Set amid the gentrified buildings of Ipswich Waterfront, this classical landmark stands as a reminder of the town’s importance as a maritime trading centre.
Custom House or Old Custom House is a grandiose building that overlooks the Port of Ipswich. Marvel at the magnificence of the 19th-century classical architecture of Custom Dock. Stroll along the banks of the waterfront as merchants and sailors have done since the 8th century.
Common belief is that a custom house has stood at this location since the 1300s. Today’s building dates back to the 1840s and is the work of J.M. Clark, an architect and townsperson whose design was chosen in a competition. Custom House now serves as the headquarters for a port administration company. Try to find the corner pad on the west side of the structure indicating the high water mark in the area.
Gaze at the façade, dominated by a large portico and pediment supported by four Tuscan columns. A Palladian staircase with twin flights of steps adorned by balustrades provides access to the portico. Look up to see carvings of the Ipswich coat of arms, which have references to Ipswich’s seafaring heritage. The symbol features a shield with the image of a lion and the stern of three boats. On both sides of the shield are seahorses and above is a lion holding a three-masted sailing ship.
Running along the sides of the building are arched colonnades. It’s likely that sailors rested and found shelter from the elements here while docked at the port. Other notable aspects are a collection of commemorative plaques. One honors the architect of the house and another celebrates the 150th anniversary of Ipswich Wet Dock, which is an enclosed mooring area. Read the sign with historical information about Ipswich as a maritime center.
Walk from the attraction to the town center. Ipswich Train Station is a15-minute walk to the west. If arriving by car use one of several nearby metered car parks.
After seeing Custom House, enjoy Ipswich Waterfront’s other attractions. Sit at the waterside and look over what was once one of the largest enclosed docks in Britain. Find bars, cafés, restaurants and retail stores inside renovated port warehouses.
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