William King

William King was born here where his father, The Rev John King, was Master of Ipswich (Grammar) School in that building.

William King became a physician, working in Brighton, but he is celebrated as a founder of co-operative democracy. He created a Co-operative Benefit Fund and a Co- operative Trading Association. He also founded and wrote the periodical The Co-operator (1828-1830), which helped to inspire the "Rochdale pioneers" of the Co-operative Movement later in 1844.

It is fitting that in Ipswich, where Co- operative retailing held its own remarkably well, we should acknowledge this pioneer of the social and philosophical principles of Co-operation, even though this work was done after he left the town. Among the first tranche of blue plaques, this was unveiled in 2001.