< PreviousCHRISTMAS 2019 Join us for a seasonal Afternoon Tea Have yourself a merry little Christmas with our festive themed Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a selection of seasonal treats including: For further details or book online please visit www.thelincolnhotel.com or call 01522 520348 email christmas@thelincolnhotel.com The Lincoln Hotel, Eastgate, Lincoln, LN2 1PN AA Hotel • Turkey and cranberry sandwiches • Roast beef and horseradish sandwiches • Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches • Smoked salmon sandwiches • Homemade Lincolnshire sausage roll • Homemade Lincolnshire scotch egg • Plain and cranberry scone Served with strawberry jam and clotted cream • Spiced orange macaroon • Cinnamon and white chocolate friand • Belgian chocolate delice • Mini mince pie Available 12 - 5.30pm daily throughout the festive season £16 per person Add a glass of Prosecco for £4 per person 60.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2019 14:20 Page 1The Bentley Hotel Newark Road, South Hykeham, Lincoln Lincolnshire, LN6 9NH Phone: 01522 878000 Email: info@bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk Jewels Restaurant Formal or not the food and dining experience is always exquisite Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Platinum Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET Martini Bar Come and Relax for a drink and some food in our colourful Martini Bar Afternoon Tea Enjoy a fabulous afternoon tea in our relaxed surroundings Food and Drink Come and try some of our fabulous food and drinks ENJOY THE BEST GOURMET FOOD Restaurants & Bars www.bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk 61.qxp_Layout 1 16/09/2019 12:26 Page 1This traditional inn is the perfect stop over when visiting the area. Within easy reach of the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Half Moon Hotel offers comfort, warmth and good home cooked meals. The nearby Lincolnshire Coast has wonderful beaches and exciting seaside attractions. The Half Moon Hotel is in a good location in the historic market town of Alford. The Half Moon Hotel is just a short walk away from Alford Manor House and Alford Town centre. OPEN ALL DAY with Carvery at the Half Moon Hotel on Sundays. 25 - 28 West St. Alford, Lincolnshire LN13 9DG Tel: 01507 463 477 • www.halfmoonhotelalford.co.uk HALF MOON Hotel & Restaurant A GREAT CHOICE WHETHER YOU'RE TRAVELLING ON BUSINESS OR TAKING A SHORT BREAK. The intimate, warm surroundings of the China Royal are ideal for the most romantic dinner or the largest banquet. Serving the best in Chinese cuisine, it has five star scores on the doors, and is open throughout all Bank Holidays. The China Royal Restaurant The China Royal Restaurant Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Gold Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET 6 Bridge Street, Brigg DN20 8LN Tel: 01652 650688 Takeaway Service 01652 654762 www.chinaroyal.co.uk © Shutterstock/uzhursky Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Gold Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET Any eatery or establishment that has earned a Gold Award can rightfully hold their heads up high. Winning gold means restaurants are among some of the very best in the region with winners having demonstrated real culinary skill and service. Although the food is of the utmost importance, it isn’t the only criteria an eatery needs to excel in to win gold. They must provider a memorable experience that simultaneously satisfies and excites and leaves visitors with fond memories. A meal is more than the sum of its parts, and the whole experience must be up to a standard far greater than average. Here in Lincolnshire, we’re blessed that the average is so high. While the judging gets harder every year, the following venues never left us disappointed for a moment. To earn a Gold Award, restaurants need to be of the highest standard, not just with food, but in terms of the overall experience. The gold standard Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Gold Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award 3rd Year Gold Winner 62 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING 62.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2019 14:21 Page 1The Award Winners Platinum Awards Pyewipe Inn, Lincoln The White Hart Hotel, Lincoln The Lincoln Hotel, Lincoln Harbough Lights Bar & Grill, Lincoln The Cross Keys, Grasby Royal Oak, Holton le Clay Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa Supreme Inns, Boston Ship Inn, Barnoldby Le Beck Millers, Waltham, Grimsby Browns Pie Shop, Lincoln Oaklands Hotel, Grimsby Cleethorpes Taphouse & Kitchen, Cleethorpes Agrah Indian Restaurant, Cleethorpes The Bentley Hotel, Lincoln Millfields, Grimsby Hammer and Pincers, Boston Hope and Anchor, South Ferriby Dower House Hotel, Woodhall Spa Queens Head, Kirkby La Thorpe LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 63 FOOD & DINING Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Platinum Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET Gold Awards Kings Hall, Cleethorpes Halfway House, North Thoresby Moon on the Water, Cleethorpes Doddington Hall, Doddington Caistor Heritage Centre, Caistor Bluebell Inn, Belchford Duke of Wellington, Midville Merrimans, Boston Halfmoon Hotel, Alford Gingerbread House, Humberston China Royal, Brigg Tea in the Park, Grimsby The Thatched Cottage, Sutterton Masons Arms, Louth Silver Awards Elsham Golf Club, Brigg The Inn, Woodhall Spa Stallingborough Grange, Stallingborough Ocean Bar, Cleethorpes Angel & Royal, Grantham Da Vinci, Grimsby Mamma Liz’s, Stamford Lounge Cafe, Navemby Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Silver Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Gold Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET 63.