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.

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

There is a large FREE Car Park at the rear. Enter the building at the back from the Car Park

We arrange a varied programme of interesting talks and guided visits which are open to members and visitors alike, especially newcomers, who'll also receive a warm welcome. If new to our meetings - do come and say "Hello" to one of our team.

The talks cost £3 entrance (£4 for non-members). Sometimes the entry cost may be more if the speaker is coming some distance. PLEASE Pay by Cash at the door!

Those with problems with their research find it useful to chat to others at the meeting, about their "brick walls". 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.

News

• "Behind The Verdict" How Coroners Court Records can Solve Family History Mysteries.

  9th Oct 2026

  Ipswich Group Suffolk Fam History Society Meeting Weds. 4th November

  Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society next meets at 7:30pm, Wednesday 4th November 2026.
  Vicky Holmes presents:

  “Behind the Verdict”.  It’s all about what Coroners Inquests may reveal about our Ancestors Lives (and Deaths).
  Step into the Victorian Public House Courts of Ipswich and the Liberty of St Etheldreda. Unpacking the process of coroners' inquests. Vicky's talk explores how these rich records allow us to hear directly from our ancestors, enter their domestic spaces , and uncover mysteries probably hidden within census.
  The Talk takes place at:
  The Salvation Army Citadel, 558, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich Suffolk IP4 4PH
  Easy parking at the rear.
  Entry costs £3 for Society members, £4 for non-members who are also warmly welcomed. Pay CASH at the Door.
  For more information contact: Howard on 01473 274300 or e-mail IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk

  Wednesday 4 November

   

   

• Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society presents: “The Story of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson” The First Registered Woman Doctor. An illustrated talk - presented by Andy Relf at 7:30pm, Wednesday 7th October 2026 .

  3rd Sep 2026

• The Trials of Mrs Everson - Ipswich Group meeting Wednesday 2nd September

  9th Aug 2026

  .

  Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society next meets at 7:30pm, Wednesday 2nd Sept 2026.
  “The Trials of Mrs Everson” for  an illustrated talk by Janis Kirby.

  Janis is the Chairman of Lowestoft Group!

  Her 4 x Great Grandmother was left to provide for her children after her husband was transported to Australia in the 1840's. Some years later she was also Up Before The Beak. What happened next to her, and the children?
  This tale shows what could be found when you start researching your Family History - Janis will tell some of how she found the story!
  
  The illustrated Talk takes place at:
  The Salvation Army Citadel, 558, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich Suffolk IP4 4PH, starting at 7:30pm.
  Easy parking at the rear.
  Entry costs £3 for Society members, £4 for non-members who are also warmly welcomed. Pay CASH at the Door. There is no need to pre-book

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  On Wednesday 7th October Andy Relf returns to tell “The Story of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson” – a name probably familiar to many readers – think of the Surgical Unit at Heath Road Hospital named after her. But there is FAR MORE to her life!!
  For more information contact: Howard on 01473 274300 or e-mail IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk

• "Aviation, Money and Politics" The Story of Lady Lucy Houston. Ipswich Group,Weds 5th August 7:30 p.m.

  10th Jul 2026

• A Fire Engine, Church Tower & the BBC - Ipswich Group, S.F.H.Soc Talk 7:30 pm, Wednesday 6th May Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society presents: A Fire Engine, Church Tower & the BBC Repair Shop, told by Geoffrey Robinson. The talk begins wit

  3rd Apr 2026

• Begin Researching your Family's History Saturdays 14,21,28 March

  11th Feb 2026

  Three talks on how to get started!
  1.5 hours each, at 10:30 am
  Saturdays 14th, 21st, 28th March
  The Salvation Army Citadel,
  558 Woodbridge Road,
  Ipswich IP4 4PH
  Easy Free parking at the rear, very near bus local routes.
  Society members: £5 each talk, 3 for £10.
  Non-members: £6 each talk, 3 for £15
  Payment can be made by Bank Transfer, or Cash
  For information and to book:
  IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk
  Phone: 01473 274300

   Sat 14 Mar, Sat 21 Mar, Sat 28 Mar

  The Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 4PH Starts at 10:30 a.m Each talk Lasts for about 1.5 hours Society members: £5 each talk, 3 for £10. Non-members: £6 each talk, 3 for £15 Pay IN CASH on arrival - or by Bank Transfer on line - enquire for details to IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk or phone 01473 274300

• Wednesday 4th March Suffolk Regiment Soldiers.The Fall of Singapore and life as prisoners of War under the Japanese.

  11th Feb 2026

   

  Wednesday 4th March at 7:30 p.m.

  Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society welcomes:
  Taff Gillingham, acknowledged expert on the history of the Suffolk Regiment, and his work for The Great War Huts, and Suffolk radio broadcasts etc.... tells the story of the 4th and 5th Battalion captured February 1942. He reveals what happened during this period. The horrors Suffolk Regiment Soldiers & other Servicemen faced as Japanese prisoners. Using survivor’s memories and background information Taff confirms: “It’s a hard story to tell, affecting many families across the region”. It needs telling and remembering.
  
  The Salvation Army Citadel,                                                                                                                               Wednesday 4th March at 7:30 p.m.
  558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PH
  Enter via the rear door from the car park
  £3 members, £4 non-members. Pay cash at the door
  More information call Howard on 01473 274300
  Website: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk Charity number 1087748

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  Then on Saturday 14th March at 10:30 a.m. is the first of 3 Talks:

  By Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society.
  “Begin Researching Your Family History”….
  Three talks on how to get started!
  1.5 hours each, at 10:30 am
  Saturdays 14th, 21st, 28th March
  The Salvation Army Citadel,
  558 Woodbridge Road,
  Ipswich IP4 4PH
  Easy Free parking at the rear, very near bus local routes.
  Society members: £5 each talk, 3 for £10.
  Non-members: £6 each talk, 3 for £15
  Payment can be made by Bank Transfer, or Cash
  For information and to book:
  IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk
  Phone: 01473 274300

  ext here

Contact

Howard King (Chairman)

01473 274300

or by Email: IpswichChairman@suffolkfhs.org.uk

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.