Thomas Cardinal
Wolsey Project

Wolsey – Ipswich’s most famous son

King Henry VIII”s great Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey, was born and brought up in Ipswich.

Thomas began his rise to power 500 years ago, becoming Henry’s Almoner in 1509. Wolsey's Gate and St Peter’s Church, near the town's Waterfront renaissance, are all that are left of of the school that Wolsey built to rival Eton and Winchester in his birthplace.

Other towns and cities honour their greatest sons; Ipswich should now treat Thomas Wolsey fittingly.

Half a millennium later, a group of influential people in Suffolk’s county town have formed a trust to honour Ipswich’s most famous son.

This is the Wolsey Artwork for Ipswich project.

The patrons, chaired by distinguished local historian Dr John Blatchly, aim to raise £100,000 in a public appeal to commission and construct a permanent piece of art in tribute to the great Cardinal.

Dr Blatchly was the man behind the restoration of the oldest bells in Christendom at St Lawrence’s Church in Ipswich – bells that would have been heard by Wolsey as a boy.

The patrons hope you will subscribe to this important appeal.