LINCOLNSHIRE
September 5th to 12th 2025
Lincoln Castle is a major medieval castle constructed during the late 11th-Century by William the Conqueror on the site of a pre-existing
Roman fortress. The castle is unusual in that it has two mottes; it is one of only two such castles in the country, the other
being at Lewes.. Lincoln Castle remained in use as a prison and court into modern times and is one of the better preserved castles
in England and it is possible to walk around the walls from which there are views of the castle complex, the cathedral, the city,
and surrounding countryside. Displayed within the castle is one of only four surviving examples of the 1215 issue of Magna Carta.
As in Norwich and other places, the castle was used as a secure site in which to establish a gaol. At Lincoln, the gaol was built
in 1787 and extended in 1847. The old prison is a three-storey stone building with 15 bays, and is connected to the 18th-century Governor's
House via a single-storey prison chapel
The seating in the prison chapel is designed to enclose each prisoner individually so that the preacher could see everyone but
each could see only him
Due to the variation in altitude, which presents something of an obstacle, Lincoln is divided informally into two zones: uphill and
downhill. The uphill area comprises the northern part of the city, and includes the historical quarter, including Lincoln Cathedral,
Lincoln Castle, and the Medieval Bishop's Palace. The downhill area comprises the city centre. Steep Hill is a narrow, pedestrian
street directly connecting the two.
(right) The very disappointing market at Market Rasen which mainly consists of sales by auction.
Architecturally, Gainsborough Old Hall has changed very little over the years. It is principally a timber framed building, giving
a characteristic 'striped' or 'black and white' appearance. On the north-east corner is a brick tower. A splendid view of the town
is available after a fifty-nine-step climb to the top. Today, the Hall with its elaborate timber roof survives, with a kitchen which
is possibly the most complete medieval kitchen in England. The kitchen still contains many original features, including two open fireplaces,
each large enough to roast an ox, and two bread ovens served by a third chimney.
Located on the water’s edge of the River Trent in Gainsborough, the Pilgrim Woman is a symbol of growth and new beginnings as she
prepares to leave her home to travel to America onboard the Mayflower.