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2019 14:34 Page 164 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY BOSTON Boston in the spotlight Whether venturing out to watch wildlife at The Wash, touring medieval sites or enjoying a lantern parade, Boston is a town with a lot to offer. 64-67.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2019 14:23 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65 BOSTON T hough perhaps not as famous worldwide as its American namesake, Boston has certainly been thrust into the limelight this year with ITV crime drama Wild Bill set in the town, showing off well-known sites and streets in the first episode’s opening scenes. Meanwhile, further placing Boston in the public eye, and set to boost the town’s tourism, are the Mayflower 400 celebrations, marking the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower ship from the UK to America. ‘Illuminate’ events and lantern parades have been held and will continue in Boston to celebrate the anniversary, with the 2019 Illuminate Parade set to take place on November 21, during the Boston Christmas Market. A key location in the journey of the Pilgrims, Boston is the setting of a story in which on an autumn night in 1607 a group of men, women and children met a boat on the edge of ‘The Wash’ at Scotia Creek, Fishtoft - where there is now a memorial - planning to escape England in favour of religious freedom. The group however was betrayed, taken to Boston and held and tried at its Guildhall, where a new Pilgrim and American themed exhibition has been developed. You can even see the cells where they were held today, and recently the Guildhall was visited by actress Ashley Judd, who is descended from William Brewster, the senior leader of the pilgrims who was held in a cell there. Built in the 1390s and converted into a museum in 1929, the Guildhall is exemplary of Boston’s medieval architecture. When visiting the town, certainly one must tour the wealth of medieval sites. After the Guildhall, then, make sure the visit what is perhaps the most famous landmark in the town, St Botolph’s Church. Built between 1309 to 1520, it is the largest parish church in the country, and is known locally as ‘The Stump’. The church’s tower can be seen from miles around - why not climb its 209 steps for the Tower Experience? Hussey Tower and Rochford Tower are other notable buildings to visit if you want to complete the tour of Boston’s medieval architecture as well as Shodfriars Hall, Blackfriars Theatre, and of course one cannot forget the Market Place when on a trip to Boston. Trading markets began in Boston in 1132 and have been operating in the town on Wednesdays and Saturdays ever since 1308. The market offers over 120 stalls full of goods and produce. Not only providing markets for shopping and eating, the town also presents a variety of independent and mainstream shops and restaurants. There is plenty of entertainment in Boston too, from plays such as of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde to The Nutcracker ballet, which are upcoming at Blackfriars Theatre this year. Alternatively for something different see the quirky Bubblecar Museum or take time to experience the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, one of the UK’s largest animal sanctuaries hosting animals from Bengal Tigers to Bearded Dragons. Boston’s connection to the animal kingdom and nature extends out of the wildlife park, of course. Located on the River Witham, Boston is part of ‘The Wash’, the largest estuary in the country, a site of Special © Shutterstock/tornadoflight 66 Á 64-67.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2019 14:24 Page 266 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY BOSTON Scientific Interest, and an important area for wildlife in Britain, with waders, wildfowl and rare birds of prey. From Boston Marina one can take boat rides out to the Wash, which offer a chance to see Boston’s historic port, birdwatch and see the area’s colony of seals. Multiple nature reserves can be found near the town and offer spectacular views of ‘The Wash’. One of these is Frampton Marsh. Maintained by the RSPB, Frampton Marsh is made up of wetland, freshwater scrapes and wet grassland which provide prime opportunities for close views of the area’s wildlife. Some irregular appearances by uncommon birds have been recorded at Frampton Marsh, causing excitement for ornithology enthusiasts. A famous occurrence that one should look out for now, though, as we are in autumn and move towards winter, is the return of the Brent Geese as they graze on the salt marsh and wet grasslands. One can also view the Brent Geese from Frieston Shore - another RSPB nature reserve by Boston. Other great sites to visit to enjoy wildlife in Boston are Havenside Country Park, which overlooks ‘the Haven’ stretch of the River Witham, where you can experience animals from oyster catchers and barn owls to © Shutterstock/Jon