5 minute read
Historic Lincolnshire
Wherever you wander at the Heart of Lincolnshire you’ll find yourself walking in historic footsteps. From the Iron Age tribe which minted coins at Sleaford to the Knights Templar who settled locally, via the Romans who built the Ermine Street and dug the Car Dyke, visitors from across the centuries have bequeathed a lasting legacy of historical riches throughout North Kesteven.
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Viking, Norman, Saxon, Medieval, Elizabethan and Tudor, kings and countrymen; they’ve all left their mark, as have more recent generations of prestigious airmen and entrepreneurial industrial pioneers.
North Kesteven boasts the only eight-sailed windmill in Europe – if not the world – rare survivors of the Industrial Age, the largest malthouses in England, Britain’s only remaining Navigation office, some of the nation’s most iconic churches and a unique wealth of aviation assets including the oldest of all RAF bases.
Historical discovery provides the inspiration to most of the District’s 20 Stepping Out Walks through which you can actively explore the area’s tangible history; all centred on a church, a hall, an airfield or similar. And when you’re ready to explore further afield, there’s a rich seam of history to be found around you; most notably in Lincoln with its 1,000-year old castle, cathedral and Magna Carta; Grantham with Belton House; Newark with its Civil War Museum; Boston with its association with the Pilgrim Fathers and east of the district there’s Tattershall Castle, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, East Kirkby’s Aviation Heritage Centre and the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Cogglesford Watermill
In a picturesque setting by the River Slea, this beautiful historic gem is thought to be the only Sheriff’s Watermill still operating in England, and millers have produced flour on this site for over a thousand years. After a restoration project during 2021, Cogglesford Watermill is once again open to visitors! The waterwheel has now been restored by local firm R.H Displays and Exhibitions and turns every Sunday. Visitors are able to experience the traditional milling process on the second Sunday of every month; watch the building come to life as the millstones and machinery turn and see the stone-ground flour being freshly milled. Flour is available to buy from the gift shop alongside local produce and souvenirs.
Follow us on Twitter @Cogglesford and keep your eyes on the website for milling days and special events! A lovely end to a walk along the River Slea, enjoy an ice cream in the shade of this historic building during the summer months, or enjoy a hot chocolate to the beautiful sound of the trickling river in the chilly winter months. Cogglesford Watermill is open weekly from Friday-Monday, 12pm-4pm Please visit: www.cogglesfordwatermill.co.uk Email: cogglesfordwatermill@n-kesteven.gov.uk Navigation House
In the shadow of St Denys’ Church and the impressive Hub stands Navigation House - one of the quirky historic gems of Sleaford. Originally intended to be a shed, Navigation House became a grand display of wealth with a crest above the door designed by Sir Joseph Banks. A fascinating glimpse of a time when the Sleaford Navigation Company made the town one of the wealthiest and most vibrant in the country - find out more about what actually happened to Sleaford Castle and why it’s still present in buildings of Sleaford, sit at the desk of the canal company clerk, pick up some local leaflets or explore the lovely retail space showcasing handmade gifts from local crafters. With its wonky window frames and friendly feel, this is one building you won’t want to miss. Navigation House is open from Friday-Monday, 10am-2pm. Please visit: www.navigationhouse.co.uk Email: navigationhouse@n-kesteven.gov.uk
Mrs Smith’s Cottage
Step into a different era and make yourself at home…
Mrs Smith was well known and well-loved in Navenby where she lived until she was 102. Her cottage provides a rare insight into the life of a rural Lincolnshire community through an entire century. The contents and appearance have been preserved from when Hilda Smith last lived there in 1995. She knew all the local history, families and secrets and kept a diary every day. With events, craft days and exhibitions planned throughout 2022, each day at the Cottage is slightly different. As a guest you can learn how she lived through the seasons and how contentment can be found in simple things. Help yourself to a sweet from the tin and take a seat. Smell the roses in the garden and maybe pull a few weeds. Here you are more than a visitor; you are a helpful guest. Mrs Smith’s Cottage is open from FridayMonday, 12pm-4pm. Please visit: www.mrssmithscottage.com Email: mrssmithscottage@n-kesteven. gov.uk Follow Mrs Smith’s Cottage on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @mrssmithscottage Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum
With a rotating programme of fascinating exhibitions at its core, exploring the wealth of remarkable aviation heritage near and far, Cranwell offers the ideal launchpad to discover more of Lincolnshire airfields and aviation attractions.
Located in the shadow of the iconic Royal Air Force College, it principally portrays the fascinating story of this most historic and iconic establishment from its early days more than a century ago. Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum has a programme of changing exhibitions. Up to April 30, it is ‘Rebuilding Heroes’ which focusses on the poignant and uplifting story of the Guinea Pig Club – a social group formed by young men during their recovery after receiving experimental plastic surgery treatment for burns sustained during their service in the Second World War. This will be followed by further fresh exhibitions throughout 2022. Past exhibitions are featured on the website, including ‘High Flying Women’, ‘Gallantry in the Air’ and ‘Animals at War’.
The museum shop offers a fantastic selection of books and a wide range of gift ideas – perfect to find something unique for an aviation enthusiast! Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum is open from Friday-Monday, 10am-3pm. Please visit: www.cranwellaviation.co.uk
Email: cranwellaviation@n-kesteven.gov.uk Twitter @CranwellMuseum
