Introduction
| Ipswich, which claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited town in England, is located on the estuary of the River Orwell, which has always been important in the story of the town. A small harbour, behind what is now the home of Ipswich Town Football Club, was used by the Romans for trade and the Vikings raided the docks area, around 1010. |  |
| King John gave the town its Charter in 1200. The town flourished in the Tudor & Elizabethan era, with the Wool Trade, when Christchurch Mansion and other fine buildings were erected creating much of the street pattern around The Butter Market which survives to this day, along with some 650 listed buildings. |  |
| The Victorian era brought more prosperity and the building of new wet docks, then the largest in Europe, and the first public museum in the country which opened in 1847 (rebuilt in 1881). The industrial revolution saw the rise of farm machinery manufacturers, such as Ransomes and Rapiers, Ransome Sims and Jefferies, and Garretts, which hastened the exodus of many former agricultural workers to the town. The population increased six- fold in the 19th century, rising to 66,000 and doubled in the 20th century. |
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Meetings
Ipswich has much to offer those researching their 'family trees' and also gives the excuse of having a pleasurable day out.
Our monthly meetings are held at:
The Main Hall,
The Salvation Army Citadel,
558, Woodbridge Road,
Ipswich,
Suffolk
IP4 4PH
We arrange a varied programme of interesting talks and guided visits which are open to members and visitors alike, especially newcomers, who'll receive a warm welcome.
The talks cost £2 entrance (£3 for non-members). Sometimes Meeting entry may rise to £3 per head for members, £3.50 for non-members - if the Speaker is coming some distance.
Those with problems with their research find it useful to chat to others at the meeting, about their "brickwalls". Informal help often results from this.
We can provide, if you contact us first, for meetings, a laptop computer, with some of the Society's CD's and other resources, as outlined on the Publications page. This facility can be requested at a meeting, for viewing at the following meeting.
Alternatively, feel free to contact us beforehand if you'd like to request a resource or need advice so we're best placed to help you when you come to the meeting.
We have also started to hold informal Research Help meetings - which talk place on a Friday afternoon in the middle of Ipswich. We will have to "book you in" so if you want to know more - e-mail publicity@sfhs.org.uk
Links
Ipswich Record Office - The Hold is must do' place to visit/contact for all your family & local history needs; holding an amazing range of information about the history of Suffolk and its people.
Ipswich Museum - has a timeline on events in the Town, plus many treasures. Also use the same web link to find out about Christchurch Mansion - a Fine Tudor mansion STUFFED with amazing itmes - located in a Grade 1 STAR listed Park, Christchurch Park - however IT IS CURRENTLY CLOSED for a major upgrade. It will remain so until about 2026
Contact
Mrs Jenny Rawlinson (Ipswich Branch Secretary)
10, Carlford Court,
112, Parliament Road,
Ipswich IP4 5EL
01473 902367
e-mail: jennyrawlinson@hotmail.com
or
Howard King (Chairman)
01473 274300
or by Email: IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk
Last Modified on 12/01/2023 by Howard L King
News
Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society Monthly Meeting weds 13th December
Posted by Howard L King on Mon, 13th Nov 2023
Ipswich Group Meeting, Suffolk Family History Soc,
Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday 13th DECEMBER at 7:30 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE - The date of this Meeting has been changed to the SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH and the Speaker and topic is different to the one originally planned.
We welcome local Speaker of renown, Linda Sexton who will present:
“The Baron, The Police, The Mayor – and Ipswich Riots in 1863.
The police played a major role dealing with riots which occurred over two nights in November1863, involving Police, Borough Council members, clergy (of all persuasions), and several thousand Ipswich residents!
All our talks take place at The Main Hall,
The Salvation Army Citadel,
558, Woodbridge Road,
Ipswich,
Suffolk,
IP4 4PH
Talk starts at 7:30 p.m.
Pay on the Door - no need to book.
£2 for members, £3 for non-members.
Everyone welcomed.
GHQ Auxiliary Units in World War 2
Posted by Howard L King on Wed, 18th Oct 2023
All about a Special Secret Organisation set up to harrass the Germans if they had invaded. Set up on Churchills Orders - looks like The Home Guard, but was definitely not! .There were Groups et up across Britain. Chris Pratt wil reveal Units in Suffolk and 2 in Ipswich, their deadly training. If the germans had landed - they were unlikely to last more than about 2 weeks! Women were also involved....
We'll Meet Again - Talk on Childhood Evacuees in World War 2 - Weds 4th October at 7:30 p.m.
Posted by Howard L King on Mon, 25th Sep 2023
Ipswich Group meeting Wednesday 4th October 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Bryan Thurlow who will be coming from Haverhill to present We'LL MEET AGAIN.
Billy Jackson from Bethnal Green recalls his childhood memories of being evacuated to a Suffolk farm just before the announcement that Britain was going to war with Germany.He also remembers he and his sister’s brief return to London only to be bombed out. Humour and pathos evoke the highs and lows of wartime Britain at this time.
Bryan Thurlow is local Suffolk historian with a background in professional theatre; so an entertaining and thoughtful talk is on the cards. The Event takes place at:The Salvation Army Citadel, 558, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PH.
