Ancient House, Ipswich, Grade I listed building in Buttermarket, Ipswich, England
The Ancient House is a 15th-century building on Buttermarket in Ipswich known for its ornate plasterwork and detailed wood carvings on its white facade. The interior preserves original paneled rooms, and the exterior displays an elaborate royal coat of arms along with heraldic symbols.
The building began as a 15th-century structure but underwent major renovation between 1660 and 1670 when Robert Sparrowe added the ornate plasterwork facade and the royal coat of arms of King Charles II. This transformation turned a medieval house into a showpiece of later Stuart-era craftsmanship.
The four panels below the bay windows display continents known during Tudor times through detailed wall decorations. These representations mix European and exotic subjects within a single artistic composition.
Visitors can explore the building during regular opening hours and see the original paneled ground floor rooms. The location on Buttermarket in the town center makes it easy to reach and visit as part of a walking tour.
Above the entrance sits a gold leaf lion and unicorn crest decorated with the Order of the Garter motto in Old French. This rare combination symbolizes English royal heraldry and reflects the house's connection to the crown.
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