Venture into your local history and beyond at the Lincolnshire Local History Festival in your local Lincolnshire Library
Celebrate the rich local history of the second largest county in England at our second Lincolnshire Libraries Local History Festival.
Running throughout May, the festival will travel across the county's vast rural landscapes, covering the Wolds and Coast, the Fens, the Kestevens and the Lincoln Cliff, seeing renowned East Midlands historians present their discoveries in your local Lincolnshire libraries. They'll be sharing the behind the scenes of what it's like to dive into the past and try to uncover hidden mysteries.
Running throughout May, the festival will travel across the county's vast rural landscapes, covering the Wolds and Coast, the Fens, the Kestevens and the Lincoln Cliff, seeing renowned East Midlands historians present their discoveries in your local Lincolnshire libraries. They'll be sharing the behind the scenes of what it's like to dive into the past and try to uncover hidden mysteries.
The Fens
Meet the Boston Hanse Group
In advance of Boston's International Hanseatic Day celebrations on 30th May, come along and meet members of the town's Hanse Group and learn about this European trading association from the 13th century when merchants from all over Europe visited for the Boston Fair selling their wines, furs, fish, hunting hawks and more.
In advance of Boston's International Hanseatic Day celebrations on 30th May, come along and meet members of the town's Hanse Group and learn about this European trading association from the 13th century when merchants from all over Europe visited for the Boston Fair selling their wines, furs, fish, hunting hawks and more.
School of Aces - remembering the 100th anniversary of the opening of RAF Sutton Bridge
Presented by: Alastair Goodrum
1st Sept 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the military airfield at Sutton Bridge. Between 1926 and 1946, it became the place where the RAF developed and implemented a training system that turned inexperienced fighter pilots into ‘Top Guns’. But how did these men learn their deadly trade? And, why Sutton Bridge? Drawing on his book, School of Aces, Alastair Goodrum provides answers and remembers this landmark anniversary.
Thursday 7th May, 2pm - 3pm, Spalding Library
Booking required. Please contact spalding.library@gll.org to reserve your seat
Presented by: Alastair Goodrum
1st Sept 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the military airfield at Sutton Bridge. Between 1926 and 1946, it became the place where the RAF developed and implemented a training system that turned inexperienced fighter pilots into ‘Top Guns’. But how did these men learn their deadly trade? And, why Sutton Bridge? Drawing on his book, School of Aces, Alastair Goodrum provides answers and remembers this landmark anniversary.
Thursday 7th May, 2pm - 3pm, Spalding Library
Booking required. Please contact spalding.library@gll.org to reserve your seat
Walking Tour of Historic Boston
Presented by: Jane Keightley
Presented by: Jane Keightley
Meet up at The Guildhall to join Boston Town Tours expert Jane Keightley on a tour around Boston town centre to discover the Monks and Merchants of Medieval Boston. Jane will reveal the medieval religious buildings situated around the town and you'll learn how Boston became one of the richest towns in the country. Come back to the library afterwards for free light refreshments.
Thursday 7th May, 2pm start from The Guildhall returning to Boston Library by 3.30pm.
No booking required. Please note there is a tour fee of £10 payable to presenter on the day
Spalding Curiosities
An exhibition about the quirkier side of Spalding, from unusual stories to ghoulish tales taken from the library's local studies collection..
9th - 16th May, during library opening times, Spalding Library
No booking required
9th - 16th May, during library opening times, Spalding Library
No booking required
Images of Long Sutton and Surrounding Villages
A display of images and resources of Long Sutton and surrounding villages from the library's collection
11th - 16th May, during library opening times, Long Sutton Library
No booking required
11th - 16th May, during library opening times, Long Sutton Library
No booking required
A History of Shopping
Presented by: Tim Machin
Presented by: Tim Machin
How has history changed our shopping habits and our local shops. Shops around Sutton Bridge, past and present, will be discussed as part of this presentation.
Thursday 14th May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Long Sutton Library
Booking required. Please contact LongSutton.library@gll.org to reserve your seat
Meet the Knights of Skirbeck
Come along for a medieval treat! The Knights of Skirbeck will be ready to show you what life was really like in the medieval period. Try on items of armour and other clothing. Based in Boston, the Knights of Skirbeck are the Lincolnshire medieval reenactment society and a Wars of The Roses Federation member household. They are currently recruiting new members, so if you're interested in history, dressing up and camping in all weathers, come along to find out more.
