Ipswich is a large port town in Suffolk, England. It lies about 10 miles from the mouth of the River Orwell and 16 km from the North Sea. The town is on the Great Eastern Main Line railway and is 45 miles east of Cambridge and 40 miles south of Norwich. The town is surrounded by two areas of outstanding natural beauty. Aside from the sea, there are numerous lakes and other natural attractions.
Historically, Ipswich was under Viking rule in 869. Around 900, they raised earth ramparts around the town's city center. Though they were unsuccessful, the English reclaimed Ipswich in the following decades. During the Middle Ages, Ipswich had a mint, run under the royal licence of King Edgar. The town continued to mint coins through the Norman Conquest and the reign of King John in 1215. The abbreviation Gipes was added to coins during this time.
Ipswich is home to several non-League football teams, including the Ipswich Wanderers and Whitton United. The area also has several independent schools, including the Ipswich Academy and Ipswich High School. The city also has teams in both rugby codes, including the Ipswich RFC, Ipswich YM RUFC, and Ipswich Cardinals. The city also has a sixth-form college, Suffolk New College.