Curson Lodge at the junction of St Nicholas Street and Silent Street was seriously damaged by the crash.

Ipswich: Crash causes serious damage to historic Curson Lodge

Wednesday, February 13, 2013
1:43 PM

STRUCTURAL supports have been put in place to protect one of the town’s most historic buildings from further damage after a car smashed through its doors last night.

Engineers were last night assessing the damage to Curson Lodge on the junction of Silent Street and St Nicholas Street after a car ploughed into the entrance at 8.45pm.

The car wiped out the large wooden pillar at the entrance to the Tudor building, which has now been replaced with temporary wood and metal supports.

Ambulance crews were called to the scene last night to assess the female driver and her passenger, who reported suffering from foot and back pain.

The building, which dates back to the 15th Century, is famed for being opposite the birthplace of Ipswich greatest son Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

The site, although currently vacant, was set to be handed over to a new owner today.

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4 comments

a west - yes, you're quite right about those old buildings next to the Grey-Green coach station. They've been empty for years. Not to mention the (Tudor?) house at the end of College Street next to the roundabout, although I admit it's probably quite hard to find an owner for a building at such a congested and polluted site! The council really should do more to look after its old buildings as there are some real gems in Ipswich. I never understand why it's not made more of a selling point for the town.

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IpswichExile

Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The owner will have a legal responsibility to care for the structure (being as it's Grade II* listed - http:www.imagesofengland.org.ukDetailsDefault.aspx?id=426046&mode=quick) and if not, the council's conservation team will be able to enforce work. But the poor owner faces an insurance claim all presumably because of someone's stupid driving. It's an historic street with some very precious and beautiful old buildings - you just have to be careful. Look forward to seeing it repaired.

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IpswichExile

Wednesday, February 13, 2013
I personally think this is to do with Silent Street being made a temporary two way street. I think Skanska haven't considered peoples driving habits and done a proper risk assessment. Hence when road is two way within a week a building is hit. Getting around town centre is a nightmare at the moment. Too many projects at once. Dare I say it again, poor planing from the council?

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Dataminer1

Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Agree PC Plod, the great building is opposite where Cardinal Wolsey was born and who cares about the structure the council don`t that`s for sure. When will the people of Ipswich wake up to some of the great buildings we have, this is just one example of how Ipswich folk dont give a hoot for our great buildings, look at those buildings next to the old Grey Green bus station!

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a west

Wednesday, February 13, 2013