In celebration of the Lincoln Festival of History from 3 – 5 May 2025, the University of Lincoln, UK, is offering members of the public the opportunity to journey back in time with a series of free public talks on the city’s history.
Festivalgoers will see Lincoln from a new perspective and the University’s lectures will delve into the often-unknown past of some of the region’s most significant historic happenings, ranging from the renowned authors and poets who helped shape Lincoln’s literary landscape, to medieval discoveries, and learning about the history behind the city’s leprosarium.
The University events are all free and booking is essential – find out more below.
Literary Lincoln: The Early Modern to the 19th Century, Wednesday 30 April – Lincoln Guildhall
Join us at the Guildhall to explore the literary references of Lincolnshire with this trio lecture from Dr Christopher Marlow, Dr Laura Gill and Dr Owen Clayton.
Take a tour of the University of Lincoln’s Conservation Labs, Saturday 3 May – Brayford Pool Campus
Come and tour the University’s Conservation labs to see live conservation projects in action.
Tennyson and the Pre-Raphaelites, Monday 5 May – Brayford Pool Campus
Hear from Jim Cheshire, Associate Professor, as he shares insight into the fascinating world of Tennyson and the Pre-Raphaelites in this public lecture.
Leprosy in Lincoln: The Hospital of the Holy Innocents, Thursday 29 May – Lincoln Guildhall
Join Dr Samantha Tipper for a public lecture that will take you on a journey back in time to around 1098 to hear about Lincoln’s Hospital of the Holy Innocents, a leprosarium, built on the city’s South Common.
Medieval Discoveries: A Learning and Career Journey, Friday 30 May, Lincoln Guildhall
Attend an evening of debates and thought-provoking conversations led by the University’s current and previous MA Medieval Studies students, who will share their ‘medieval discoveries’ and reflect upon the skills they have acquired and enhanced throughout their learning journey.
Speaking about the Conversation lab tours, Henning Schulze, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Conservation, explained: “During the Festival of History you are invited to experience conservation work at the labs of the University with a short talk, a tour of the facilities and some hands-on activities – and as a special highlight you can witness conservation in action.”
The Festival of History is organised by the city’s Events in Lincoln team and the celebration will offer a variety of activities, performances and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. It is a living history event that will take place from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May and is open to all members of the public.
