Suffolk Archives' free summer exhibition 'Wolsey's Ipswich' opens on Friday 14 July at The Hold on Ipswich Waterfront and will explore the legacy of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

The exhibition forms a key part of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project, a programme of events and activities planned to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Wolsey's birth across Ipswich.   

Curated by the team at Suffolk Archives, a Suffolk County Council service, the exhibition includes items from Suffolk's own archive collections, as well as items on loan from organisations across the country. 

Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ipswich Central and Ipswich Borough Council, the exhibition will explore the legacy of Thomas Wolsey, re-connecting him with his hometown and examining his position on the world stage.   

Born and raised in Ipswich, Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful man in England, working alongside King Henry VIII. The 'Wolsey's Ipswich' exhibition will unearth a story of ambition, aspiration, determination, and the possibility for anyone to succeed.  

Councillor Bobby Bennett, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Equality and Communities said: "This summer we celebrate 'Wolsey's Ipswich' through an exhibition and series of events at The Hold. We are thrilled that we have been able to bring together a number of historically significant items from museums and collections across the country to explore the inspiring story of Thomas Wolsey in his hometown." 

The exhibition features archive treasures from Suffolk's collections dating from the 16th century to the present day, as well as some significant loaned exhibits, including Wolsey's original Cardinal hat, on loan from Christ Church College, Oxford.

Having finally been made a Cardinal by the Pope in 1515 following a long campaign, Wolsey was made to wait three years to receive this badge of honour from Rome and arranged a grand procession for it through the streets of London. 

The exhibition will also include an original copy of Shakespeare's first folio, on loan from Trinity College Cambridge and coinciding with Folio 400 which marks 400 years since the first printed collection of Shakespeare's work. The exhibition will look at how Wolsey has been depicted throughout history including within Shakespeare's play Henry VIII which covers part of Henry's reign and depicts elements of Wolsey's rise and fall.

The final section of the exhibition will be dedicated to building a sense of aspiration for local young people, taking Wolsey's experiences as a starting point.

Suitable for all ages, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to come and explore the complex and inspiring story of Ipswich's most famous son. 

Terry Hunt, chair of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project, added: "Ipswich Central are delighted to have played a pivotal role in bringing this exhibition to Ipswich, 'Wolsey's Ipswich', produced by the team at Suffolk Archives. This was facilitated by National Lottery Heritage Funding and National Lottery players which was raised by Ipswich Central in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council. 

"This four-month exhibition is a key element of the 'Thomas Wolsey 550' project which has received significant support from organisations and businesses across Ipswich. Highlighting the rich heritage that our town has to offer, will attract further investment and visitors. We cannot wait to welcome Wolsey's hat to Ipswich!"

Wolsey's Ipswich opens on Friday 14 July and runs until Sunday 29 October 2023 at The Hold on Ipswich Waterfront. Entry is free and open to all ages.

Exhibition opening times are 10:00 - 12:30 and 13:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday, with late opening until 9pm on Thursdays. 10:00 - 16:00 Saturday and Sunday. 

You can book free tickets for the Wolsey's Ipswich exhibition by visiting: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk. Alternatively, just turn up and depending on the capacity of the exhibition gallery you will be admitted as soon as possible.

The events accompanying the exhibition are ticketed and can be booked in advance by visiting: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk. 

The Café at The Hold is also open daily for visitors to drop in for refreshments.  

The Wolsey's Ipswich exhibition programme includes: 

Wolsey's Ipswich – The Cardinal Connections Walking Tour Map 

As an extension of the 'Wolsey's Ipswich' exhibition, we have also collaborated with the Ipswich Tourist Guides Association to create a special walking tour map which will help visitors to explore Ipswich and discover more about the history of the town and the possible sites associated with Wolsey's life. We have also included some other incredible Tudor treasures for good measure. The pocket size map will be available for free from The Hold, Christchurch Mansion, and the Town Hall.

Exhibition Curator Tours, July to October, £5 (advance booking required).

Go beyond the displays with a special tour from our exhibition team. Find out more, hear new stories, and ask your burning questions. Ticket includes tour and exhibition admission. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for dates and time slots.

Tudor Dance and Music Sessions

Every Tuesday throughout August 2023 10:30 – 13:00 Free.

Drop into The Hold for a morning of Tudor dance and music Jacqueline Marshall –Ward and Elizabeth Gutteridge of Colchester Historical Dance and Colchester Waites. No experience needed. All welcome.

Let's Get Crafty – Tudors 

Every Tuesday from 25 July to 29 August. 10:30 – 12:30. Ages 5 - 11, Free.

We have teamed up with the Wolsey 550 Project to offer a range of Tudor inspired family crafts.

Let's Get Crafty – Who do I want to be when I grow up? 

Every Wednesday from 26 July to 30 August. 10:30 - 12.30. Ages 5 - 11, Free.

We have teamed up with the Wolsey 550 Project to be inspired by Thomas Wolsey's achievements and support young people to explore through craft activities 'Who do you want to be when you grow up?'