Nicholls Photography Secrets of the Pilgrims uncovered in Boston Boston has long been associated with the Pilgrims’ pioneering voyage to America in 1620. Until now, though, it has been thought of as the port and market town where in 1607 a group of religious separatists with no connections to the town dramatically attempted to escape England, only to be betrayed and arrested. New research reveals a very different story, uncovering a complex and compelling tale of intrigue and influence which enhances Boston’s importance from the wider beginnings of the Pilgrims through to founding and administration of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1630. Boston Guildhall, where the Pilgrims were famously tried and held, is developing a new Pilgrim and American-themed exhibition which uncovers these connections. Original documents will be on display telling the story. You can see the cells where they were held and experience the council chamber where the leaders of the town met and decided on the fates of many. The ground-breaking exhibition on Saturday September 28. © Shutterstock/angus reid © Shutterstock/Guy Erwood 64-67.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2019 14:24 Page 3Museum Boston’s beautiful, medieval Guildhall can be the setting for your special day. Have your ceremony in the stunning banqueting hall, used for centuries for celebrations and have your photographs taken in any of our wonderful historic rooms. Boston Guildhall Museum @bostonguildhall For more information please contact us guildhall@boston.gov.uk www.bostonguildhall.co.uk South Street, Boston, PE21 6HT (01205) 365954 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67 BOSTON bats and seals, and Witham Way Country Park which has a wildflower meadow and a bug park as well as bird boxes, which act as nesting sites for owls. Alternatively why not try your hand at some fishing or just enjoy the surroundings at Westwood Lakes. With October hosting Halloween, Boston is also the prime location to get in the spooky spirit. With a plethora of ghost stories and haunted sights, the most famous ghost to behold is the Grey Lady, a widowed woman who threw herself off the Stump with her new baby. Legend states that if you run around the Boston Stump three times when the bells chime at midnight, she will appear. A further key location for those who enjoy the paranormal is Revesby Abbey. The basement is said to hold the height of the ghostly activity with eerie tunnels, corridors and a maze of servants’ quarters. The site originally held a Cistercian monastery, founded in 1143, which was demolished and replaced by a country house. A ghost hunt will be taking place at Revesby Abbey on October 26 – look out for the male spirit child and butler ghost said to appear. The Grade I listed building is set in 10 acres of land, hidden from view and accessed through a wooded entrance lane. Make sure to bring a torch to traverse the darkness with. For something more light-hearted, hop on the “spooktacular” Halloween Music Train to Batemans Brewery on the Poacher Line on Halloween itself or visit the pick your own pumpkin patch at Bell’s Gardening Outlet or see its 2019 Giant Pumpkin Growing Competition on 12 October. Boston Borough Council has an ambitious vision for the town revealing earlier this year, plans for a massive redevelopment project to improve fortunes and perceptions of Boston. The phased scheme could extend as long as 15 years and consists of proposals such as new retail units, housing, a hotel, and a wellbeing hub. With so much to offer, and a bright future ahead, Boston has certainly become a go to destination in Lincolnshire. Church Road, Boston PE21 0LG | Tel: 01205 310 327 E-mail: sales@bostonheating.co.uk www.bostonheating.co.uk Premium Multifuel Stoves, Gas & Electric Fires And Surrounds C & C AUTOS Volkswagen & Scooter Specialists T4 and T5 Transporter service and conversion Tel: 01205 367565 The Autobarn Broadfield Industrial Estate Broadfield Lane Boston PE21 8DR cncautos2019@gmail.com J & J FUELS BOSTON Oil in South Lincolnshire is available at a fair price and with a reliable service from family run J and J Fuels. We are here to ensure you receive the very best service and at a time that suits you. As member of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers you can be sure of a safe service every time with quality of product also assured. We pride ourselves on our prompt delivery services as well as our competitive prices. Offering domestic heating oil and farm diesel within a 30 mile radius of Boston. 01205 760 638 Bakers Lane, Freiston, Boston www.jandjfuels.com 64-67.