St Mary's Guildhall, 385 High Street, Lincoln
385 High Street, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN5 7SF
Preserved excavations reveal that the site was built over the Roman Fosse Way, and constructed around 1170 and King Henry 11 held a 'Crown Wearing Ceremony there and the buildings were also used as a Royal storehouse in which the kings wine was kept, which was sold in 1296 and after 1250 it was given to the Great Guild of St Mary - a powerful body of prominent citizens, merchants and others. During the 14th century it was home to stonemasons who were trained here and subsequently went on to work on York Minster, Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle. Until the reign of King Henry V111 the Guild continued to flourish. In 1545 it was transferred to the Common Council, who leased it to a variety of tenants. In 1604 Dr Richard Smith established the 'Bluecoat School' in the building but the cost of maintenance was excessive and the school relocated elsewhere in the city. From 1663 until 1753 the Guildhall was in the hands of the Fawkes family, prominent tradespeople. In 1815, Coningsby Waldo Sibthorpe was the lessee and his lease shows plans for a maltings that were in operation until the late 19th century. From that period until 1972, it was a builder's yard and the paddock at the rear became the first home of Lincoln City Football Club- 'The Imps'. The Lincoln Civic Trust took on the responsibility of refurbishing the 'Great Hall' in the 1980s and further restoration of the 'Norman House' was undertaken in 2023.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1100-1600
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1100-1600
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1100-1600
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1100-1600
Location & directions
385 High Street, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN5 7SF
- Contact on day:
- Thomas Cave
- Telephone number:
- +447770786376
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Please note that due to the age and character of the Guildhall it is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 10
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
