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Cardinal Street, IPSWICH, IP1 1LG

The former St Nicholas’ Church, dating from the early 14th century – and now called the St Nicholas Centre – is seen here on the side of Franciscan Way (the A1022). This was a redundant Anglican church that was taken over as Diocesan offices and a conference venue in 2000. The flint tower, rising to a height of about 57ft, was rebuilt in 1886. It is thought that Thomas Wolsey (1473–1530), the Roman Catholic Cardinal and one-time Lord Chancellor in King Henry VIII's reign, lived in this parish as a boy. His father and mother are buried here and his father bequeathed money to this church in his will.

By Franciscan Way opposite the Willis building.

Near the Willis Building

This little church is almost dwarfed beside the great edifices of commerce that are its neighbours. Built into the parapet of the tower are four niches, occupied by four male figures. The north aisle contains carvings dated to the 11th century, one inscribed ’HER SANCTUS MICHAEL FEHT WID DANE GRAGON’. The 14th century nave and aisles are also interesting in that the pier arcade is particularly well carved with moulded capitals and arguably the finest in Suffolk. All the windows in the aisle have the original low, wide sills on which members of the congregation would have sat before the introduction of benches. The roof retains the 15th century dormer windows which gave light to the rood. The pulpit and altar rails are Stuart. There has been some restoration of this church but more of the original retained than in any of the others in the town.

Ipswich St Nicholas Church.

The tall block of flats, known as Ipswich Central, is reflected in the glass-sided Willis building.

The Willis Faber building in Ipswich was designed by Norman Foster and is a pioneering example of high-tech architecture.