Ancient House, Ipswich, Grade I listed building in Buttermarket, Ipswich, England
The Ancient House is a 15th-century building on Buttermarket in the center of Ipswich, England, known for the detailed plasterwork and wood carvings that cover its white facade. The ground floor inside still has original paneled rooms, and the exterior displays a royal coat of arms alongside other heraldic decoration.
The building dates from the 15th century, but it took on its current appearance during a major renovation carried out between 1660 and 1670, when Robert Sparrowe commissioned the decorated plasterwork on the facade. It was at this time that the coat of arms of King Charles II was added, marking the house as a product of the early Stuart restoration period.
The four panels below the bay windows show the continents known in Tudor times, each carved in decorated plasterwork on the outer wall. Looking closely, visitors can spot figures and symbols from both European and more distant parts of the world, all mixed together on the same facade.
The building sits on Buttermarket in the town center of Ipswich, making it easy to reach on foot from the main train station. The decorated facade can be seen from the street, so even a short stop during a walk through the center is enough to take in the exterior details.
Above the entrance, a gold leaf lion and unicorn crest carries the motto of the Order of the Garter written in Old French, not in English. Many visitors walk past without noticing the language, which makes the inscription one of the more unexpected details on the building.
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