Church of St Mary-at-the-Quay, Ipswich
Suffolk
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About this Church
The church, which is cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust, was until June 2020 under the tenancy of Suffolk Mind. Due to the impact of the Coronavirus lockdown, the decision was made by Suffolk Mind not to reopen. River Church have reopened the Church with community and wellbeing at the heart of their vision and the church is available for hire and community.
https://riverchurchipswich.org/
The history of St Mary's
This medieval church lies next to Ipswich's regenerated quayside. It was built, or perhaps rebuilt, between 1450 and 1550. Elegant Perpendicular windows bathe the interior - and its handsome arcades - with light. The wonderful Medieval double hammerbeam roof in the nave (one of the earliest of its type) has carved figures of apostles, other worthies and less formal images in the spandrels. There is also a handsome octagonal fifteenth-century font.
Please click here for a free audio tour
A contribution can be made by texting "IPQ" to 70970 to donate £5 or 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.
Access information
There is a small step but a ramp is in place which is accessible from the pavement.
Facilities & Hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
- Church Available for Hire
History & Further Information
Directions
Quay Place is situated on the junction of Star Lane and Key Street in Ipswich which is about a 15 minute walk from Ipswich Train Station.
Directions by car, from the interchange of the A12 and A14 at Copdock, take the next slip road (the A137, signposted Ipswich Town Centre and Docks, follow the road for approximately 2 miles, please use the postcode IP4 1BZ for sat navs.
Transport
Nearest railway station: Ipswich (0.7 miles)
Nearest bus station: Quay Place is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Old Cattle Market bus station, for local bus services visit Ipswich Buses website
Car Parks: There is a short stay public car park adjacent to the Church, accessible from Star Lane. There are several other car parks in and around the area including long stay options
Conservation and Regeneration
Read our previous coverage of St Mary's regeneration journey:
November 2012: St Mary-at-the-Quay, Ipswich to be transformed into Heritage Wellbeing Centre
December 2013: Work gets underway to regenerate St Mary at The Quay, Ipswich
February 2014: Insight into an excavation
October: 2016:Launch of ‘Quay Place’, a unique heritage and wellbeing centre in Ipswich
November 2016: Quay Place wins Ipswich Society 2016 Award
April 2017: Quay Place Shortlisted for Civic Voice Design Award
April 2017: Leaders from UK’s most important attractions come to Ipswich
May 2017: Quay Place, Ipswich, wins RICS Award
November 2017: Quay Place comes Highly Commended!
March 2018: Quay Place receives prestigious conservation award
September 2020: Historic Church in Ipswich is looking for new partner to call it home
May 2021: New tenant for St Mary-at-Quay
