Robert Ransome

For two centuries Ransomes was probably the most famous Ipswich name around the world -certainly as far as manufacturing was concerned.

Robert Ransome came to Ipswich in 1789. He set up an iron foundry briefly near the quay and later at St Margaret's Ditches, now Old Foundry Road, the name of which commemorated the site. Still under family control after Robert's death the foundry moved in 1849 to the dockside eventually becoming Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, making agricultural equipment, forklifts and even aeroplanes in the Great War.

Ransomes & Rapier was formed in 1869 when four engineers and relatives of Robert established a new firm pursuing the business of manufacturing railway equipment and other heavy works soon to be renowned throughout the world.

Robert Ransome was a member of a group of influential Quakers in Ipswich. He was very sympathetic towards his workers and was instrumental in bringing gas lighting to Ipswich.

Among the first tranche of blue plaques, this was unveiled in 2001.