Exhibition charts Ipswich’s criminal past
Was Margaret Catchpole a criminal or a woman charting her own path? Decide for yourself when her personal letters written to friends and family during her Australian exile go on show in the UK for the first time.
On loan from the National Library of Australia, and the State Library of New South Wales, the letters form the centrepiece of Suffolk Archives’ latest exhibition Behind Bars – Suffolk’s Criminal Past.
Servant girl turned notorious horse thief, Margaret’s daring escape from Ipswich jail, her capture, and eventual transportation to Australia made her a Suffolk legend.
The letters give a unique insight into how much she missed her home and family, and how she was establishing a new life for herself despite the challenging circumstances.
In one she writes: “Pray go to Mrs Cobbold and tell her that I hope she will send me word on how all the good family do for I long to hear from them all. She had no doubt that I was worthy of all the favours that was shown to me as I behaved myself so well since I came here. But if I could but once return to my own native land what a happy woman should I be.”
As well as telling Margaret’s story, Behind Bars lifts the lid on Suffolk’s lawless past.
Discover gripping true crimes from the infamous Red Barn Murder that shocked the nation to the curious case of the Acton Dumpling Murderess. Step inside the world of historic investigations and harsh punishments, including Suffolk’s last public execution.
Explore how justice has evolved, from dealing with riots and social unrest to the development of prisons and rehabilitation, supported by HMP Hollesley Bay.
In partnership with Suffolk Constabulary, the exhibition also traces the history of policing in the county and how officers continue to keep Suffolk safe today.
Cllr Nadia Cenci, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities
said, “It’s wonderful to welcome Margaret Catchpole’s letters back to Suffolk, where her extraordinary story began. ‘Behind Bars’ shines a light on her courage and our county’s rich, and sometimes lawless, past. We’re proud to host this fascinating exhibition celebrating Suffolk’s unique history and heritage.”
Behind Bars is a free exhibition and runs from 24th October 2025 to 17th January 2026 at The Hold in Ipswich – the home of Suffolk Archives, a Suffolk County Council service.
It’s accompanied by a series of talks, walks, and workshops. Visit suffolkarchives.co.uk for more information.