Heritage
Retrace the footsteps of history in some of England's finest buildings
From Iron Age remains, Roman gates and Medieval halls to Gothic churches, Elizabethan homes and Georgian country estates, Lincolnshire's historic past is beautifully evident today.
A colourful parade of important settlers, landowners and visitors have created a detailed, exciting and captivating tapestry of heritage within the county. Visitors can enjoy exploring the stories behind many exceptional buildings, homes and architectural masterpieces that remain today. Archaeological finds and ancient remains in the county's museums such as The Collection in Lincoln, Grantham Museum and Boston Guildhall are equally fascinating in piecing together Lincolnshire's fascinating past.
The Roman City of Lincoln is a heritage lover's dream - particularly the Bailgate area, where the magnificent and unmissable Lincoln Cathedral lies opposite William the Conqueror's Norman Fort, Lincoln Castle. A cobbled square, tudor buildings and a Roman wall are all to be explored amongst pretty shops, cafe's and restaurants. Lincoln also features the oldest arch still used by traffic at the entrance to the Bailgate on Newport, built by the Romans in the 3rd century.
Yet more ancient remains can be visited at the 13th century Bolingbroke Castle and Gainsthorpe Deserted Medieval Village.
If you love exploring stately homes and gardens, Lincolnshire offers a mansion for almost every era since medieval times. Must-see historic houses include Doddington Hall, Belton House, Gunby Hall, Alford Manor House, Burghley House, Belvoir Castle, Ayscoughfee Hall, and Aubourn Hall Gardens.
Join the Wesley Trail to discover the humble beginnings of John Wesley's preaching in Lincolnshire, leading to 70 million Methodists worldwide today. In the little village of Epworth, North Lincolnshire, Methodism began three centuries ago at The Old Rectory, the Wesley family home until 1735 and now a museum open to visitors. The Market Cross is where John would deliver his rousing sermons, while the Wesley Memorial Church, built in memory of John and his brother Charles, features a striking stained glass window.
Visit the magnificent and imposing Gainsborough Old Hall, one of the best-preserved timber halls in Britain, where John Wesley also preached - and where the Mayflower Pilgrims also worshiped. Built in 1460, the hall was also visited by King Henry VIII on two occasions and has one of the most spectacular original medieval kitchens in England.
As a county famous for food and farming, Lincolnshire was once home to many impressive working windmills. Only a few remain, including the only left-handed sailed windmill in England at Burgh Le Marsh. To witness the magic of making flour head to Ellis Mill, Alford Five Sailed Windmill or Mount Pleasant Windmill. Or, if you want to see a working water mill visit Cogglesford Mill where millers have been producing flour on site for over 1000 years.
For more informaton on heritage in Lincolnshire see Lincs to the Past
Churches of Lincolnshire
Journalist Simon Jenkins in his book on England's Thousand Best Churches said of the county's treasure trove of religious architecture: 'Lincolnshire churches cannot be bettered'. From the majestic beauty of Lincoln Cathedral to churches spanning centuries of history, discover superb examples of Saxon, Norman, Gothic, medieval and modern architecture.
Discover a wealth of church heritage such as St Mary's Church, known as Stow Minster and one of the oldest and most important parish churches in the country, and St Helen's Church in Brant Broughton, where the 198ft tall steeple is a masterwork of medieval masonry, while in the stone town of Stamford, you'll be spoilt for choice with six churches standing within just one square mile. Each May, some of Lincolnshire's finest churches feature in the annual West Lindsey Churches Festival.
Search all heritage and architecture in Lincolnshire
Search all churches and cathedrals in Lincolnshire
Visit the Lincolnshire Churches Trust website for further information on churches to visit and explore.