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2019 14:24 Page 468 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY L incolnshire has often been noted for its relative absence from the history of English national affairs but the Lincolnshire Rising of 1536 (2019 is the 483rd anniversary by the way) was a significant event of Henry VIII’s reign and although there is little visual evidence of it now some of the main locations associated with it can be visited. The origins of the Rising were in Louth. This is acknowledged by the commemorative plaque on the wall opposite the south porch of St James’s church and in looking at its causes we must remember that these were deeply religious times and that Louth Priory, a Cistercian house founded in AD1139 was on the town’s doorstep and recently closed by the king. The monks, known as White Canons (from the colour of their robes) were an austere order but economically important because of their farming and wool production and would have been an important asset to the Louth area. The Rising took place during the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. On Sunday 1st October during his evensong sermon Rev. Dr Thomas Kendall mentioned the forthcoming visitation of the king’s commissioners, possibly the next day, thus inadvertently exacerbating an unease already felt over Henry VIII’s proposals to dissolve monasteries and seize their wealth. St James too was a rich church with many treasures in the form of vestments, plate and silverware which the townspeople feared might also be seized by the king. By the end of the service feelings were running high and the townspeople (often referred to as the “Commons”) forcibly took the church keys from the churchwardens in order to stand guard over the church for the night. The following morning the unrest continued to grow under the influence of local shoemaker Nicholas Melton, henceforth known as “Captain Cobbler”. Word quickly spread to surround-ing villages and towns and some Louth men went to Caistor to recruit support. Rioters also captured one of the king’s officers and burned all his books and documents and sent a letter to the King (probably drafted and signed by the gentry) demanding the dissolution process be halted and taxes reduced. The commoners had been tacitly encouraged in their actions by the cautious support of some county gentry – such as Lord John Hussey and Sir Edward Dymoke - who nevertheless trod a fine line between this and “watching their backs” with the king. More open in their commitment were some of the clergy, though sometimes this was obtained under duress, as was the case with abbots at Kirkstead and Barlings, the latter being almost forcibly obliged to provide the marchers with THE LINCOLNSHIRE RISING October sees the anniversary of the Lincolnshire Rising, an important event in our county’s history. We consider its causes and consequences. heritage Lincolnshire explored 68-69.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2019 14:25 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69 food and shelter. Meanwhile on Wednesday there occurred a tragic event which marred the whole episode. The rebels at Horncastle had found a Dr Rayne, the Bishop of Lincoln’s chancellor and an unpopular man, who was conducting investigations into the clergy, at Old Bolingbroke. Rayne was captured and taken to Horncastle where things got out of hand and he was beaten to death with clergy and gentlemen looking on. With feelings now running increasingly high a march on Lincoln was organised. This set off on the Thursday 5th with the Louth contingent meeting with other rebels from Grimsby at Great Tows near Ludford, and groups from Horncastle, Caistor and Market Rasen also joining them en route notably at Hamilton Hill just outside Market Rasen. Their precise route is unknown of course but would have followed fairly closely the course of the present A631 road. Their total numbers are uncertain too, but may eventually, with men joining from nearby villages, have reached 10,000, a number that possibly doubled by the time all groups met at Lincoln by Friday October 6th where the leaders held their meetings in the cathedral chapter house. A second letter was then sent to the king and they now awaited his reply. However, as the days dragged on the rebel’s enthusiasm began to wane. Some began to drift away until finally, after twelve days, Henry’s reply was received. When it was read out it was an outright refusal of their demands, calling the “Commons” “rude”, “ignorant” and “traitors”, mixing both menace and persuasion equally upon the “gentlemen leaders” and the “Commons”, and threatening dire consequences from an approaching army lead by the Duke of Suffolk. And so, did the Rising finally collapse. The episode also gave rise to Henry’s famous comment about Lincolnshire being “the most brute and beastly shire in the realm”. The defeated rebels departed home and the rising was thus all over by October 18th; apart from the King’s retribution. And Henry VIII’s retribution was severe. There were many arrests and executions – at least thirty fairly quickly at Lincoln including four monks from Barlings - and more in London the following spring where Dr. Kendall from Louth met his end on Tyburn gallows. Abbot Macherel - from Barlings - as well as those responsible for Dr. Rayne’s death, were also sent to the capital and executed as was Lord Hussey. Paradoxically it may be that the “Rising” perhaps hastened the Dissolution of the Monasteries rather than halting them as had been the intention. Certainly, Kirkstead and Barlings abbey’s, both regarded as having committed treason, were closed straightaway. Not until WWII as the “Bomber County” has Lincolnshire again played such a prominent part in national affairs. A good account of the “Rising” is in the “Pilgrimage of Grace” (Chapter IV) by Geoffrey Moorhouse (Phoenix paperback 2003) and a very detailed read on the subject is The Lincolnshire Rising by Anne Ward. (Published by the Louth Naturalists, Antiquarian and Literary Society in 1996.) I am indebted to both. by Hugh Marrows 68-69.qxp_Layout 1 13/09/2019 14:25 Page 2Next >