A public open day takes place this Sunday (28th January) to mark the 150th anniversary of Ipswich’s Town Hall.
The open day, from 10am to 3pm, will feature exhibitions, tours of the Mayor’s Parlour and an opportunity to win a “community takeover” of part of the building. There will even be a birthday cake with 150 candles.
But that’s just the start of this special anniversary - tea dances, guided walks, a Teddy Bear’s picnic and digitalised story-telling sessions are all planned as celebrations continue throughout the year.
The present Town Hall was opened by the Mayor, John Patteson Cobbold, on 28th January 1868 but the history of the building goes back much further: it stands on the site of St Mildred’s Chapel, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book.
The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Sarah Barber, said: “I am sure many Ipswich people will come along to the open day to celebrate this special anniversary and it would be wonderful to welcome people who have never stepped inside before.”
The Town Hall has been the civic heart of the town for 500 years. Ipswich Borough Council meetings are held in the Council Chamber there. Mayor-Making takes place in the Grand Hall of the adjoining Corn Exchange.
