"The Ancient House is one of Ipswich’s most famous buildings. Built in 1567 this Grade I listed building was originally named the ‘Sparrows house’, after the Sparrowe family took ownership in the 1590s, and where it remained for almost 300 years. As staunch royalists, the Sparrowe family made a number of adaptations to the building, which included decorating the exterior walls with extravagant pargetting, with the Royal Arms of King Charles II set proudly in the centre. Four continents are positioned under each window, Europe, Africa, Americas and Asia. Australasia is missing as it was undiscovered at this time."

It is grossly over-restored and spoilt by its tenants, but better have it in before proceeding to another calmer representative of the C16th