Saturday 16th May, 9am - 4pm, Boston Library
No booking required
Saturday 16th May, 9am - 4pm, Boston Library
No booking required
History of Sutton Bridge in Colour
Presented by: Mr Tim Machin
Presented by: Mr Tim Machin
See the history of Sutton Bridge brought to life in images created using AI.
Thursday 21st May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Long Sutton Library
Booking required, please contact longsutton.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Thursday 21st May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Long Sutton Library
Booking required, please contact longsutton.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
The Lincolnshire Home Front
Presented by: Dr Erik Grigg
Join Dr Erik Grigg for a talk about the Lincolnshire Home Guard, including the often overlooked role of women in this organisation.
If your knowledge of the Home Guard starts and ends with the TV series Dad's Army, come along to hear Dr Grigg dispel the myths.
Friday 29th May, 2pm - 3pm, Boston Library
Booking required, please contact boston.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Dr Erik Grigg
Join Dr Erik Grigg for a talk about the Lincolnshire Home Guard, including the often overlooked role of women in this organisation.
If your knowledge of the Home Guard starts and ends with the TV series Dad's Army, come along to hear Dr Grigg dispel the myths.
Friday 29th May, 2pm - 3pm, Boston Library
Booking required, please contact boston.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
The Kestevens
The origins and history of Grantham Library
A display of material from the library's local studies collection exploring the historical sites of Grantham Library buildings, including the Carnegie building which celebrates its 100 years in May 2026.
1st - 22nd May, during library opening times, Grantham Library
No booking required.
1st - 22nd May, during library opening times, Grantham Library
No booking required.
The Sleaford Standard - a century serving the community
Presented by: Andy Hubbert
Presented by: Andy Hubbert
Newspaper editor Andy Hubbert reflects on the history of the market town's local 'newspaper of record' and the significant role it has played in people's daily lives for more than 100 years....
Friday 8th May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Sleaford Library
Booking required, please contact sleaford.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Friday 8th May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Sleaford Library
Booking required, please contact sleaford.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Early Libraries in Grantham
Presented by: Dr John Manterfield
Presented by: Dr John Manterfield
A talk by Dr. John Manterfield, Historian and Chair of Grantham Civic Society. This talk will explore The Chain Library of St. Wulfram's Parish Church through the generosity of Rev. Francis Trigge of Welbourn in 1598. The 700 books donated to the town by John Newcome in 1765, and concluding with Grantham's Philosophical Society of the 1830s.
Saturday 9th May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Grantham Library
Booking required, please contact grantham.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Saturday 9th May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Grantham Library
Booking required, please contact grantham.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Stamford Town Walls Walk
Presented by: Chris Hunt
Presented by: Chris Hunt
Stamford was a medieval walled town with a castle. This walk takes you around some of the original walls. You will visit the sites of the Town Gates, the surviving bastion, and part of the castle moat. A guided walk and talk is supported by the Stamford Local History Society
Saturday 16th May, 10am - 11.30am, Stamford Library
Booking required, please contact stamford.library@gll.org to reserve your place
Saturday 16th May, 10am - 11.30am, Stamford Library
Booking required, please contact stamford.library@gll.org to reserve your place
Stamford in 1913
Presented by: Chris Hunt
Presented by: Chris Hunt
Stamford in 1913 was a completely different town than the one we know today. This illustrated talk will take you back in time to the birth of the motor car and the aeroplane and a world that in a few months would be stuck in the bloody mud of Northern France. The talk is supported by the Stamford Local History Society.
Thursday 21st May, 7pm - 8pm, Stamford Library
Booking required, please contact stamford.library@gll.org to reserve your place.
Thursday 21st May, 7pm - 8pm, Stamford Library
Booking required, please contact stamford.library@gll.org to reserve your place.
Bullrunning
Presented by: Chris Hunt
Presented by: Chris Hunt
Running a bull through the streets of Stamford was a tradition going back to medieval times. It was a popular, annual event which continued until 1839 when it was abolished by law. Join local historian Chris Hunt on a tour of the town visiting the sites associated with this gruesome aspect of Stamford's history. A guided walk and talk supported by the Stamford Local History Society.
