Dear Ipswich, I hope you are well.
Ipswich was a town that started as a small-town community, but eventually flourished into the city we know today. It began with a castle that was built in the 1600s but that was later demolished in the 1700s. Wool, Leatherwork, blacksmiths, butchers, and bakers were the important industries that created a flourishing shipbuilding industry in 13th-century Ipswich. The coastal trade to and from Ipswich thrived; it continued to grow and flourish. Even though the wool trade was now dead other industries continued to flourish.
As the old trades continued to break down new service industries replaced them among these were tourism. Throughout the 90s many places were founded and built that increased Ipswich’s population, as well as increasing their tourist population. The transport museum was founded, Orwell Bridge was built, and Sailmakers Shopping Centre was built. Ipswich TFC has been a major part of the community, after struggling for a few years they have worked their way back up to the premier bringing HUGE recognition to the town as well as bringing the whole of Ipswich together united with an unbreakable spirit on match days. (COYB!) The university was established in 2007 and is located on the stunning Ipswich waterfront bringing in a whole range of young adults.
Ipswich residents will know many attractions of Ipswich, such as Digby the octopus, that good old Ipswich knew would distract from the derelict building which has plans to be finally rebuilt. The Fat Lady statue is a main meeting point in the town. Just to clarify, this isn’t an actual old fat lady, you just may know it as the Giles statue.
The MAIN attractions have to be Christchurch Mansion, Portman Road and the waterfront is known as the nicest place in Ipswich. The waterfront makes for a fun night with lush views with unimaginable history behind it. Christchurch a Grade I building is located within Christchurch Park which is a beautiful and diverse park with yet again an amazing history. You can walk around and enjoy the squirrels, the water just the atmosphere or go explore the mansion built in 1547 and feel and explore the history behind the beautiful attractions.
Another attraction although be it a person is the one and only Ed Sheeran! He has been spotted pulling pre-match pints for fans at Portman Road, and handing out pies to fans; he is also an honorary member of the town squad with the number 17 shirt reserved for him, as well as doing many pop-up performances bringing needed energy to the community. The people of Ipswich love him, Ipswich loves him! Ipswich is also the home to many gorgeous parks that are always holding multicultural festivals that bring the whole of Ipswich together for a good time, but even when not holding these amazing festivals they are the home of beautiful views and beautiful trails to walk your dogs or go on walks or even for a yummy picnic! Although many people have something negative to say about Ipswich all these beautiful attractions take away from the negative and remind people that Ipswich is a beautiful place to live or just to visit.
What’s good? The cosy pubs! Every street you turn onto in the town there is a pub and I promise you could walk into any one of them and even on match days you will find a cosy warm feeling that accompanies you along with entering. You have St Lawrence Church which houses the oldest circle of church bells in the world. You also have a floating restaurant which is a 120-year-old Belgium gunboat.
You have a lofty heights academy that is helping young people reach their potential and grab the opportunities that Ipswich has ready for everyone. The best thing some people would say is the affordable housing both renting and buying accompanied alongside all these attractions you just cannot complain! If all of this hasn’t made you love Ipswich how I do then here are some fun facts for you!
- The actress who played Dot Cotton is Eastenders was born and raised in Ipswich! Who didn’t love Dot?
- A rare breed of Working horses originated in Ipswich.
- There are over 1,500 years of heritage here in Ipswich.
Now, if this hasn’t made you want to visit Ipswich then you need to come see for yourself but as a young adult, I can say it is a promising town with growing opportunities for young people.
Image credits – The Ipswich Society, Richard McRae, Sky News
Annabelle, Ellie, Marika, and Reece
