Unused Back Hamlet church in Ipswich wins Grade II status

The St Clements Congregational Church, located at on the corner of Back Hamlet and Long Street, has not been used for many years. 

The 19th century church has often been associated with the Grimwades, the well-known and wealthy Ipswich family which owned the large department store on the Cornhill. 

A stone outside the building pays tribute to the memory of Edward Grimwade, a former mayor of Ipswich who died in 1886. 

• READ MORE: The history of Grimwades and how the name is remembered in Ipswich

St Clements Congregational Church has been unused for many years. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)The church has been owned by the University of Suffolk since 2021. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

In 2021, the building was bought by the University of Suffolk, after it was offered up with a guide price of £300k by informal tender earlier that year. 

Now, it has been awarded Grade II status after an application submitted by Beren Reid was approved by Historic England.  

“I’d like to see it brought back into community use,” said Mr Reid, who is the administrator of the Ipswich Ideas Club, which formed earlier this year. 

He continued: “There are so many churches in Ipswich which have been converted for other uses. It would be great if it could be used in combination by the university and the community.” 

Beren Reid is the creator of the Ipswich Ideas Club, which aims to share positive news and initiatives about the town. Image: Beren Reid (Image: Beren Reid)

Documents published on the Historic England website show that the church’s organ has since been removed, and that plans are underway to also remove the pews. 

A spokesperson from the University of Suffolk said: “We were recently notified that the Church has been given Grade II Listed status, and we are continuing to explore options for the future use of the building.” 

A Historic England spokesperson said: “St Clements Congregational Church has been listed at Grade II in recognition of its well-designed Gothic style exterior and for its original high-quality interior fixtures and fittings, as well as the building’s historic value in illustrating the social role played by Nonconformist churches in the 19th century.” 

Is there a building in Ipswich which you think ought to be listed? Email reporter abygail.fossett@newsquest.co.uk who will pass on all enquiries to Mr Reid.