Saturday 23rd May, 10am - 11.30am, Stamford Library
Booking required, please contact stamford.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Saturday 23rd May, 10am - 11.30am, Stamford Library
Booking required, please contact stamford.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Stamford Courts, Yards and Terraces - The Other Face of Stamford
Presented by: Keith Hansell
Presented by: Keith Hansell
The town of Stamford is rightly renowned for its fine Georgian buildings - however, this talk takes a look at the other face of the town that once existed. A world of overcrowded courts, yards and terraces, that lay at the very heart of the town, and which would eventually become known as slums. This talk looks at the lives of those who lived in such places and called Stamford their home.
Thursday 28th May, 7pm - 8pm, Stamford Library
Booking required, please contact stamford.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Thursday 28th May, 7pm - 8pm, Stamford Library
Booking required, please contact stamford.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
The Lincoln Cliff
From Bank to Bank: The River Trent in Archive Images
Photographic display showcasing the River Trent and its ever‑changing landscape through time, sourced from the library's collection.
Lincolnshire’s 'Gilbert Country’: the historical and creative writings of Bernard Samuel Gilbert (1882-1927)
Presented by: Professor Andrew Jackson
This talk introduces the Lincolnshire of Bernard Samuel Gilbert, the county‑born writer whose commentaries, plays, poems, and novels of the 1910s and ’20s together created a vivid picture of “Old England” — a landscape he came to call “Gilbert Country.” Professor Jackson will be joined by a Lincolnshire‑dialect reader, who will share selected passages from Gilbert’s work.
Thursday 7th May, 2.30pm - 4pm, Gainsborough Library
Booking required. Please contact gainsborough.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Professor Andrew Jackson
This talk introduces the Lincolnshire of Bernard Samuel Gilbert, the county‑born writer whose commentaries, plays, poems, and novels of the 1910s and ’20s together created a vivid picture of “Old England” — a landscape he came to call “Gilbert Country.” Professor Jackson will be joined by a Lincolnshire‑dialect reader, who will share selected passages from Gilbert’s work.
Thursday 7th May, 2.30pm - 4pm, Gainsborough Library
Booking required. Please contact gainsborough.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Rogues, Vagabonds or Heroes?
Presented by: Sam Millard
Explore the harsh realities of early Victorian working‑class life, when new landowners’ laws criminalised traditional ways of finding food and sparked dramatic clashes. This talk reveals one such incident that hit national headlines. Were the accused true criminals, or folk heroes later immortalised in a song collected by Percy Grainger from Joseph Taylor of Brigg? Uncover the story behind the struggle and the scandal.
Wednesday 13th May, 2pm - 3pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £1.50 charge applies. Please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Sam Millard
Explore the harsh realities of early Victorian working‑class life, when new landowners’ laws criminalised traditional ways of finding food and sparked dramatic clashes. This talk reveals one such incident that hit national headlines. Were the accused true criminals, or folk heroes later immortalised in a song collected by Percy Grainger from Joseph Taylor of Brigg? Uncover the story behind the struggle and the scandal.
Wednesday 13th May, 2pm - 3pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £1.50 charge applies. Please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Secrets of the Strongroom
Your chance to see some of our rare books housed in our Strongroom, from an original 1553 English bible to a copy of “The Book of the Dead”.
Thursday 7th and 14th May, 2pm - 4pm, Lincoln Central Library
No booking required
Your chance to see some of our rare books housed in our Strongroom, from an original 1553 English bible to a copy of “The Book of the Dead”.
Thursday 7th and 14th May, 2pm - 4pm, Lincoln Central Library
No booking required
Finding the Mill on the Floss
Presented by: Helen Hagon
It is no secret that George Eliot’s novel, The Mill on the Floss, was inspired by Gainsborough and the River Trent. Join local writer and literature-lover, Helen Hagon, for a walk along the riverside, visiting sites of the former mills, examining extracts from the novel itself, and searching for the truth behind the fiction.
Saturday 16th May, 10.30am - 12noon, Gainsborough Library
Booking required. Please contact gainsborough.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Helen Hagon
It is no secret that George Eliot’s novel, The Mill on the Floss, was inspired by Gainsborough and the River Trent. Join local writer and literature-lover, Helen Hagon, for a walk along the riverside, visiting sites of the former mills, examining extracts from the novel itself, and searching for the truth behind the fiction.
