SLHA Magazine

LINCOLNSHIRE PAST & PRESENT

2007

No. 67 : Spring 2007

Story of a Community Dig: Branston Sheepwash Uncovered - Jennifer Jackson

This sheepwash, in the centre of Branston, was managed and maintained by the Washdike Committee under the Parish Council in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was excavated early in 2006 by a community group under the direction of Archaeological Project Services.

The Cow Paddle, Lincoln 1855 – Dennis Mills

This low-lying grazing land, part of the South Common adjacent to Canwick, became the site of Lincoln’s cemetery in 1856. Contemporary accounts and a large scale map of the area are the primary sources used. Earlier uses of the site are indicated, including possibly soap-making.

From Victorian Lincolnshire to L’Epoque de Worth in Paris – Albert Schmidt

The story of Charles Frederick Worth, who was born at Bourne in Lincolnshire in 1825 and became a celebrated fashion designer and ‘father of haute couture’.

Short Items

*Chester’s Mill, Woodhall Spa: the photograph in LP&P 66 is identified and the individuals identified.

*Caroline Eliza Derecourt Martyn, 1867-1896: biographical details of a Lincoln woman, who became a leading socialist of her day.

*Lincoln’s lost medieval theatre: evidence put forward for the site of a theatre in Tower gardens, adjacent to the Usher Gallery.

*Cogglesford Mill, Sleaford: the proposed conversion of part of the mill into a shop and café threatens the unique character of this working mill.

*Spalding Gentlemen’s Society: a brief account of the society (founded 1712) which is now to admit lady members.

*Obituary of Les Gostick (1911-2007) local historian and writer.

No. 68 : Summer 2007

Brinkhill, South Ormsby & District Pig Club – Tony Baker

Based on local records and recollections, an illustrated account of a pig club which operated from 1876 to 1966 in a pair of villages in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Colonel Sibthorp versus the Public Libraries Act, 1850 – Mark Acton

The famously eccentric Lincoln MP blasts off against a proposal to levy a half-penny rate for the establishment of public libraries.

Wooden souvenirs of Lincolnshire – Dr Ian MacFeeters

A general account of Mauchline Ware (Ayrshire, Scotland) and examples of the boxes decorated with Lincolnshire scenes, with 12 illustrations.

Short Items

*Bernard Reeves wrote ‘Rambles in Lincolnshire’, an intriguing c1936 book published by LNER, giving details of 15 walks. Who was Bernard Reeves?

*Cleethorpes Artist : A family portrait (c1830) of a Cleethorpes Methodist is by an competent but unknown, local artist. Who was he?

*Lincoln Racecourse 1756 : What connection was there between Dunston Pillar and Pleasure Grounds (1751) and the nearby racecourse?

*Decorated English fonts : The Society has acquired a fine book of etchings by J Simpson, engraved by Robert Roberts, dated c1830.

*Naval recruiting in Lindsey : An article from the English Historical Review, April 1928, gives details of many local problems in c1800.

*Lincolnshire Recipes : 3 examples from Mrs E H Rudkin’s book (Satisfaction Pudding, For the Cramp, For a Hoarseness which cured Betty).

*Lincolnshire Music on Air : Horkstow Grange, a Lincolnshire folk tune collected by Percy Grainger was recently used at title music on Radio 4 for a George Eliot serial. What was the connection?

No. 69 : Autumn 2007

Henry Stone of Skellingthorpe – Ruth Tinley

Henry Stone (1631-1693) inherited the Skellingthorpe estate from his father and made numerous bequests, including a substantial one to Christ’s Hospital for the Mathematical School. Another educational bequest led ultimately to the founding of Newark High School (for girls), Lilley and Stone Foundation, which opened in 1910. Skellingthorpe churchyard contains the family tomb and the village still retains several associations with his name.

Compulsory Marriages – Beryl Jackson

An example of the effect of the 1733 Bastardy Act as described in John Peck’s diaries (1818-1851) and the poetry of George Crabbe (1758-1851). The Peck diaries are held in the Wisbech and Fenland Museum.

An Unusual Vice – a Spiral Staircase in Harmston Church – R C Wheeler

The tower of Harmston church, built about 1100, contains a spiral staircase which was evidently constructed at a later date. The materials and methods used to create the staircase, whilst unusual, can be understood when carefully examined. One can only speculate on the original purpose of this staircase up to the bell chamber.

Short Items

*Langrick Bridge Centenary: A small but enthusiastic event was held locally in 2007; photographs of bridge, steam roller and traction engine give a flavour of the day.

*The Strangers’ Illustrated Guide through Lincoln, 1856: Extracts and illustrations from the book held at SLHA Jews’ Court library.

*Historical Notes in Spalding: A contemporary account of a severe storm in the Spalding area on 10 November 1810.

*The Grantham Canal: Pieces of Axminster carpet used to create a watertight seal at Willis’s Lock have been discovered.

*Eleanor Nannestad: The Local Studies Group of the Library Association has awarded the prestigious Dorothy McCulla Award to Eleanor for her work in the field.

No. 70 : Winter 2007/8

Padley’s Large Plan of Lincoln: New Discoveries – Rob Wheeler

J S Padley’s plan of Lincoln at 20 inches to the mile was published in 1842 and updated in 1851, 1868 and 1883. Rob Wheeler, co-author of the recently published Historic Town Plans of Lincoln 1610-1920 (Lincoln Record Society, 2004), examines the sequence of maps and their production. Reference is made to other contemporary maps and how these and Padley’s maps kept abreast of new buildings and other developments in Lincoln.

South Lincolnshire Jekyll Origins – Joan Woolard

The Jekyll name (brought to fame by R L Stephenson and Gertude Jekyll, the gardener) originated in Yarburgh, near Louth, and more significantly in South Holland. This article examines the origin of the name and points to the many local features which bear the name or a derivation of it (e.g. Jekils Bank). Detail is given of the branch of the Jekyll family which includes Gertude (1843-1932); it has had several distinguished members who have played roles in the national scene.

George Eliot in Lincolnshire – Margaret Crompton

This article is based on a lengthy study on the same theme undertaken by the author and her husband (copies at Gainsborough Library and at West Lindsey District Council). Eliot’s journals throw fascinating light on the long held supposition that The Mill on the Floss is based entirely on Gainsborough. There is evidence of several other visits by Eliot to the county to visit friends, e.g. the Otters of Ranby Hall.

The Butchery – A Lost Community – Darren Stockdale

The tiny street in Barton upon Humber – now a barren open space - shows evidence of its 18th Century origins and the 1851 Census reveals the wide range of trades and businesses it once housed.

Short Items

*The Penitent Females’ Home, Lincoln: An extract from The Strangers’ Illustrated Guide Through Lincoln (1856) describes its aims and activities.

*Stixwould Priory Keys: Photographs of 4 old keys, claimed in 1882 to originate from the Priory. Is this feasible? Where are the keys now?

*‘Friend’ Peace: A letter thus signed, written from Grimsby in 1897, is thus signed. Brian Thornalley asks for further information.