Pay on the door on arrival - no preior booking required - just turn up. £2 SOCIETY MEMBERS - £3 NON-MEMBERS - who are also warmly welcomed.Easy parking at the rear of the building - enter the Building at the rear.
Ipswich Group news August 2023
Posted by Howard L King on Thu, 17th Aug 2023
August 2023 Newsletter
Ipswich Group Suffolk Family History Society
Hello again…
I hope that you are enjoying our glorious Summer!!!!
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On Wednesday 2nd August at 7:30 p.m. we look at the story of another well-known part of Suffolk which I guess you have all visited at one time or another..
Before this starts we will be having a brief revue / AGM on how we have done in the past year…. Both financially and with our meetings.
This is your opportunity to suggest things we can do better, and put forward new topics and possible new Speakers for talks.
Also, I am looking for someone to volunteer
as Deputy Group Chairman…… do YOU fancy having a go?
I assure you that the task is not too onerous
Then we follow on with:
“The History and Story of Dunwich Heath”
told entertainingly by Richard Symes – who has adapted his talk to include some Family Stories from the area – as well as other fascinating events – including what happened during wartime, when Dunwich Heath really was on the front line.
I have had really good reports about this Talk – so do come along.
I have attached a copy of the relevant Poster if you wish to forward it on to a friend who may be interested in coming.
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Wednesday 6th September at 7:30 pm
I can now clarify the title – and give a brief synopsis of:
The Beat of the
Ipswich Streets II
presented by Borin Van Loon.
Historic lettering in, or seen from, our Ipswich streets that you often walk by, and stories and anecdotes they spark off.
I have heard this talk – which I know you will find, like me, fascinating.
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Next:
Wednesday 4th October at 7:30 p.m.
Bryan Thurlow will be coming from Haverhill
to present:
WE’LL MEET AGAIN
Billy Jackson from Bethnal Green recalls his childhood memories of being evacuated to a Suffolk farm just before the announcement that Britain was going to war with Germany.
He also remembers he and his sister’s brief return to London only to be bombed out. Humour and pathos evoke the highs and lows of wartime.
A talk on a little know aspect of World War 2
GHQ Auxiliary Units and the British Resistance Organisation (Actual title to be confirmed).
What may have swung into action if the Germans had invaded Britain.
You may have had an ancestor who was in The Home Guard – when actually he (or she!) may have been involved with this top-secret organisation
Presented by
Chris Pratt,
Curator,
Museum of The British Resistance Organisation, at Parham.
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The December talk is now confirmed!
On Wednesday 6th December we have
John Constable “The Painter who couldn’t get arrested”
This talk, by Kim Smith, who is a Constable Country Tour Guide, looks at the Life of John Constable.
You may imagine this Artist, with his links to East Bergholt, and how much his painting are held in high regard these days – must have had an easy , comfortable life…..
However this was not the case – come along and find out more!
All Ipswich Group Talks take Place at our normal venue – being.
The Main Hall, The Salvation Army Citadel,
558 Woodbridge Road,
Ipswich IP4 4 PH
All the talks, which are on the first Wednesday of the month, start at 7:30 p.m. Entry is £2 for Society members, £3 for non-members – pay on arrival – no need to book.
There is a large Car Park at the rear of the building.
For information on the Ipswich Group talks call Howard King on 01473 274300
e-mail IpswichChairman@Suffolkfhs.org.uk and to keep up to date on what the Society is doing – go to the Society website: www.mhas.org.uk
Become a Society Member. Why Not Join NOW! You can do it via the membership tab on www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
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FREE to ALL ZOOM Talks… open to members AND nonmembers.
7:30 pm Monday 12th June.
Stuart Durrell presents
We had a ZOOM talk earlier this month.
Stuart Durrell presented
“Researching and using the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website”
– looking at some of the gems he has found…. Some specifically researched because of their Suffolk links
How to Research using the CWGC Archives – explore some of the collection’s gems and discover more about our war records. The archives include information about memorials to the missing and burials with headstones.
Members can now view this talk for free for a short while.
Members log into the members area of our website:
Look in the videos of talks – and scroll down to find it.
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No ZOOM Talk in August.
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The next ZOOM Talk
ALL our ZOOM Talks ZOOM Talks are free to view… and are open to members AND nonmembers.
On Tuesday 12th September… Chris Turland will present
“A History of The Suffolk Fire Service”
Members will be sent a reminder prior to the talk – also details can be found with a link, shortly before each ZOOM Talk, in the NEWS area of our Society website:
A SPECIAL DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 14th October 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m.
We hold our
Annual Suffolk Family History Society Family History Fair.
With Talks – Stalls and Displays.
FREE admission to all.
Keep an eye on the Society website – to find out more as the Event unfolds
I can divulge that we now have 3 Top-Line Speakers:
Peter Calver presents:
"How to make the most of DNA
- the only record that can't lie!".
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Ian Waller presents:
Researching before The Parish Registers
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Sandra Robinson presents:
Huguenots and Walloons
(I know of some researchers who are convinced that they have ancestors from these people – who fled Europe to Britain to avoid religious persecution).
Many ended up as Silk Weavers in the Easter Counties or in East London.
