Cornhill Square

The Cornhill has been at the centre of the town's life since Anglo-Saxon Times, and has been the focus of markets, public meetings, fairs and civic ceremonies. It was here in 1555-56 that the "Ipswich Martyrs" were burnt at the stake for their Protestant beliefs and in 1644 Widow Lackland was burnt on the orders of Matthew Hopkins the notorious Witchfinder General. The Town Hall and Old Post Office, two grand Victorian buildings, flank the Cornhill.

In medieval times the Cornhill, or Market Hill as it was also known, became the centre of trade and local government in Ipswich. This market place was the site of the medieval pillar cross of stone erected about 1510. The cross was replaced in 1628 by another more elaborate structure which stood towards the east side of Cornhill until 1812. The Cornhill is still in use today, and is the site of a popular market held every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.