In medieval times the Cornhill, or Market Hill, 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 first recorded building in the area was the Flesh Market, or Shambles, mentioned in 1346 and reconstructed in 1378 and 1583. The upper part on the last Shambles building was in the form of an open gallery, which provided a vantage point for viewing public occasions on the square below. The Rotunda, which replaced the Shambles in 1793, lasted only until 1810, when the first Corn Exchange was erected by the Corporation. The Corn Exchange opened in March 1812.
In July 1849 a number of merchants asked the Council to heighten its walls, roof it with glass, convert the iron gratins to windows and clear away the corner shops. During the 1860’s the Corn Exchange was becoming crowded on market days and the Council began to consider various alternatives, including the possibility of converting the Public Hall. In 1879 the Council decided to acquire the King Street site at the rear of the Town Hall.
Building started in the autumn of 1880. The foundation stone was laid on 22nd October 1880 by Mayor D. H. Booth. It was opened on 26th July 1882 by Mayor Frederick Fish.
In August 1888 the fruit and vegetable market was transferred from Falcon Street to the Corn Exchange where it remained until November 1970. The last Corn Market was held at the Corn Exchange on 29th June 1972.
During 1971 it was decided to remodel the Corn Exchange. The main requirements were for meeting, exhibitions, shows and other spectator events. The ‘new’ Corn Exchange was opened by the Duke of Gloucester on 22nd September 1975.
