The Thomas Wolsey 550 project, managed by a partnership between Ipswich Borough Council, Ipswich Central, and Suffolk Archives, has received a grant of £249,975 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project’s first ‘public engagement’ phase.

Made possible by National Lottery players, this exciting 550 day public programme of events and activities which launches now, will increase social mobility across Ipswich communities, and help build a sense of pride in our town by engaging people with local heritage in new ways.

The free summer exhibition at The Hold forms a key part of the 18 month public engagement project. 'Wolsey's Ipswich' will unearth a story of ambition, aspiration, and the ability for anyone to succeed.

Suitable for all ages, come and explore the complex and inspiring story of Ipswich’s most famous son from 14 July.

Thomas Wolsey was born and educated in Ipswich. The son of a tradesman, he enjoyed a meteoric rise, against the odds, which took him to the most powerful position within the King’s Court as Cardinal and Lord Chancellor and the Pope’s representative in England.

By 1526, Thomas Wolsey’s journey, together with his new-found papal influence, led him back to Ipswich where he founded his ‘Cardinal College’, situated on the site of the former Augustinian priory of St Peter and St Paul. He intended it to feed its best pupils in to Oxford University where he, himself, was educated at the age of 15. Unfortunately Wolsey fell from power and died before his Ipswich college was established, and it was largely dismantled by Henry VIII.

Emily Shepperson, Exhibition and Interpretation Officer at Suffolk Archives said: “We are delighted that thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund we can get this fantastic plan underway alongside our project partners. The Wolsey’s Ipswich exhibition and events programme at The Hold this summer will be an excellent opportunity to bring together unique items from museums and collections across the country to explore the inspiring story of Thomas Wolsey in his hometown. As part of Suffolk County Council, we look forward to helping to build a sense of aspiration for our local young people, taking Wolsey’s experiences as a starting point.” 

Later in September this year, a 12 month schools programme for primary and secondary schools and a careers education programme will launch, designed to help children and young people build their confidence, situate themselves in the world, and broaden their perceptions of the range of careers available to them.

Project partners and stakeholders plan that a second phase of the project will facilitate the creation of a Heritage Zone and visitor attraction at St Peter’s dock, focused on the lost college. Plans for the Heritage Zone would feature interpretation of some of the last remaining features of the college, including Wolsey’s Gate and St Peter’s Church, which was the College chapel, and a digital reconstruction of the site.

Terry Baxter, Chair of Ipswich Central said: “Our town centre includes an important heritage area, stretching from St Nicholas Street to the Waterfront, within which are situated important but currently understated assets that could become a major visitor attraction. These include the College water gate and chapel, and the area of Wolsey’s birthplace in the Saints which features his statue. This project gives us a unique opportunity to bring our history, both physically and digitally, to the fore and to use it as a catalyst to attract national and international visitors to Ipswich.”

During the 18 month programme, the project team will consult widely with local participants and partners at events to record their views about the significance of Ipswich’s local heritage and plans for phase two of the project.

Details of the public programme are available on the project’s website www.thomaswolsey550.co.uk and will be continually updated as the project builds.