A Member of The Hold Team is also getting involved with a gentle
“introduction to Starting your Family History Research”…. So if you know anyone who is toying with the idea of getting started with this fascinating hobby – do tell them…
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Timing of these talks to be confirmed.
We have up to 20 stalls and displays at our Fair… bookings are being snapped – we have now got 15 booked already!
If you know of any Groups that would like a space do tell them – tell them they will have to book quickly.
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The Society, as we are a member of The Family History Federation, has obtained a 15% Discount Code for Find MY Past, which we can give to all our paid up members.
IF YOU ARE A MEMBER of the Suffolk Family History Society drop me an e-mail, with your membership number, and I will e-mail the discount Code to you.
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The Society often receives requests for help with peoples Genealogical Research problems.
Often those for The Ipswich area end up in the In box of our busy Group Secretary Jenny Rawlinson or myself.
These often come from Australia , New Zealand, Canada, or in the most recent such e-mail, from the U.S. of A.
We usually persuade them to join the Society, after all what is £12 for a year’s membership, or £10 if you are above retiring age? With those abroad usually opting for an e-mail version of Suffolk Roots – which you can also do if you are a member living in this country…..
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Have you helped out a stranger recently with their Genealogical Researches – if so – why not tell the rest of us?
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See you at our next Ipswich Meeting
Wednesday 6th September at 7:30 p.m.
All For Now,
Regards,
Howard King
Chairman, Ipswich group, Suffolk Family History Society
IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk
01473 274300
Ipswich group _ June 7th Visit to The Great War Huts
Posted by Howard L King on Tue, 23rd May 2023
Future Events – Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society
Wednesday 7th June – our annual visit to somewhere interesting in Suffolk.
We visit The First World War Heritage
“GREAT WAR HUTS” Project Site. To arrive at 11@00
This 4.5-acre site is a fascinating homage to Our First World War ancestors who fought on the Western Front. The site continues to grow – the core of which is an array of Huts – of Great War origin that have been rescued and reconstructed from elsewhere in the country – one very local to Ipswich was previously being used at Ipswich Labour Club in Silent Street, Ipswich.
On the day we have to arrive at 11:00 and the visit will last about 2.5 hours. We will be given a presentation in the largest on the project with some background stories. Then we will be guided around the site, which now contains 11 huts We can also explore how the building of a replica of a Great War Western Front Trench System is progressing.
Light refreshments will be available for you to purchase.
The Cost: this site is continuing to build mainly using visitor donations – so I will leave you to donate as much as you can afford at the site.
The site is located at Brook Farm Camp, Bells Lane, Hawstead, South of Bury St Edmunds IP29 5NW. It is about 23 miles from Ipswich, the end bit is VERY rural – suggest you allow at least ¾ hour to get there if coming from Ipswich.
The best way to get there is by using Car Share. So, if anyone is going and may have a spare seat – please let me know. If you want a lift, and perhaps can help with the petrol – also let me know.
Whichever way you are going or want to go – Please let me know on 01473 274300 – with your contact details (phone and E-mail address)
BOOK NOW – Places are limited
Do look at the site’s website www.greatwarhuts.org – to find out more about this fascinating project!
Next Talk at The Salvation Army Citadel: Wednesday 5th July at 7:30 p.m.Yvo Henniker-Heaton presents:
A personal Journey with Lord Gwydir through Stoke Park, Ipswich, where there was once a Grand Estate. Bourne Park – complete with what remains of a grand Drive – was created from the old estate in this area.
Wednesday 2nd August at 7:30 p.m.
“The History and Story of Dunwich Heath” told entertainingly by Richard Symes – who will adapt his talk to include some Family Stories of the area – as well as other fascinating events – even during wartime”. This will fooow a brief Annual Revue/AGM for ouir Branch
Wednesday 6th September at 7:30 p.m. Boris van Loon with “Ipswich Plaques and other examples of Historic Ipswich Lettering” Looking at examples that you may not have even noticed – but that all tell stories about Ipswich past……
All Ipswich Group Talks take Place at our normal venue – being.
The Main Hall, The Salvation Army Citadel,
558 Woodbridge Road,
Ipswich IP4 4 PH
All the talks, which are on the first Wednesday of the month, start at 7:30 p.m. Entry is £2 for Society members, £3 for non-members – pay on arrival – no need to book.
There is a large Car Park at the rear of the building.
For information on the Ipswich Group talks call Howard King on 01473 274300
e-mail IpswichChairman@Suffolkfhs.org.uk and to keep up to date on what the Society is doing – go to the Society website: www.mhas.org.uk
Suffolk and Pirate Radio
Posted by Howard L King on Fri, 21st Apr 2023
An interesting and entertaining look at archive film, photos and audio Recordings - being an affectionate history of the 60's (Offshore Radio and "Pop Pirate" Radio Stations and their programmes and Disc Jockeys.
On Wednesday 3rd May 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
The Main Hall,
The Salvation Army Citadel,
558, Woodbridge Road,
Ipswich,
Suffolk IP4 4PH
Pay on the door - no need to book.
£2 for Society members, £3 for non-members.
