Unitarian Meeting House - Ipswich
Friars Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1TD
Restored in 2021 and removed from the Heritage At Risk Register, this building is regarded by many sources as the finest timber framed meeting house of its kind in Britain, typical of those built by congregations of Protestant Dissenters.
The architectural importance lies partly in the fact that it remains almost exactly as when it was built, with four wooden pillars supporting the double hipped roof. The pulpit is in the style of Grinling Gibbons and possibly carved by one of his pupils. The congregation sit in the original old box pews and there are special historic features such as wig pegs, a Dutch brass chandelier, an antique clock and a spy hole used by the congregation to check for approaching mobs during a time of religious upheaval and violence against dissenters.
You are free to wander around the chapel, to go up around the gallery, where you will see the building from a different angle. We will also be opening our Grade II listed Upper Hall next door which has a selection of paintings and prints of the Meeting House through the ages. There is easy access for people with mobility challenges - the site is level and doorways are wide. There is restricted access to the upper gallery and to the Hall - which is via stairs. There is a fully accessible toilet.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 0900-1700
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1200-1600
Location & directions
Friars Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1TD
- Directions:
- The Meeting House is in central Ipswich - accessible from Friars Street and from St Nicholas Street. There are a few parking spaces available - especially for those with mobility challenges. We are beside the (also Grade I listed) WTW glass building.
- Contact on day:
- Tessa Forsdike - 07980 641620
- Telephone number:
- +447980641620
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The entrance gates are narrow (but accessible if approached straight, so best to approach the building from the other side of the road and drive across the street if in a vehicle). There are local car parks nearby. Full pedestrian access from Friars Street and from St Nicholas Street.
Additional information
There is a cafe, beer shop and restaurants nearby. Town centre shops are a short walk away.
