Lower School History Club has been running since September, but from late October, inspired by the 550th anniversary campaign celebrating the life of Thomas Wolsey, the students have been focusing on the life of this famous figure, in particular looking into his connections with Ipswich School.

The students have undertaken their own research about Wolsey. They found out that Wolsey was a former pupil of the school who went on to study at Oxford University and later became the second most powerful man in England, under Henry VIII. Wolsey never forgot about the important role that Ipswich School had in his early life and he even planned to make his former school one of the finest in the country.

The students have put together a fantastic display on Wolsey in the History corridor, in which they have displayed the interesting facts that they discovered. For example, Matilda M from Year 7 found out that Wolsey was born in Ipswich as a son to a butcher. However, despite these relatively humble beginnings he went on to become the second most important figure in England. Lily C from Year 7 commented that the study of Wolsey made her and the rest of the group want to look into other famous figures who came from non-privileged backgrounds and the display also illustrates some of these people. Zara B said that Wolsey really shows that anyone can be anything.

As part of the Wolsey 550 commemoration, the History Club students and Miss Manson will be giving an academic lecture on Wolsey and his connections to Ipswich School later this year, in October. We have plans to visit the archives in school to find out more about his connections to our current students place of learning and we look forward to seeing any original artefacts from Wolsey’s period.

Miss Manson said: “I am proud of the History Club students: Lillia C, Lily C, Matilda W, Matilda M and Zara B and how they have embraced this topic and shown the important skill of independent research. Wolsey is a fascinating character and an example of how education can be so important in helping people to transgress their social status.”

The History Club also plans to visit the home of Suffolk archives, The Hold, which will have an exhibition on the life of Wolsey. So, there is much to look forward to for this hardworking and enthusiastic group!

Miss Manson, History Teacher