pupils.

Children enjoying the Wolsey 550 parade through Ipswich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND) The project has delivered 110 events which have included heritage walks a talk about sex in Tudor times a parade involving 350 primary school pupils and given hundreds of secondary school pupils an insight in to careers in different sectors that are represented in Ipswich.

Working with Suffolk Archives an exhibition was held at The Hold in Fore Street entitled ‘Wolsey’s Ipswich’ which displayed a range of objects including a hat once worn by Wolsey and publicity materials about a 1930s pageant about the cardinal. 

A touring version of the exhibition visited large local public event as well as the Latitude festival.

Participants at the Wolsey 550 parade through Ipswich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND) The project was the brainchild of Ipswich Central the Business Improvement District (BID) for Ipswich town centre who worked with local councils, businesses and colleges and the University of Suffolk to get the project off the ground.

A £2million grant from Suffolk County Council has allowed the project to continue until March 2025.

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central said: "This project has given us a rich insight into the perceptions our audience holds about Ipswich, what aspects of our heritage are truly valued, and what local people think can be improved."