In the lead up to the Ipswich Maritime Festival Kathie Jones of Historic Ipswich (UK) shares some interesting facts about the promenade that was once located around Ipswich Docks.

In the 1840’s a length of land between the New Cut and the dock became an attractive new promenade. It was set down with three rows of poplar and lime trees. Near the end of the promenade sat a shelter, affectionately named the Umbrella, some iron seating and a statue of Pegasus, the winged horse. Just a stretch further were more trees, the lock keepers cottages and a small ‘mock’ stone works with its tide mill. The Promenade, unfortunately, shortly after its creation was reported to have suffered vandalism. One of the iron seats near the Umbrella had been damaged and the town authorities offered a reward of five guineas to anyone who had information.

For many years it was a popular place for visitors and the people of Ipswich to take a stroll. From the Umbrella there was a wonderful view of the river and Hog Highland (now Cliff Quay). One of the old guidebooks for Ipswich described the Promenade as follows: “these lines of trees and gravelled paths are delightfully pleasant on a summer evening, especially when the moon is on the waters, the foliage adds so much to the attractiveness of the river itself. No one should visit Ipswich without taking a walk from Stoke Bridge to the Umbrella.”

This Picturesque scene was altogether lost in the early 20th century due to new railway sidings and the dock commissioners extension of their facilities.

By Kathie Jones, Historic Ipswich (UK)

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Natalie Chaplin