For more information call 01473 274300
5th April 2023 Suffolk Calendar Customs, Monthly Meeting, Ipswich Group Suffolk Fam Hist Society
Posted by Howard L King on Thu, 9th Mar 2023
Robert Halliday presents:
Suffolk Calendar Customs
7:30 Wednesday 5th April 2023
A talk on folk customs celebrating the passing of the year, from Plough Sunday in January, to "The Cutty Wren" ceremony, Middleton near Saxmundham on Boxing Day. Also covering many others.
The Salvation Army Citadel,
558, Woodbridge Road, Ips. IP4 4PH
Enter via rear door off car park
Ipswich IP4 4PH
£ 2.00 members, non-members welcomed : £ 3.00 . Pay on arrival
For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300
Society Website: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
Charity No 1087748
Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society Monthly Meeting
Posted by Howard L King on Thu, 9th Mar 2023
Jane Gosling, former Manager.
National Trust Lavenham Guild Hall presents:
|
"Boom and Bust in Medieval Lavenham." |
Lavenham is the legacy of a thriving cloth industry, whose merchants made it one of the wealthiest towns in Tudor England. The talk explores their rise to fame, the houses they left behind, and the following crash
7:30 Wednesday 1st March
The Salvation Army Citadel,
558, Woodbridge Road, Ips. IP4 4PH
Enter via rear door off car park
£ 2.00 members, non-members welcomed : £ 3.00 . Pay on arrival
For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300
Society Website: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk Charity No 1087748
email: publicity@suffolkfhs.org.uk, website: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
An illustrated talk By Linda Sexton about the Horrendous East Coast 1953 Floods
Posted by Howard L King on Thu, 12th Jan 2023
An illustrated talk by John Sadler, telling of the little know story of a Mediaeval Mint in Ipswich
Posted by Howard L King on Thu, 12th Jan 2023
Events
| Date | Details | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 27/10/2016 | The History of Advertising Advertising goes back further than you think! Coming closer to today - you come across adverts in Directories, old Newspapers, and the flood of adverts we are bombarded with today. Your forbears may have placed such adverts or even appear in them! | Stuart Bowell |
| 24/11/2016 | Cakes, Ales, Partying, Feasting, and Fundraising in Medieval Suffolk. The title says it all... but does not give full justice to a fascinating and entertaining talk. | Kate Jewell |
| 09/12/2016 | Special pre-Christmas Talk The Victorian Ghost Hunter - PLEASE NOTE EARLY FRIDAY DATE Special Talk - DIFFERENT DATE. FRIDAY NIGHT 16th December 2016 @ 7:30 p.m. Normal Venue. Meet a Victorian Ghost Hunter. Look at the tools of his trade. Hear of the Society for Psychical Research founded 1882, Cambridge and Edmund Gurneys strange tale. | Andrew Selwyn |
| 26/01/2017 | Members Evening - telling us: Family Tales, Family Heirlooms and Black Sheep If it helps, call Howard 01473 274300 and discuss. Each talk abt 10 min. For a Laptop, we have a Digital projector + a Visualiser , (Overhead projector with a camera); projecting the image. Afterwards discuss Research problems,suggesting solutions. | Mainly Ourselves |
| 23/02/2017 | Victoria and her Children - The Ultimate Family Tree - by Breda Stringer Queen Victoria.... whose children married into Royal Famlies across Europe.... Her descendants STILL influence Europe in one way or another! A fascinating Family Story. | Breda Stringer |
| 23/03/2017 | The De-la-Pole Family - Dukes of Suffolk... the Family Story. A grim tale telling how Frances researched what really happened to a relative, who survived the Burma Railway... but talked little of his experiences. How she used little known records and archives etc. A part of history we should never forget! | Steven Govier |
| 27/04/2017 | "Fig Leaves, Farthingales and Fiches" - what your ancestors wore - with a few surprises! A light-hearted evening of frolics and fun.... | Frances Saltmarsh |
| 25/05/2017 | Sex and War - American G.Is in Suffolk in WW2 Lucy has Researched the effect American G.Is (particularly coloured ones) had in East Anglia, meeting local ladies, fathering children in wartime. The consequences for the parents and the children. Telling fascinating stories, with some happy endings. | Prof. Lucy Bland (Anglia Ruskin University) |
| 22/06/2017 | Day Trip to The National Archives at Kew - for records not held anywhere else! Special Coach Day out , - leaving Martlesham Heath Shoppers Car Park 06:30, Tesco Copdock Bus Stop, Capel St Mary A12 slip Road Bus stop. Price £25/person. Book NOW. Call Howard 01473 274300, e-mail howard.king1@outlook.com | Organiser Howard King 01473 274300 |
| 27/07/2017 | A Short History of Shopping - (particularly relating to the Ipswich area). Looking at the Shopping in the Ipswich area.... Do you remember Ridleys, Martin and Newbys, Footmans, John Colliers...... The list goes on and on. Wallow in nostalgia, in an era before the Internet. Did your family work in or own a shop in the area. | Linda Sexton |