Saturday 16th May, 10.30am - 12noon, Gainsborough Library
Booking required. Please contact gainsborough.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Lunacy at the Lawn
Presented by: Elaine Johnson
Until the nineteenth century, ignorance about mental health meant that the treatment of mental illness was primitive, even cruel. Revolutionary methods at Lincoln eventually transformed practice nationally and throughout the world but not before much controversy and hostility.
Saturday 16th May, 2pm - 3.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £1.50 charge applies, please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Elaine Johnson
Until the nineteenth century, ignorance about mental health meant that the treatment of mental illness was primitive, even cruel. Revolutionary methods at Lincoln eventually transformed practice nationally and throughout the world but not before much controversy and hostility.
Saturday 16th May, 2pm - 3.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £1.50 charge applies, please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Explore Your Local History & Archaeology
Presented by: Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology
Step into Lincolnshire’s past with the Lincolnshire County Council Historic Environment Record and the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Dive into interactive databases, handle real archaeological finds, and bring along your own mystery objects for expert identification. Discover how the county’s history is recorded, explore the stories behind local places, and learn about the exciting events and projects offered by the SLHA, The Survey of Lincoln and the Lincoln Record Society.
Thursday 21st May, 10.30am - 2.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
No booking required.
Presented by: Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology
Step into Lincolnshire’s past with the Lincolnshire County Council Historic Environment Record and the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Dive into interactive databases, handle real archaeological finds, and bring along your own mystery objects for expert identification. Discover how the county’s history is recorded, explore the stories behind local places, and learn about the exciting events and projects offered by the SLHA, The Survey of Lincoln and the Lincoln Record Society.
Thursday 21st May, 10.30am - 2.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
No booking required.
Unlocking your Family History
Presented by: Neal Bower, Chairman of the Lincolnshire Family History Society
Join Neal for an engaging introduction to starting your family tree. Learn how to record your discoveries on paper or digitally, explore how DNA can support your research, and discover the free resources available through Lincolnshire Libraries and the Lincolnshire Family History Society to help you begin unlocking your past.
Saturday 23rd May, 2pm - 3.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £1.50 charge applies. Please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Neal Bower, Chairman of the Lincolnshire Family History Society
Join Neal for an engaging introduction to starting your family tree. Learn how to record your discoveries on paper or digitally, explore how DNA can support your research, and discover the free resources available through Lincolnshire Libraries and the Lincolnshire Family History Society to help you begin unlocking your past.
Saturday 23rd May, 2pm - 3.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £1.50 charge applies. Please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Clay Craft
Join us for a relaxed and creative air dry clay session. Make or decorate your own Lincoln Library plaque to celebrate Local History Month or make your own impressed pinch pot.
Thursday 28th May, 10.30am - 12noon, Lincoln Central Library
No booking required.
Join us for a relaxed and creative air dry clay session. Make or decorate your own Lincoln Library plaque to celebrate Local History Month or make your own impressed pinch pot.
Thursday 28th May, 10.30am - 12noon, Lincoln Central Library
No booking required.
The Lincolnshire Show, 1869 - 1959
Presented by: Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology
In this illustrated talk, Andrew Walker explores the Lincolnshire Show’s central role in the county’s agricultural, social and cultural life. He traces the show’s history through its various sites and highlights its displays of livestock, machinery and farming innovations, as well as some of the more unusual prize categories once offered to agricultural labourers and servants.
Thursday 28th May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £3 charge applies. Please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat or book online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-lincolnshire-show-1869-1959-tickets-1984040608870
Presented by: Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology
In this illustrated talk, Andrew Walker explores the Lincolnshire Show’s central role in the county’s agricultural, social and cultural life. He traces the show’s history through its various sites and highlights its displays of livestock, machinery and farming innovations, as well as some of the more unusual prize categories once offered to agricultural labourers and servants.
Thursday 28th May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £3 charge applies. Please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat or book online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-lincolnshire-show-1869-1959-tickets-1984040608870
Magic, Murder & The Enigma of The World
Presented by: Paul Halfyard
This illustrated presentation explores the incredible but true story of 3 women accused of witchcraft, whose lives came to overlap that of "The Enigma of the World": James Villiers. Villiers became a favourite of not one, but two kings and we explore the unbelievable drama of his life and death, alongside that of a mother and two daughters whose prosecution for witchcraft would lead them to Lincoln Castle Gaol.
