Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House, Suffolk

Details

Accessibility

https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/ipswich-unitarian-meeting-house-ipswich

2026:

"Facilities

• Parking within 250m

• Level access to the main areas

• Accessible toilets in church"

Brief description

https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/ipswich-unitarian-meeting-house-ipswich

2026:

"The Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House is a historic gem in the heart of Suffolk’s county town. It is one of the most important buildings of its type in the country and indeed believed to be the only remaining example of its kind. Built in 1699-1700 for a congregation of Protestant Dissenters, it remains in use for regular Sunday services (the purpose for which it was built) and also acts as a resource for the community. The building is of a lathe and plaster construction on a timber frame with a double hipped tiled roof, three pedimented doors and leaded windows which contain much of the original glass.

The internal layout is little changed since its construction and boasts many original features: a richly carved pulpit reputed to be from the workshop of Grinling Gibbons (maybe even the work of the master woodcarver himself); a three tiered brass chandelier of Dutch origin; box pews; wooden pegs on which gentlemen could hang their wigs (these still being fashionable when the Meeting House was built); a wooden gallery and a spy hole in one of the entrance doors to watch for those intent, in a time of religious persecution, on destroying Dissenters’ places of worship. The lofty roof is supported by four wooden columns, traditionally said to be ships’ masts, not unlikely in view of Ipswich’s maritime connections!

When visitors enter the building for the first time, their most usual response is WOW.

The grassed forecourt in front of the building (originally a burial ground) now offers a welcome open space in this conservation area, while the courtyard to the east of the Meeting House, flanked by half timbered medieval buildings, is typical of those once characteristic of the Ipswich townscape and now sadly a rarity. The Meeting House is Grade I listed and reflects beautifully in the dark glass of its neighbour, the Grade I Willis Building."

Address

Friars Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1TD

Email

mjack76748@aol.com

Phone

01473 210064

Website

https://unitarianipswich.com/

Directions

https://unitarianipswich.com/find-us/

2026:

"The Meeting House stands at the west end of Friars Street, adjacent to the Willis Building. It is a 4 min walk from Ipswich Town Hall.

By Car – Parking

We have parking in front of the Meeting House – the gates are opened up to an hour before the service, or upon appointment."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

https://unitarianipswich.com/find-us/

2026:

"By Bus

Being within the Ipswich Bus central zone – all buses in the Ipswich area stop either immediately outside the Meeting House, or 1 min walk away at the Old Cattle Market Bus Station.

By Train

Ipswich Railway Station is 10 minutes walk, across the River Gipping, and just up past the Ipswich Town Football Club."

Amenities

https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/ipswich-unitarian-meeting-house-ipswich

2026:

"Facilities:

• Walkers & cyclists welcome

• Café within 500m

• Bus stop within 100m"