Ipswich Town Hall

The building was designed by the Lincoln firm of architects Bellamy and Hardy in the Victorian style. It was constructed at a cost of £16,000 and was opened by John Patteson Cobbold, the mayor of Ipswich, in 1868.[1] The adjacent Corn Exchange building, which dates to 1882, became part of the complex in 1972 when it was converted into a theatre at a cost of £800,000.[2] The corn exchange hosted the political debate program Question Time in May 2016.[3][4]

The building is built in a grand Victorian style with the figure heads of King Richard I, Cardinal Wolsey and King John decorating the front wall. King Richard I promised the town its first charter but died before it was granted, King John granted the town's charter and Cardinal Wolsey was the most famous person in Ipswich. Sitting above the figure heads are four statues representing Commerce, Agriculture, Law and Order and Justice. Placed on the smaller tower sits an open stone work lantern. The tower originally housed an illuminated four-dial turret striking clock designed by the makers of the Big Ben, Dent, 61 Strand. John Warner & Sons of the Crescent Foundry London, cast the bell that sits in the tower that was made in 1867.[5]

When it opened the town hall included a Council Chamber, a Quarter Sessions Court, a library, committee and retiring rooms, Grand and Petty Jury Rooms and a room for the Magistrates' business.[3] The basement included a police station with seven cells and a parade area, a kitchen, offices and space for the Corporation fire engine and hose to be kept.[3] It was subsequently altered to include two art galleries.[5]