Founding partners gather in Ipswich ahead of famous son Thomas Wolsey 550 project
Founding partners of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project gathered in a Suffolk town in anticipation of the project launch on Friday, March 10.
To celebrate Wolsey's 550th birthday, who was born in March 1473 in Ipswich, an 18-month scheme has been planned featuring events, activities and exhibitions.
The project aims to create a new legacy for the former Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain which reconnects him with his hometown and strengthens his position on the world stage.
The Thomas Wolsey 550 programme will include several town centre events and activities, exciting new video and digital interpretation, an exhibition at The Hold, specialist talks, walking tours, workshops, and an extensive 12-month schools programme.
Over Christmas 2021, Terry Hunt, Director at Ipswich Central, gathered key figures in the town to discuss what the project could look like, and the positive impact that it would have in the town.
Terry Baxter, Chair of Ipswich Central, said: "Ipswich Central are delighted to have played a pivotal role in bringing the Thomas Wolsey 550 project to life.
"Having initiated conversations back in 2021 the interest from key stakeholders in the town was overwhelming. We are looking forward to being involved in this this heritage project, which we hope will be the first of many."
The founding partners for the scheme include Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, University of Suffolk, Associated British Ports, Birketts, and Ipswich Central, who have led on the project’s development and will lead its delivery.
Councillor David Ellesmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “We are proud to be one of the founding partners, celebrating the 550th anniversary of the birth of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.
"With Heritage Lottery Funding secured, Wolsey 550 will see a series of events and activities throughout 2023 and 2024, celebrating the life and achievements of Ipswich’s most famous son.
"Wolsey 550 will help raise awareness of the significant role Ipswich has played and continues to play in our country’s history and provide a boost to the local economy, as well as being a lot of fun.”
