1854
In 1854 the owner Henry Orford discovered a Roman pavement and presented the findings to Ipswich Museum
1894
More Roman coins and pavement where found when Henry Orford was planting a new orchard!
1911
Here is a picture of Castle Hill Community Centre in 1911 in its previous life as a private house pretty impressive I think you will agree!
Did you know the house had 3 wine cellars?
5 cottages Agricultural Buildings 190 acres of fine land one pair of dwelling houses and a further four cottages not forgetting: 1x pleasure garden croquet and tennis lawns, Fruit and vegetable Garden Glass Houses, two Orchards.
The house was sold at auction in 1911 for £5000! This is what you got for your £5000: an 8 bedroom house with 190 Acres of land!
If you have any further information about the history of our building, please get in touch
1947
Castle Hill Community Centre or Castle Hill House as it was known was sold in 1947 for £5,500 pounds to Ipswich County Borough.
1961
Ipswich resident Linda Laisure told us “I was born in castle hill community centre in 1961 my parents were caretakers I lived there until I was 3yrs old”.
1970’s
Josephine Gail Fox told us “I spent my Wednesday nights there in the 70’s as a youth club was held there . Great memories”
2017/18
We are in the process of re mastering the house. We are finding lots of hidden treasures hidden behind panelling and paint work.
The drawing room is nearly complete and the Morning room is now undergoing a revamp and later this year the nursery is being overhauled. Hard to believe this lovely building was nearly lost a year and a bit ago.
If you have any old pictures of the house please drop us a line via email or phone call!
2018/19 and ongoing
Castle Hill Community Centre Trust was formed after successful negations with Suffolk County Council to run the Centre of a long term lease. Renovations continue to be ongoing