Christchurch Park from the 12th century was originally the site of the Augustinian Priory of the Holy Trinity. During Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries the estates were seized and sold off to a London merchant. The Priory was entirely demolished apart from the Lion head fountain, placed there by the monks for the poor people of the town, the Mansion was erected and replaced the Priory.

In 1772 the public were granted some access to the park and some were given keys if they signed up to the agreement with conditions of entry. The Ipswich Corporation continued to pursue full public access of the park. In 1848, 13 acres of the land was leased by the owner at the time to the Ipswich Corporation, the owner W.C Fonnereau also built the arboretum. By 1895 the mansion was owned by Felix Cobbold, who offered the mansion to the Ipswich Corporation on the condition that they bought the rest of the grounds. The park opened to the public on 11 April 1895. Annual fairs were eventually open to the public, sports and events took place in the grounds.

Still today, the park is a popular feature of Ipswich and is host to many events all year long, with the Ip-Art Festival taking place over this summer season plenty of free concerts such as the annual Ipswich Music Day, Global Rhythm and The Indian Summer Mela celebrating a diverse range of arts and culture from around the world. Global Rhythm and The Indian Summer Mela are due to take place this weekend on the 11th and 12th of July. The Christchurch Mansion that stands today is the impressive Tudor centrepiece of the park which contains a museum, a tea room and an art gallery which contains works by Thomas Gainsborough & John Constable which is the largest collection of their paintings outside of London.

For more information, images and too experience a virtual tour of Christchurch Park click here