| 01/08/2017 | NO MEETING IN AUGUST NO MEETING IN AUGUST PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL MEETINGS FROM NOW ON WILL START SLIGHTLY EARLIER - at 7:15. We aim to finish and Clear the building by 9:30. This is due to changes in the Security procedures at The Co-Op Education Centre! | |
| 28/09/2017 | The Ipswich War Memorial Project Team members will explain this extensive Project - researching Ipswich War Memorial Great War deaths. They will also highlight some life stories. If you want to know more about anyone listed - contact 01473 274300 before the Meeting. | Members of The Ipswich War Memorial Team |
| 30/09/2017 | Suffolk family History Society - Family History Fair FREE ENTRY 10-00 - 4:00. University of Suffolk, Waterfront,. Ipswich.. Topline Speakers. Free Research area with on-line and personal help breakdown Research Brick Walls. Stands,stalls, displays. More info elsewhere on this website, or call 01473 274300. | Suffolk Family History Society - Annual Family History Fair |
| 26/10/2017 | An Armchair Walk on "Remarkable Ipswich Women"; Looking in detail at Special Ipswich Women - many on Blue Plaques around the town. You probably know the Plaques - now find out the stories. Be prepared for some surprises. | Ann Day |
| 23/11/2017 | Duleep Singh - The Story of an Indian Prince in Rural splendour at Elvedon in Suffolk The fascinating story of an Indian Sikh Prince living in Splendour in a Large Suffolk House. A Story of Pomp and Ceremony... and a tinge of sadness..... How did he fit in with the British aristocracy, and what became of him? | Stephen Govier |
| 14/12/2017 | Entertaining General History and Family History Quiz - plus your favourite Family Photo. NOTE Thurs 14th December - An entertaining, light hearted evening of bonhomie, amusement and a mince-pie, with a few prizes.. Be amazed at what you know, learn something you didnt. Bring Favourite labelled Family Photo, which may win a prize. | Mainly Ourselves |
| 25/01/2018 | A Look at "Ipswich Treasures" - things to notice as you perambulate our fine Town. There are many hidden jems around Ipswich. John, who is an expert on Ipswich and Suffolk Buildings... will entertain us by telling us more about his favourites. You may never look at Ipswich in the same way again., | John Field (who recently presented his talk "Cartoonist Carl Giles' Ipswich" to a packed audience.) |
| 22/02/2018 | Insanity - How Previous generations (particularly the Victorians) dealt with this issue.. Kathy Chater.... Nationally Known Genealogical Researcher and Author, comes from London. She will explain how earlier generations recorded this issue for us to find. She has promised to look at the records for St. Audreys, and St. Clements for examples. | Kathy Chater, Nationally Known Genealogical Researcher and Author, is coming from London. |
| 22/03/2018 | A Song of their Own - The Fight for Votes for Ipswich Women. Joy is a well known local Researcher and Author..... who has produced a Book on this Topic..... Perhaps a lady i your Family Tree participated in this Campaign - and chained herself to railings outside County Hall or elsewhere. | Joy Bounds |
| 25/04/2018 | Charles II, Jane Lane, and the Mystery of The Ancient House London was a magnet for people from Victorian Suffolk , often thinking they were going to live in a better place. But often lived in cramped, overcrowded, vermin ridden slums, with hunger, crime and filthy water “normal”. | John Sutton |
| 26/04/2018 | Black Teeth and Dirty Fingernails, the Great Unwashed of Victorian London. An Entertaining Talk, with the Speaker coming from South London.All about the poorer side of Victorian london - this could be the life experienced by your ancestors who left Suffolk to fine their fortune in London - only to be dissapointed! | David Allen |
| 24/05/2018 | AGM - Followed by "Looking at and using Parish Registers". Viviene, Ipswich based Professional Genealogist, (often at The Suffolk Records Offices), tells us more about what Parish Records can reveal - with tips on using them in your researches. | Viviene Aldis |
| 28/06/2018 | Outside Visit to see The Ipswich Town Hall Mayors Parlour, Ipswich Town Hall Visit - Mayors Parlour, Ipswich Town Hall. The story of Civic Ipswich over many centuries. See the Civic Regalia, see fascinating pictures and photos, hear the stories. Guided by The Town Sergeant. Numbers restricted. Booking at the March Meeting . | An Outside Visit to The Mayors Parlour - Ipswich Town Hall |
| 26/07/2018 | Ipswich Cinemas and Theatres There were far more Theatres and Cinemas in Ipswich than you may think. Come and find out where they were - when they were open - and who was linked to them........ There are some people that will surprisingly recognise or recall. | Eric Thorndyke |
| 23/08/2018 | A Members Research Evening - with helpful resources and Advice. A Members Research Evening - with helpful resources and Advice. Why not come along and tell us a short story from your researches. Flagging up your basic problems beforehand may be a good idea! | Mainly yourselves..... |
| 27/09/2018 | Researching House and Property History at 7:15 Sue, East Anglian based member of the Association of Registered Genealogists, has trawled through records at Records Offices and Archives across the UK. She is ideally placed to pass on tips and hints on the topic. Go further with your researches. | Sue Adams |
