What is the history of Holywells Park?
Holywells Park has a history dating back to medieval times. The Park was originally part the Manor of Wykes Bishop, held by the Bishops of Norwich from the 13th Century. During the reign of Henry VIII, the Manor was surrendered to the Crown and then granted to Sir John Jermy. The title of Lord of the Manor was acquired by John Cobbold in 1811.
The Cobbold Family and Holywells Park
The Cobbold family bought what was then the Pitts Farm estate in 1811 to use the park's spring water for their brewery. They had started their brewery in Harwich but had trouble with the water there. For many years, they used ships to transport water from Holywells to Harwich, and then brought beer back to Ipswich.
Holywells House was built by 1814 on the site of an old farmhouse but was unfortunately demolished in 1962 because of wood rot. Its Victorian gardens were redesigned in the 20th century according to the ideas of gardeners like Gertrude Jekyll.
Transition to a public park
In 1930, the Cobbold family sold the estate to Lord Woodbridge, who bequeathed the land to the Town Council. The park was officially opened to the public in 1936.
Conservation and heritage
Holywells Park is designated as a Conservation Area and features two listed buildings—the Stable Block and the Conservatory. It is also listed on the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest.