Lincolnshire Archives

07/05/2026

Lincolnshire will be bustling with cycling enthusiasts this weekend as the prestigious Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix and the Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive take to the streets.

Cycling has long been an important transport method and pastime, and we just love looking though our collections to see how times have changed. This image is from Sutton on Sea c.1900 (LCL25442) . A visit to the will give you the opportunity to see some historic cycles up close!

We look after over 900 years of the county’s history and can help you research the history of where you live and what special events may have taken place there. You can browse our online catalogue here: https://www.lincolnshirearchives.org.uk/



Image credits: Lincolnshire County Council

28/10/2025

You might be interested to learn that Lincolnshire Archives was recently visited by Matthew Bannister and Carol Dawson from BBC Radio 3's Song Detectorists!

During their visit, Matthew and Carol consulted Thomas John Dixon's 1798 manuscript music book (Dixon 21/1/1).

The songs were then reimagined for the 21st century by folk musician Nancy Kerr, and The Melrose Quartet.

If you missed the show (aired on 21st of October), don't worry - it is still available to listen to on BBC sounds! 🎶🎵🎶🎼

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002kst3

27/10/2025

Last week, Lincolnshire Archives had the pleasure of hosting a group of Medieval Studies students from the University of Lincoln. During their visit, the students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour, and viewed an exciting selection of documents in the search room!

Highlights included:

5-ANC/1/1/40 - Royal letters patent of King Edward I (1305)
1-ANC/3/10/27- manorial court roll for Partney, from the plague year (1348-1349)

We look forward to seeing them again, as they embark on their MA journey. 📜💼📝

26/03/2025

The UK Census, taken every 10 years, often reveals some interesting, unusual and even funny entries. What's the strangest thing you have ever found on the census?

21/03/2025

📜 Document of the Month 📜

One document which has caught our eye this month is a survey of the estates of Lord Brownlow (1788). It lists properties and parcels of land along with their proprietors and tenants. The land is measured in acres, roods (about a quarter of an acre), and perches (a fortieth of a rood) and there are some beautifully coloured maps of old enclosures. The book details land in Swinethorpe, Wickenby, Fonaby, Faldingworth, Friesthorpe, Southorpe, Northorpe, and Lissingley.

We love this document because it's a rich source of names for family historians. It's also a great example of early recycling! If you look closely, you'll notice that the cover of the volume is made from a reused piece of parchment sewn around a cardboard core. As parchment was expensive to make, this was likely done to save money.

What has been the most exciting discovery you have made this month? Let us know in the comments below!

Reference: BNLW 1/5/374

30/01/2025

30/12/2024

❗ We're hiring ❗ 🔍 Senior/ Collections Development Officer 📌 Lincoln

We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified archivist to join our Culture team working as a Senior/Collections Development Officer for Lincolnshire Archives.
You will be joining us at a pivotal moment with the opportunity to make significant impact across a number of exciting development strands.

For further information and how to apply please see: Senior/ Collections Development Officer (Archives) (23208) – Lincolnshire County Council

Closing date 5 January 2025.

22/12/2024

❗ We're hiring ❗ 🔍 Senior/ Collections Development Officer 📌 Lincoln

We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified archivist to join our Culture team working as a Senior/Collections Development Officer for Lincolnshire Archives.
You will be joining us at a pivotal moment with the opportunity to make a significant impact across a number of exciting development strands.

For further information and how to apply please see:https://jobs.lincolnshire.gov.uk/vacancy/senior-collections-development-officer-archives-574728.html

Closing date 5 January 2025.

20/12/2024

🎄🎄🎄 Just a little reminder that Lincolnshire Archives will be closed from 4PM today (Friday, 20th December) until Friday, 27th of December. Merry Christmas to all our researchers near and far! We hope you have a wonderful break.

In celebration of Christmas past and present, today we're posting some images of Christmas cards and letters from our collections. The selection includes greetings from royalty, Charles Darwin, soldiers and prisoners of war.

Do you still send cards and letters at Christmastime? 🎅🎅

12/12/2024

With Christmas approaching, many of our researchers are now very busy preparing for the festive season. However, if you are visiting Lincoln, and find yourself with some time on your hands, here is a little reminder of our Christmas opening hours! If you'd like to reserve a place please drop us an email at [email protected].
Merry Christmas everyone!