Charles Whitfield King

From humble beginnings, as a clerk for a shipping firm at the docks, Charles Whitfield King became the second largest stamp firm in the UK, (or maybe even the world). His company “Whitfield King and Co” exported and imported stamps from around the world.

In 1876 he began the venture establishing his offices and his house on either side of Lacey Street. Designed by his brother and built by his father, Morpeth House, named after his honeymoon destination was occupied by 1887. Also at his residence at Morpeth house, he created a room that was entirely decorated with stamps: featuring on “Down Your Way with Richard Dimbleby in the 1950s.

The stamp room now has only a small part above the fireplace decorated with stamps. In the early sixties the business failed when the interest in philately seriously declined.

The plaque was unveiled on 9th July 2014 by the residents of Lacey Street, Ipswich on the occasion of their street party.