News from around the County

PEARL WHEATLEY MBE

Pearl, Chairman of SLHA since 2000, was awarded MBE in the New Year Honours of 2007 in recognition of her services to heritage. She has worked indefatigably to promote history and archaeology in the City and County and played a significant role in the creation of Lincoln's award-winning new museum, The Collection.

INN SIGNS IN LINCOLN

Desmond Herring of Needham Market, Suffolk, would like to hear of any inn names in Lincoln that were in existence before 1500. This is about the time when pictorial signs (e.g. Angel, White Hart) first appeared. Prior to that, inns were usually identified by their owners (e.g. Manning's House). Please send contributions to desmond.herring@tesco.net.

GAINSBOROUGH OLD HALL

This magnificent Tudor house, owned by English Heritage and managed by Lincolnshire County Council, is now called Gainsborough Medieval Manor House. It has stood in what is now Parnell Street, Gainsborough, since about 1450 and only became known as Old Hall when the Burgh family move to a new hall in 1720.

There is much to see throughout the large building and visitors will be particularly impressed by the spacious hall and the great kitchen, second only to Hampton Court in size. In 2007 there are special displays to mark the quadricentenary of the Pilgrim Fathers who made their first attempt to leave the country after holding secret meetings here in the manor.

There is a very active group of Friends linked to the Hall/Manor, who organise a regular lecture series and other events. They can be contacted on 01427 679101. Their website is www.gainsborougholdhall.co.uk

HORNCASTLE WORKHOUSE

SLHA has recently published a fine book about the workhouse in Horncastle by the late Norman Clarke entitled “In the Shadow of the Workhouse”. This traces the early institution situated in the churchyard and follows on with the G G Scott building off Foundry Street. There is a wealth of information about the Poor Law Guardians, the workhouse staff and the inmates. Copies are available from Jews' Court Bookshop: see Publications page.

INDUSTRY IN GRANTHAM

An A5 book in the form of a trail has been written by Peter Stephenson to provide a survey of Grantham's rich industrial past. Inevitably, Hornsby's works and many products are featured, but there are dozens of other firms that added to Grantham's importance. Location maps and many illustrations add to the value of the account. Copies are available from Jews' Court Bookshop: see Publications page.

LOST LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTRY HOUSES

Terence Leach produced a fine series of books about the former houses of the aristocracy and gentry in Lincolnshire. His knowledge of the families was second to none; he also had access to some excellent photographs. SLHA recently published a second edition of Volume 1 (which dealt with ) and will shortly be publishing a new edition of Volume 2 (which deals with houses in Dunholme, Hackthorn, Lincoln, Goltho, Kettlethorpe, Lea, Manby, West Willoughby and Scremby). Copies are available from Jews' Court Bookshop: see Publications page.

SIR FRANK AND LADY DOROTHY STENTON

Sir Frank and Lady Dorothy Stenton were closely connected with the study of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire and took particular interest in ancient archives. Sir Frank had many national roles but held Lincolnshire history in high regard.

Professor J V Beckett has arranged an evening visit to Nottinghamshire Archives on 13 September 2007 to view and hear about papers connected with Sir Frank and Lady Dorothy. Numbers are limited so booking is essential through John.Beckett@nottingham.ac.uk.

HORNCASTLE CIVIC SOCIETY

The updated website for the group (www.horncastlecivic.org.uk ) includes Horncastle charters, by-laws and other documents transcribed by the late Norman Clarke.

SIR JOSEPH BANKS SOCIETY

This new society aims to stimulate interest in the Banks' life and achievements through education, research, publications and events, and by strengthening Lincolnshire links with Australia and New Zealand.

The Society has been formed by a group of Lincolnshire people and has its base in a recently restored period building in Horncastle, where it is planned to have visitor and research facilities. Members will receive newsletters with information about events and publications. The first Life President of the Society is David N Robinson OBE MSc, retired University of Nottingham Senior Lecturer, and active researcher, writer and lecturer on Banks.

For membership details and other information contact Sir Joseph Banks Society, 7 Bridge Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 5HZ.

SLEAFORD MALTINGS

The Maltings is the finest example of industrial-scale floor maltings in England and is probably the most important industrial structure in Lincolnshire. After many years of neglect (which these monumental structures have survived remarkably well) an ambitious scheme has been put forward to develop the site for residential, retail/leisure, commercial and industrial uses.

ORAL HISTORY RECORDINGS : AUDIT

SLHA the University of Lincoln and the County Council's Heritage Services are working together to conduct an audit of oral history sound recordings relating to any aspect of Lincolnshire, whatever their date or location. Information is sought about any such recordings, with details of topic, date, name of interviewee, location and format of recording. Replies please to SLHA or to Sara Basquill at Museum of Lincolnshire Life, 01522 528448. The eventual outcome is intended to be a comprehensive web-site index with direct access to at least some of the material.

ST MARY'S GUILDHALL, LINCOLN

This is an important late Norman stone building of c1160-80, which, according to Pevsner is “probably unique in the country in type and date”. Tours can be arranged through Lincoln Civic Trust on 01522 546422. The hall is also available for hire.