Saturday 30th May, 2pm - 3.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £1.50 charge applies. Please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Paul Halfyard
This illustrated presentation explores the incredible but true story of 3 women accused of witchcraft, whose lives came to overlap that of "The Enigma of the World": James Villiers. Villiers became a favourite of not one, but two kings and we explore the unbelievable drama of his life and death, alongside that of a mother and two daughters whose prosecution for witchcraft would lead them to Lincoln Castle Gaol.
Saturday 30th May, 2pm - 3.30pm, Lincoln Central Library
Booking required and a £1.50 charge applies. Please contact lincoln.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
The Wolds and Coast
The Conchies and The Country Theatre
An exhibition documenting how a group of conscientious objectors formed a farming community and entertained themselves in the evenings during World War ll through song, dance, poetry and play reading. They became the Holton Players, bought a small methodist chapel and turned it into the Broadbent Theatre we see today.
1st - 31st May, during library opening times, Market Rasen Library
No booking required.
An exhibition documenting how a group of conscientious objectors formed a farming community and entertained themselves in the evenings during World War ll through song, dance, poetry and play reading. They became the Holton Players, bought a small methodist chapel and turned it into the Broadbent Theatre we see today.
1st - 31st May, during library opening times, Market Rasen Library
No booking required.
History and Geology of Lincolnshire's East Coast
A display focusing on the Neolithic period and geology of the local coastline.
2nd - 23rd May, during library opening times, Skegness Library
No booking required.
A display focusing on the Neolithic period and geology of the local coastline.
2nd - 23rd May, during library opening times, Skegness Library
No booking required.
Skegness Railway and Station through the years
Using materials from the library's local history collection view pictures and information about the towns railway and Station.
2nd - 23rd May, during library opening times, Skegness Library
No booking required.
Using materials from the library's local history collection view pictures and information about the towns railway and Station.
2nd - 23rd May, during library opening times, Skegness Library
No booking required.
The Neolithic East Coast
Presented by: Susan Wilson
The landscape of the present day Lincolnshire Coast was dramatically different in the Neolithic, Mesolithic period. The formation of massive ice sheets during the last 'Ice Age' led to global sea levels dropping to 120 meters OD, with the bottom of the North Sea consequently becoming dry land as far as North Shetland. Join Sue Wilson as she talks about the Neolithic period and our coastline with artefacts and fossils that she has found.
Wednesday 6th May, 2pm - 4pm, Skegness Library
Booking required. Please contact skegness.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Susan Wilson
The landscape of the present day Lincolnshire Coast was dramatically different in the Neolithic, Mesolithic period. The formation of massive ice sheets during the last 'Ice Age' led to global sea levels dropping to 120 meters OD, with the bottom of the North Sea consequently becoming dry land as far as North Shetland. Join Sue Wilson as she talks about the Neolithic period and our coastline with artefacts and fossils that she has found.
Wednesday 6th May, 2pm - 4pm, Skegness Library
Booking required. Please contact skegness.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Understanding Heirlooms: History, Purpose and Preservation
Presented by: Caroline Foster
Heirlooms have a way of connecting the generations, but what is an heir loom and why is it so special? Join us for this fascinating talk as Caroline explains how every object has its own story. Bring your own heirloom and story to share.
Tuesday 5th May, 1.30pm - 3pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable. Please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Caroline Foster
Heirlooms have a way of connecting the generations, but what is an heir loom and why is it so special? Join us for this fascinating talk as Caroline explains how every object has its own story. Bring your own heirloom and story to share.
Tuesday 5th May, 1.30pm - 3pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable. Please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Curious Medicine
Presented by: Nick Fox
Join us for tales of medicine, from the bizarre to cures that actually worked!
Thursday 7th May, 2pm - 4pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required. Please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Nick Fox
Join us for tales of medicine, from the bizarre to cures that actually worked!
Thursday 7th May, 2pm - 4pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required. Please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Lost Industry and Manufacturing in Mablethorpe
Presented by: Stuart Crosskill
Born and raised in Mablethorpe, Stuart will reflect on his memories of Mablethorpe's lost industry with a talk and Q&A session to include the railways, the gasworks and brick production, supplemented with photos and information from the library's local history collection.
