This companion to the history of Ipswich will prove an indispensable guide for residents and visitors alike to the past and present of a town that in the 2000 celebrated the 800th anniversary of its first charter. Essential information on people who have played key roles in the story, on the streets and lanes, and on events that have occurred over the centuries are to be found here, presented in a convenient A to Z format. The events range from the presentation of King John’s charter to the lighting of the first gas jet with a pound note, and from the Danish takeover of the town in the ninth century to Ipswich Town’s FA Cup victory in 1978. The book will answer many of the questions so often asked: where was the castle? who were the bailiffs who ruled the town for more than 600 years? what were the Cold Dunghills? when did Ipswich Town Football Club turn professional? how did Ipswich Witches come to ride at Foxhall?