St Lawrence Church

St Lawrence Church stands on Dial Lane in central Ipswich, a 15th-century building now used as a community centre. The church has the oldest ring of five church bells in the world, known as Wolsey’s bells. Its tower was rebuilt in 1882 with floral and geometric flintwork patterns by Barnes and Gaye. The nave once had a central aisle, removed to discourage High Anglican worship. It served as a parish church until the early 1970s, when the diocese declared it redundant. The bells date from around 1450 and 1480, with one possibly commissioned by Wolsey’s uncle Edmund Daundy. All five remain unmodified, with original clappers intact, and were restored by Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The tower was rebuilt and a new steel frame installed before the bells returned in 2009. The Church Building Council recognises their historical importance. The next oldest set of five bells dates from 1500. Visitors find a community restaurant and gallery inside the church, opened in 2008 after extensive renovations. The tower houses the historic bells, rung in modern change-ringing style. The surrounding area includes the heart of Ipswich, with its historic lanes and buildings. The church’s flintwork patterns and Victorian design add to its architectural interest. The space now supports local events and cultural activities.