One of Britain's top historians has agreed to be patron of the Thomas Wolsey 550 Project which will remember Ipswich's greatest son.

Prof Diarmaid MacCulloch grew up in Suffolk and went to school in Stowmarket andn is now Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford University.

He has maintained close links with Ipswich and Suffolk - and was a friend of the late John Blatchly who championed the town's history and was the driving force that brought the Wolsey statue to St Peter's Street.

Prof MacCulloch is very enthusiastic about the Wolsey project, and has been helping its organises behind the scenes.

He said: “I’m delighted that one of Britain’s most ancient and historic towns is honouring its illustrious Tudor son Cardinal Wolsey.

"His importance in English history needs proper recognition, and the proposed programme of events is a fine tribute to his memory.”

Ipswich Star: The Wolsey 550 Project was launched on Friday.The Wolsey 550 Project was launched on Friday. (Image: Warren Page/Ipswich Central)

The project was officially launched on Friday - marking the start of a 550-day festival until autumn of next year to mark the birth of Thomas Wolsey in Ipswich in 1473.

People visiting the Ipswich Weekender had the chance to see a new video showing the scale of Wolsey's College and information about the festival in the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop in the Butter Market street.

Ipswich Star: A display about the Wolsey festival is on show at the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill store.A display about the Wolsey festival is on show at the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill store. (Image: Paul Geater)

The festival will include scores of events aimed at highlighting Wolsey's life - and also the importance of giving opportunities to young people.

It highlights the fact that he was a commoner who, through his own hard work, rose to become the most powerful person in the land after the king at a time when social mobility hardly existed.

The festival is organised by Ipswich Central and is chaired by former ipswich Star and EADT editor Terry Hunt - and is supported by public and private sector organisations across the area.