Club History
Archdeacon’s House: The home of the Ipswich & Suffolk Club since 1885
The Ipswich and Suffolk Club was established in 1885 when, on Christmas Eve, the very first meeting of the Ipswich and Suffolk Club Company Limited was presided over by its first Chairman, Spencer Dixon.
Then, as now, the club was housed in the former home of the Archdeacon of Suffolk, an ancient building traced back to the 1500s when monks lived the monastic life within its walls.
For one and a quarter centuries, the club has survived the rigours of everything from wars and recessions, social change and urban development and now is home to an active membership of almost 500 ladies and gentlemen.
In 1985, former Chairman Harold Page published a book containing the fascinating history of the club's first 100 years. It was revisited in 2002 when a further 17 years were added.