Charter 825 update – April 2025

Easter has passed and summer is on its way. 825 years ago, the people of Ipswich would have been especially excited about what the summer months would bring.

By the end of June they had received their charter from King John. This gave the town’s citizens important freedoms to trade and govern themselves. Massive new opportunities opened up for them.

King John was not a good ruler. He had ulterior motives in giving Ipswich and a handful of other towns their Charters. A Charter meant he could gather funds directly from these towns and cut out his troublesome barons. And they were exceptionally troublesome! Civil was was never far away and France was actively hostile. Nevertheless, Ipswich began to thrive. It did not let politics or warfare get in the way of carving out its own destiny. Starting with successful trading partnerships with other European towns, it soon become prosperous.  The start of the 13th Century was particularly turbulent.

Things are much simpler in Ipswich nowadays! Let’s celebrate the ‘get up and go’ spirit of our ancestors 825 years ago, and follow their example. Let’s start thinking about how we, today’s citizens of Ipswich, can play an active part in making our town the best it can be for all who share with us.

Ambition. Drive. Aspiration. Optimism. Enthusiasm. Energy. These are Charter qualities. In the coming weeks and months, let’s see how we can use these qualities to collaborate on giving Ipswich a real boost – not just for this Festival year, but for the forseeable future.

And while we hatch these plans, let’s be creative at the same time. You can find details of how to contribute to the Charter Art and Poetry exhibitions in the Town Hall at the end of June, by going onto the Ipswich Minster website or emailing [email protected].

Who wrote this about Ipswich?

Miranda Acres

Miranda has been a Freelance Marketing and Design Consultant for more years than she cares to remember. Co-founder of the Ancient House project – breathing life back into one of Ipswich’s most iconic, heritage buildings and supporting small businesses. A passionate member of Ipswich.love. Born, bred and choosing Ipswich.