| 25/10/2018 | "Hidden Presences at Ipswich's Ancient House: The King and the Maid", Ipswich at 7:15 A little known story, researched by John Sutton... on Charles II, a lady called Jane Lane, and the iconic Ipswich Building, The Ancient House... Many will think they know all about this iconic Ipswich landmark - but do you really? | John Sutton |
| 22/11/2018 | The Fun and Fascination of Churches (at 7:15 p.m.) A fascinatinating, entertaining Evening, with Ipswich's very own Roy Tricker - awarded the MBE in the 2018 New Years Honours Lists ( for his work helping to preserve Suffolk's glorious Churches) - who will give us a whistle-stop tour of his favorites.... | Roy Tricker |
| 27/12/2018 | No Meeting this Month No meeting this Month - see you at the January meeting..... | No Meeting this Month |
| 24/01/2019 | "The History of the Suffolk Fire Service" More details nearer the date. For more information on this talk call 01473 274300 Preferably from October 2018 onwards. | Chris Turland |
| 28/02/2019 | The Medical contribution to mortality decline in Ipswich from 1851 to 1911 Ever puzzled why the death rate started to fall from 1851 in Ipswich? - Come and find out more... Is it a coincidence that Anne has zeroed in on the Census years 1851 to 1911... perhaps she has dug deep into records we dont look in. | Dr Anne Folan |
| 28/03/2019 | Change to Talk - now "Harwich and The Continent" Crhis Turland - (recent entertaining speaker on the "History of the Suffolk Fire Service"), has stepped in and will present "Harwich and the Continent". | Chris Turland |
| 25/04/2019 | What did your Ancestor do in the Great War Following his talk David, who is a serious collector of Militaria, can advise on any medals, photos or militaria you may have - so bring them along. | David Empson |
| 23/05/2019 | The Local Co-op - from Ipswich to the East of England - a Growth Story...... “From Ipswich to East of England – A Growth Story”. How Ipswich was a key member at the centre of the Growth of the Co-op movement in this region - and looking at the history of this change This talk will be followed our Group's (very brief) AGM | Percy Lomax |
| 27/06/2019 | Minbus Group Day Out Highgate Cemetary. Looking at a Mini-bus trip to Highgate Cemetary - with 2 Guided Tours of Both East and West Cemetary. Leaving Ipswich area at about 08:00 - Prices £40 members, £42 non members confirmed. Take Lunch in a lovely Cafe in a nearby Park. VERY FEW PLACES LEFT | Mini-Bus tour of Highgate Cemetary - with Guided tours of East and West Cemetaries. |
| 12/07/2019 | Research Meeting From 2 p.m. PLEASE CONTACT Jenny on 01473 902367 to say you are coming as you will need to be let into: Carlford Court, 112, Parliament Road, Ipswich , IP4 5EL, which is a "Secure" accomodation block. | Research Meeting where Jenny Rawlinson Lives |
| 25/07/2019 | The 1851 Great Exhibition. A fascinating illustrated talk about what was the first, event that really united the British Isles - made all the better by the evolving Railway System. Also the first provision of proper Public Conveniences - where Spending a Penny probably came from. | Geoffrey Kaye |
| 22/08/2019 | A romp through the Suffolk Newspaper Archives. A Fascinating Romp through the Suffolk Newspaper Archives, by a very well know Suffolk Speaker. | Pip Wright |
| 26/09/2019 | "To Relieve the Need and Stress" -The story of East Anglian Alms Houses Sarah, well known and respected Suffolk Author and Researcher, explores East Anglian Alms Houses.... the sort of places where some of our Ancestors probably ended their days. | Sarah Doig |
| 24/10/2019 | The Royal Navy Patrol Service Unsung Heroes, 14,000 died manning converted Drifters and Trawlers, and specially built boats - patrolling from Gt Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Harwich and Ipswich etc. They swept mines - rescued Fliers; Ship Wrecked mariners. | Leo Whisstock |
| 08/11/2019 | Family History Research Meeting This is a Research Meeting - to break down your research Brick Walls. 2:30 Fri 8th Nov. £2 per person To Book - call Jenny 01473 902367. The venue 10, Carlford Court, 112 Parliament Road, Ipswich IP4 5EL. Bring your research notes etc. | This is a Research Meeting - working together to break down your research "Brick Walls". |
| 28/11/2019 | Thomas Seckford - His Life and Legacy The Story of a Tudor Superstar - with houses in Woodbridge, Ipswich, and a Street named after him in The City of London. He was at the centre of Power in Tudor England. He founded Woodbridge School and his Legacy The Seckford Foundation; continues. | Mark Mitchels |
| 23/01/2020 | Red Sails on The Orwell - The R.W. Paul (Grain Shippers etc with a large Silo on Ipswich Docks0 Red Sails on The Orwell - R.W. Paul (Malsters and Barge owners). 7:15 p.m. Coop Ed Centre, 11, Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW (Park Waterworks Street IP4 1JG) £2 members, others £2.50. Pay at door. info 01473 274300 Correcting latest Suffolk Roots | Chris Turland |