Wednesday 13th May, 2.30pm - 4pm, Mablethorpe Library
Booking required. Please contact mablethorpe.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Stuart Crosskill
Born and raised in Mablethorpe, Stuart will reflect on his memories of Mablethorpe's lost industry with a talk and Q&A session to include the railways, the gasworks and brick production, supplemented with photos and information from the library's local history collection.
Wednesday 13th May, 2.30pm - 4pm, Mablethorpe Library
Booking required. Please contact mablethorpe.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Washed up on the beach.
What have you found? When did you find it? Do you know what it is? Mablethorpe library invites you to bring along your beach treasures and tell your story. Refreshments available.
Thursday 7th May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Mablethorpe Library
No booking required.
What have you found? When did you find it? Do you know what it is? Mablethorpe library invites you to bring along your beach treasures and tell your story. Refreshments available.
Thursday 7th May, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Mablethorpe Library
No booking required.
Louth and District Mills
Presented by: Stuart Sizer
This brief history of milling will show us the various types of mills around Louth over the past thousand years. We will try and trace the locations of 13 recorded mills from the water powered mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1836, the saddle querns through to the modern power of tower mills, concluding with the wind farms of the 21st century.
Thursday 7th May, 10am - 12noon, Louth Library
Booking required, please contact louth.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Stuart Sizer
This brief history of milling will show us the various types of mills around Louth over the past thousand years. We will try and trace the locations of 13 recorded mills from the water powered mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1836, the saddle querns through to the modern power of tower mills, concluding with the wind farms of the 21st century.
Thursday 7th May, 10am - 12noon, Louth Library
Booking required, please contact louth.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Waging Peace in Lincolnshire
Presented by: Professor Richard Keeble- Dr Hazel Kent, Dr Alan Malpass and Tamsin Hunkin
Our 'Waging Peace in Lincolnshire' talk focuses on the peace movement from 1900 to the present day. Lincolnshire is known as 'Bomber County'. Is it not time that Lincolnshire is also known as 'Peace County'? Professor Richard Keeble will be joined by Dr Hazel Kent and Dr Alan Malpass and Tamsin Hunkin will lead the singing of peace songs.
Saturday 9th May, 2pm - 4pm, Louth Library
Booking required. Please contact louth.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Professor Richard Keeble- Dr Hazel Kent, Dr Alan Malpass and Tamsin Hunkin
Our 'Waging Peace in Lincolnshire' talk focuses on the peace movement from 1900 to the present day. Lincolnshire is known as 'Bomber County'. Is it not time that Lincolnshire is also known as 'Peace County'? Professor Richard Keeble will be joined by Dr Hazel Kent and Dr Alan Malpass and Tamsin Hunkin will lead the singing of peace songs.
Saturday 9th May, 2pm - 4pm, Louth Library
Booking required. Please contact louth.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Remembering Lincolnshire's Viking Heritage
Presented by: Dr Ian Marshman
The Viking Way celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, taking its name from the Norsemen who once settled here. We will look beyond the horned helmets to explore the evidence of the Vikings in the county, from historical records, names of towns and villages and the artefacts found in our fields.
Thursday 14th May, 2pm - 4pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required, please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Dr Ian Marshman
The Viking Way celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, taking its name from the Norsemen who once settled here. We will look beyond the horned helmets to explore the evidence of the Vikings in the county, from historical records, names of towns and villages and the artefacts found in our fields.
Thursday 14th May, 2pm - 4pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required, please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Stories from Louth Cemetery
Presented by: Julie Bounford
Explore the lives of local characters from the comfort of a chair; a flood hero, an eccentric governess, a kind-hearted philanthropist and more, through stories, images and traditions. We’ll uncover Victorian funeral customs, Lincolnshire folklore and the curious history of the cemetery itself.
Thursday 14th May, 10am - 12noon, Louth Library
Booking required. Please contact louth.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Julie Bounford
Explore the lives of local characters from the comfort of a chair; a flood hero, an eccentric governess, a kind-hearted philanthropist and more, through stories, images and traditions. We’ll uncover Victorian funeral customs, Lincolnshire folklore and the curious history of the cemetery itself.
Thursday 14th May, 10am - 12noon, Louth Library
Booking required. Please contact louth.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Local and Community History Day
A celebration of Horncastle's local history and heritage and a wonderful opportunity to view rare archive material, photographs, video footage, library local history resources and Horncastle Town Council's Boston Road Cemetery Burial Records.
Saturday 16h May, 10am - 2pm, Horncastle Library
No booking required.
