This very interesting bronze memorial panel commemorates the death of George Sparrowe. Although he is recorded as being a grocer of London he was by birth a member of the important Ipswich Sparrowe family who were prosperous merchants and held various civic positions. George is recorded on the panel as being "one of the Portmen of Ipswich". Capital Portmen were an elected body of twelve officials who oversaw the judicial and commercial activities of the town and it was after them that Portman Road is named which is now well known as the home of Ipswich Town Football Club. Clearly George had returned to Ipswich by the time of his death in December 1599. The panel was in St. Lawrence Church in the centre of Ipswich until at least the 1970's at which point the church was declared as redundant and is now a community centre. The panel is 20 1/2 inches x 8 1/2 inches x one inch thick and the bronze plaque itself is 19 inches x 7 inches. Strangely enough about eight years ago I had a good portrait of Anne Sparrowe, the second wife of George's father William. She acquired a fine 15th century house not far from St Lawrence's church. For centuries it was known as Sparrowe House before being renamed The Ancient House. It has superb pargetting and is now under the control of Ipswich Borough Council.

Ref: 10973

Price: POA