| 21/02/2020 | Research Help Meeting - Ipswich Group 2:30 on Friday 21st February, at 10 Carlford Court, 112, Britannia Road, Ipswich. You MUST book in advance - call Jenny on Ipswich 902367 e-mail: Ipswich@suffolkfhs.org.uk If delayed call 0771 376 8821 The Cost - £2 per person to pay for the room | A Guided Session aimed at helping Reserchers with their researches. |
| 27/02/2020 | The History of Windmills in Suffolk. "The History of Windmills in Suffolk" 7:15 p.m. Coop Ed Centre, 11, Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW (Park Waterworks Street IP4 1JG) £2 members, £2.50 non-members. Pay at door. More info 01473 274300 NOT AS LISTED IN the Latest SUFFOLK ROOTS | Chris Hullcoop |
| 26/03/2020 | Re-scheduled Talk; The Suffolk Bevin Boys in World War Two. NOW POSTPONED "The Suffolk Bevin Boys" by Barbara McElroy 7:15 p.m. Coop Ed Centre, 11, Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW (£2 members, £2.50 non-members. Pay at door. More info 01473 274300 TALK POSTPONED - Rescheduled with Speaker for Early 2021 | Barbara McElroy |
| 18/04/2020 | Coach Trip to Family Tree Live - CANCELLED Coach Trip. Family Tree Live - Phone 01473 274300 email: publicity@suffolkfhs.org.uk EVENT CANCELLED BY ORGANISERS - and OUR COACH CANCELLED | Large Event at Alexandra Palace by Coach from the Ipswich area. |
| 28/05/2020 | Ipswich Group Annual revue + The Basics of Heraldry and its place in Family History Research The Basics of Heraldry and Family History Research. By Peter Durell, of The Suffolk Heraldry Society. If you have ever tried to decode a Family Hatchment (crest) in a Church - and drawn a blank - come along. Do you have a Family Crest? | Peter Durrell |
| 05/12/2020 | ZOOM TALK for ALL SOCIETY MEMBERS ZOOM TALK ..... FREE TO ALL SOCIETY MEMBERS The History of Public Transport in Ipswich Saturday 5th December at 12 NOON See Poster under The NEWS website tab. | Chris Turland |
| 02/02/2022 | 100 Years of the Royal British Legion - with much about the story in Suffolk and Ipswich Andrew, known for his Ipswich War Memorial Project work looks at the founding of the R. B. L. Stories; lovely photos many local Salvation Army Citadel. 558 Woodbridge Road, IP4 4PH 7:30 pm £2 members, £3 others. Just turn up. 01473 274300 | Andrew Beale |
| 02/03/2022 | Ipswich Old and New - an illustrated Talk by Eric Thorndyke A fascinating virtual talk based on Erics years being a Town Guide Pay on the door, starts 7:30 pm. The Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road IP4 4PH No ned to pre book. For more info call 01473 274300 | Eric Thorndyke |
| 02/04/2022 | ZOOM Talk "The sinking of the Lusitania - and Suffolk Outcomes" A NEW ZOOM talk given by a very widely known Speaker at home and abroad. Free to everyone to watch. To register put: http://tiny.url.com/Lusitania-Suffolk-Outcomes. Talk starts at 12 noon | Colin Chapman |
| 06/04/2022 | Ruth Silburns role as Rushmere St Andrews Suffolk Local History Recorder Suffolk Local History Recorders capture the present, preserve the past in docs, photographs, recordings. Rushmere St Andrews boundaries have changed, particularly last century. See old and newer photographs of churches, school, village hall, housing. | Ruth Silburn |
| 11/04/2022 | A ZOOM talk on Getting Started with your Family History Researches Getting Started with your Family History Researches - useful to new researchers and a reminder of techniques etc for those further down the track. A FREE ZOOM talk. Register by putting https://tinyurl.com/Getting-started-with-FH into a browser. | Sue Lester |
| 04/05/2022 | The Battle of Barking Creek - an RAF Tragedy in Suffolk Skies. The Battle of Barking Creek - an RAF Tragedy in Suffolk Skies, From which the RAF learnt lessons which helped the RAF win the Battle of Britain. | Nick Black |
| 01/06/2022 | T.V. and Radio - the Way We Were. From Early days of Radio and TV Wallow in nostalgia 100 years of the BBC Looking at the Early days of Radio from 2LO at Savoy Hill - via some memorable Radio Broadcasts. Early days of TV from John Logie Baird and Crystal Palace - clips from earlier TV. An Audio Visual Feast. | David Howlett |
| 01/06/2022 | Ipswich Group Talk - TV and Radio - the way we were. Early BBC with Radio (Savoy Hill (2LO) and Writtle, and early TV from Alexandra Palace. Clips of early and later progs. Weds June 1st, 7:30 p.m. Salvation Army Hall, 558 Woodbridge Rd, Ips IP4 4PH £2 members, £3 others. Pay at door. | David Howlett |
| 07/09/2022 | Death Sex and Drugs - The pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood Death Sex and Drugs - The pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The stories behind the Painters, Poets and Authors of this fairly notorious (at the time) group. 7:30pm. Salvation Army Citadel,558 Woodbridge Road, Ips IP4 4PH | Geoffrey Kaye |
| 05/10/2022 | Church Organs, a short History history and how they are restored Bishops and Sons is one of the oldest continuing firms in Ipswich. Simon tells us about the basics of Church Organs, with practical demonstrations, and tales of their Engineers as they travel the UK to service these fascinating instruments. | Simon Pulham, iIpswich manager of Bishops and Sons |
| 02/11/2022 | 16 mm Film show of rare and little viewed gems. James collects 16mm Films - sound, some silent, some colour, some B/W. Some unseen for decades. Come along and be surprised. The Salvation Army Hall, 558 Woodbridge Rd, Ipswich, IP4 4PH. 7:30 p.m. Non members £3, members £2. | James Cecil |