A celebration of Horncastle's local history and heritage and a wonderful opportunity to view rare archive material, photographs, video footage, library local history resources and Horncastle Town Council's Boston Road Cemetery Burial Records.
Saturday 16h May, 10am - 2pm, Horncastle Library
No booking required.
Local Finds Under Your Feet
Presented by: Dave Ebbage
Local metal‑detectorist Dave Ebbage has over 45 years of experience uncovering history. He’ll explain how he detects responsibly, bring a selection of his finds, and share stories from his searches - being on the “scene of crime” in darkest Gloucestershire and assisting in locating a hoard of Roman Denarii coins, to name a couple.
Friday 15th May, 1.30pm - 3pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable. Please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Dave Ebbage
Local metal‑detectorist Dave Ebbage has over 45 years of experience uncovering history. He’ll explain how he detects responsibly, bring a selection of his finds, and share stories from his searches - being on the “scene of crime” in darkest Gloucestershire and assisting in locating a hoard of Roman Denarii coins, to name a couple.
Friday 15th May, 1.30pm - 3pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable. Please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
A History of The Lindsey Rural Players
Presented by: Gail Dennis
Based at the Broadbent Theatre, Wickenby, the Lindsey Rural Players are a wonderful, vibrant theatre group but with very surprising beginnings, due in part to World War ll. Find out about their rich history and community involvement over the years as well as their links to the family of the famous actor Jim Broadbent.
Tuesday 19th May, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable, please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Gail Dennis
Based at the Broadbent Theatre, Wickenby, the Lindsey Rural Players are a wonderful, vibrant theatre group but with very surprising beginnings, due in part to World War ll. Find out about their rich history and community involvement over the years as well as their links to the family of the famous actor Jim Broadbent.
Tuesday 19th May, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable, please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
History of Mablethorpe and Sutton Town Council
Presented by: Helen Parkhurst
Helen will guide visitors through the history of Mablethorpe and Sutton Town Council with a visit to the town council chamber, the opportunity to view trophies, the mayoral regalia and the heraldry of Mablethorpe, including the various depictions of the Mablethorpe mermaid. The tour will be followed by a Q&A session with refreshments.
Thursday 21st and 28th May, 10.30am - 12noon, Mablethorpe Library
Booking required. Please contact mablethorpe.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Helen Parkhurst
Helen will guide visitors through the history of Mablethorpe and Sutton Town Council with a visit to the town council chamber, the opportunity to view trophies, the mayoral regalia and the heraldry of Mablethorpe, including the various depictions of the Mablethorpe mermaid. The tour will be followed by a Q&A session with refreshments.
Thursday 21st and 28th May, 10.30am - 12noon, Mablethorpe Library
Booking required. Please contact mablethorpe.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
'Lincolnshire’s 'Gilbert Country’: the historical and creative writings of Bernard Samuel Gilbert (1882-1927)
Presented by: Professor Andrew Jackson
This talk introduces the Lincolnshire of Bernard Samuel Gilbert, the county‑born writer whose commentaries, plays, poems, and novels of the 1910s and ’20s together created a vivid picture of “Old England” — a landscape he came to call “Gilbert Country.” Professor Jackson will be joined by a Lincolnshire‑dialect reader, who will share selected passages from Gilbert’s work.
Thursday 21st May, 11am - 1pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required. Please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Professor Andrew Jackson
This talk introduces the Lincolnshire of Bernard Samuel Gilbert, the county‑born writer whose commentaries, plays, poems, and novels of the 1910s and ’20s together created a vivid picture of “Old England” — a landscape he came to call “Gilbert Country.” Professor Jackson will be joined by a Lincolnshire‑dialect reader, who will share selected passages from Gilbert’s work.
Thursday 21st May, 11am - 1pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required. Please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Specialist Collections: Thomas Miller, Books and Manuscripts
Presented by: Andrew Smith, Perkins George Mawer Auctioneers and Steven Smallwood, expert in antiquarian books
Bring your books and manuscripts of particular interest for comment or valuation. Then Steven will be speaking about the life and works of Thomas Miller, highly regarded 19th Century novelist and “unlettered” poet from Gainsborough. Born into true poverty and self-educated, his natural genius shone through.
