Pykenham's Gatehouse

Fascinating piece of Ipswich history!

Pykenham's Gatehouse is considered officially the oldest (still intact) building in Ipswich, dated at 1471. It was built for the use of the Archdeacon of Suffolk appointed that same year, William Pykenham. The rambling pile was a rather luxurious home from home, used for his convenience when visiting the town from Norwich. Another such Gatehouse, the Deanery Tower, was built for Pykenham's personal use, beside St. Mary's church, Hadleigh. However, he died before the rest of the estate could be completed in Suffolk. It's an extensive building, best viewed from the outside by using the upstairs reference room of the town's main Library (on the opposite side of Northgate Street). The original Gatehouse was repeatedly extended & updated, after Pykenham's death in 1479. It's nowadays used by both the Ipswich Building Preservation Trust & Ipswich Society...