| 07/12/2022 | Lets Go Over STOKE; by John Barbrook The history and little known facts of Stoke Parish - South of Stoke Bridge - the oldest part of Ipswich - where the Romans crossed the Orwell. He compares how Stoke has changed in his lifetime. Talk starts 7:30 More info 01473 274300 | John Barbrook |
| 04/01/2023 | The Ipswich Mint and their Moneyers About rare Early Coins struck in Ipswich. Why ad where Ipswich had a Mint. Also stories of other coins with their backgrounds and how they were found - by acknowledged coin expert often called upon by Ipswich Museum and The British Museum. | John Sadler |
| 01/02/2023 | The horrendous February 1953 Floods - and its effect in Suffolk Linda, who has done a huge amount of research on the topic, explains how the floods happened. what the aftermath was in South Suffolk. 7:30p.m Salvation Army Hall, 558 Woodbridge Rd, Ipswich, IP4 4PH. Non members £3, members £2. Pay on the door. | Linda Sexton |
| 06/09/2023 | Borin Van Loon presents: The Beat of the Ipswich Streets II Borin Van Loon presents: The Beat of the Ipswich Streets II Historic lettering in, or seen from, Ipswich streets that you often walk by, and stories and anecdotes they spark off. | Borin Van Loon |
| 04/10/2023 | We'll Meet again London Evacuees Story WE’LL MEET AGAIN……. Billy Jackson from Bethnal Green recalls childhood memories of evacuation to a Suffolk farm just before Britain went to war with Germany. He and his sister’s briefly return to London to be bombed out. Humour and pathos. | Bryan Thurlow |
| 13/12/2023 | The Baron, The Police, The Mayor - and Ipswich Riots in 1863 Weds 13th December Ipswich Group Meeting - NOTE - WEDs 13 December 7:30 p.m. NEW DATE THIS MONTH, Different Speaker. The Salvation Army Citadel, 558, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PH £2 members - £3 others 01473 274300 e-mail: IpswichChairman@Suffolkfhs.org.uk | Linda Sexton |
Contact
For further details on the programme you should contact
Mrs Jenny Rawlinson (Ipswich Branch Secretary)
10, Carlford Court,
112, Parliament Road,
Ipswich IP4 5EL
01473 902367
e-mail: jennyrawlinson@hotmail.com
or
Howard King (Chairman)
01473 274300
or by Email: IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk
Group Contact
Mrs Jenny Rawlinson (Ipswich Branch Secretary)
10, Carlford Court,
112, Parliament Road,
Ipswich IP4 5EL
01473 902367
e-mail: jennyrawlinson@hotmail.com
or
Howard King (Chairman)
01473 274300
or by Email: IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk
Group Projects
The War Memorials of Ipswich Villages
There is a memorial book, compiled in 2003 by Jennifer Jones, in the Parish Church, containing photographs of the graves or memorials of most of the men of the North Samford Benefice (Belstead, Bentley, Burstall, Copdock & Washbrook, Sproughton and Tattingstone) who died in the First World War.
The information in this document was researched by Martin Edwards 2003, with additional information researched by Jean Austin 2006.
Bentley
The War Memorial stands on a road junction and is in the form of a memorial cross; it was first unveiled on 28th November 1921. The Cross was designed by H Munro Cautley, architect, writer and the greatest connoisseur of East Anglian churches. EE Saunders of Ipswich erected the Cross.
To see a list of men on the memorials click here.
Belstead
Celtic Cross War Memorial in the centre of the village; Roll of Honour in the Church.
To see a list of men on the memorials click here.
Burstall
Memorial window in the Church; Roll of Honour in the Village Hall.
To see a list of men on the memorials click here.
Copdock and Washbrook
1914-1918: War Memorial in Copdock Church; Roll of Honour, formerly in Washbrook Chapel (current whereabouts not known). 1939-1945: Memorial stone in Copdock Churchyard.
To see a list of men on the memorials click here.
Sproughton
War memorial in the Church; Roll of Honour in the Vestry.
To see a list of men on the memorials click here.
Tattingstone
Memorial plaques in the Church for both First World War and Second World War.
To see a list of men on the memorials click here.
Wherstead
The brass plaque in church.
To see a list of men on the memorials click here.
Ransomes and Rapier War Memorial
Prior to being located in Bourne Park, the memorials were on the wall outside the canteen area (overlooking the bowling green) of the Waterside Works. The memorial to employees killed in the First World War was unveiled on 8 January 1921 and was initially in the ‘billiard room’. The company – which had extensive premises off the Wherstead Road, including in ‘Rapier Street’ – was closed down in 1987 (and the site is now largely redeveloped). The three sided memorial was erected in Bourne Park in 1988 – one side commemorates the employees who died in the First World War, one side those who (including civilian employees) were killed or missing in the Second World War and the third side commemorates Richard Stokes, who was long associated with the company as Chairman and Managing Director.
To see a list of men on the memorials click here.