Friday 22nd May, 1.30pm - 3pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable. Please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Andrew Smith, Perkins George Mawer Auctioneers and Steven Smallwood, expert in antiquarian books
Bring your books and manuscripts of particular interest for comment or valuation. Then Steven will be speaking about the life and works of Thomas Miller, highly regarded 19th Century novelist and “unlettered” poet from Gainsborough. Born into true poverty and self-educated, his natural genius shone through.
Friday 22nd May, 1.30pm - 3pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable. Please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
50 Years of the Viking Way
Presented by Adam Cartwright
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Viking Way, and to celebrate we are staging a walk from Horncastle to Woodhall Spa (approximately 5 miles) along part of the Way. There will also be a short talk (about 10 minutes) at the start giving a short explanation of how the Viking Way came about.
Saturday 23rd May, 10am - 12noon, Horncastle Library
No booking required.
Presented by Adam Cartwright
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Viking Way, and to celebrate we are staging a walk from Horncastle to Woodhall Spa (approximately 5 miles) along part of the Way. There will also be a short talk (about 10 minutes) at the start giving a short explanation of how the Viking Way came about.
Saturday 23rd May, 10am - 12noon, Horncastle Library
No booking required.
The Nature of Collections: A Journey Through Time.
Presented by: Andrew Smith, "Auctions and Antiques Advisor" Perkins George Mawer & Co Auctioneers and Caroline Foster
People of all ages have always collected. But why, what does this say about us and how have collections changed over time? What’s trending and what should we collect in the future? Bring a piece from your own collection, and Andrew will share his knowledge and experience.
Tuesday 26th May, 1.30pm - 3pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable, please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Andrew Smith, "Auctions and Antiques Advisor" Perkins George Mawer & Co Auctioneers and Caroline Foster
People of all ages have always collected. But why, what does this say about us and how have collections changed over time? What’s trending and what should we collect in the future? Bring a piece from your own collection, and Andrew will share his knowledge and experience.
Tuesday 26th May, 1.30pm - 3pm, Market Rasen Library
Booking advisable, please contact market_rasen.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Votes for Women, a Lincolnshire View of the Struggle for Suffrage
Presented by: Elaine Johnson
Lincolnshire ladies believed in votes for women. Two signed the landmark 1866 petition and Emmeline Pankhurst employed another who was sent to prison. Others disrupted political meetings or chalked the pavements, and the first British-born female MP in 1921 was in Louth. And then there was the arsonist! Hear about the hard-won fight for the female franchise.
Thursday 28th May, 10am - 12noon, Louth Library
Booking required, and a £1.50 charge applies. Please contact louth.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Elaine Johnson
Lincolnshire ladies believed in votes for women. Two signed the landmark 1866 petition and Emmeline Pankhurst employed another who was sent to prison. Others disrupted political meetings or chalked the pavements, and the first British-born female MP in 1921 was in Louth. And then there was the arsonist! Hear about the hard-won fight for the female franchise.
Thursday 28th May, 10am - 12noon, Louth Library
Booking required, and a £1.50 charge applies. Please contact louth.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
i-spy Children's Heritage Trail and activity for Half-term.
Presented by: Dr. Ian Marshman and Horncastle Library staff.
Half-term guided i-spy Children's Horncastle Heritage Trail. Returning to the Library for free refreshments and activity to draw a picture, write a story or poem about your favourite place on the trail. Children must be accompanied by an adult please.
Thursday 28th May, 10am - 1pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required, please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Dr. Ian Marshman and Horncastle Library staff.
Half-term guided i-spy Children's Horncastle Heritage Trail. Returning to the Library for free refreshments and activity to draw a picture, write a story or poem about your favourite place on the trail. Children must be accompanied by an adult please.
Thursday 28th May, 10am - 1pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required, please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
William Marwood: Cobbler, Preacher and Hangman'
Presented by: Adam Cartwright
Discover more about fascinating Horncastle resident William Marwood: Cobbler, Preacher and Hangman ahead of the much anticipated exhibition at The Joseph Banks Centre.
Thursday 28th May, 2pm - 4pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required. Please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
Presented by: Adam Cartwright
Discover more about fascinating Horncastle resident William Marwood: Cobbler, Preacher and Hangman ahead of the much anticipated exhibition at The Joseph Banks Centre.
Thursday 28th May, 2pm - 4pm, Horncastle Library
Booking required. Please contact horncastle.library@gll.org to reserve your seat.
