< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY BOSTON Getting the best of Boston © stock.adobe.com/Tony Boston has all the sights, cultural heritage, and fun and thought-provoking days out to make it a memorable visit, no matter what its critics might tell you. Getting the best of Boston 20-27.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:41 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 BOSTON W ith its rich and fascinating history that dates back 900 years, Boston has grown and prospered from an important port and trading destination to a bustling centre of celebration for multicultural life and its tapestry of traditions. Founded in the 11th century, Boston was known by its Anglo-Saxon settlers as Botolph’s Stone, so named because of its local patron saint of travellers and traders. By the 13th century it had indisputably become one of the wealthiest towns in England, thanks in part to its place on the River Witham, as well as its thriving wool trade. Whether or not Saint Botolph and his particular specialities also had a hand in the town’s success is a matter of belief. But all the same, merchants would flock from all over Europe to get their hands on high-quality local wool. It was a small step from there to the granting of a royal charter in 1204. This allowed weekly markets and an annual fair, Boston’s valuing of which are still reflected in maintaining one of the largest outdoor markets in the country, and the old acclaimed May Fair, along with more arts and culture festivals enjoyed by incomers and locals in the present day. Boston’s influence would come to the fore again in the 16th century, with its vital role in the English Reformation. The town was a stronghold of Protestantism, and many of its residents supported the teachings of the reformer John Calvin, whose teachings were paramount in the development of Protestant beliefs and a departure from Catholic faith. In 1534, a group of Bostonians defaced the town’s medieval rood screen, which depicted images of Catholic saints. This act of iconoclasm was one of the earliest and most significant in this breaking away of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic institution. After this upheaval, Boston underwent even further significant transformations, both from an agricultural to a manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution, and as a haven for immigration in the 19th century. The first would turn the town from its reliance on the land characterised by its once-famed wool, and instead towards trades such as textiles. As for the second, the many Irish and eastern European people who sought refuge in Boston helped it become the unique commemoration to architectural, gastronomical, and cultural diversity it represents today. During the Middle Ages, Boston was also an important religious centre, giving it one of the most outstanding landmarks for worship and historical curiosity in England. The 14th century Saint Botolph’s Church is one of the largest Find your dream home with Allison Homes in picturesque Frampton Frampton Gate, on Middlegate Road, is a recently launched, high quality collection of two, three, four and five bedroom homes. The picturesque Frampton Gate is a wonderful place to call home, with beautiful scenery all around and a welcoming community. The village hosts a stunning church, beautiful greenery and plenty of local clubs and pubs, along with an excellent selection of schools and nurseries. The bustling town of Boston is also within easy reach, which has a large selection of shops, leisure activities, places to eat, and independent cafes, just a quick 10 minute drive away. All the benefits of tranquil country living can be enjoyed without having to sacrifice the energetic and convenient lifestyle that comes with town life. At Frampton Gate, you’re offered an idyllic retreat. Frampton Gate is currently open by appointment only, please call 07483 092040, or visit ALLISON-HOMES.CO.UK for more information. 23 Á 20-27.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:41 Page 2ASK ABOUT WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU MOVE! 20-27.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:41 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 BOSTON parish churches in the country at 67 metres long by 30 metres wide. Its towering 83-metre spire, affectionately called ‘The Stump’, is visible from miles around, hence its past use as a reassuring landmark by sailors navigating the treacherous North Sea towards the Port of Boston. This unmissable sight, as well as its convenient town centre location, draw many visitors in to see its ornate decorations and magnificent carvings characteristic to Perpendicular Gothic architecture. A resilient tribute to the 7th-century monk who gave the town its original saintly name, it’s fitting to his gifts of trade and travel that so many still journey whether to worship here, or simply to admire its expansive beauty. Another stunning historic building open to the public is the Guildhall, which has served as the town’s administrative centre for centuries since its completion in the 1390s. Built on the site of an earlier building that had been used as a meeting place for the town’s merchants, to be upgraded for the formal assembly of town guilds and local government, it now doubles as a museum. Visitors can explore its beautiful chambers, which include a courtroom, a council chamber, and a mayoral suite. Scattered around the rooms you’ll also discover its collection of historic artefacts, include the town’s medieval seal, which dates back to the 14th century, and a collection of silverware that was presented to the town by Queen Anne in 1707. Its striking exterior façade, row of Gothic windows and prominent clock tower complement the interior as an impressive example of medieval architecture. The large hall is 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 J & J FUELS BOSTON We’ll Meet Again Homefront Museum Wartime History Brought To Life An award-winning museum based at Freiston Shore, Nr Boston housing a vast collection of WW1 and WW2 artifacts, open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 10am-4pm( including cafe) private group visits and dedicated exclusive school educational days Monday-Thursdays (booking essential). 3 Shore Road, Freiston, Boston, Lincolnshire PE22 0LY T: 07903 529614 E: paulandlindab@hotmail.co.uk W: www.wmamuseum.co.uk Boston Marina to Lincoln Cycle Path © Energy Cell 25 Á 20-27.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:41 Page 4Pescod Square is a shopping district in the very heart of Boston. It links together Wide Bargate and Mitre Lane and incorporates the historic Pescod Hall. We have 18 stores which cover in excess of 93,000 square feet of retail space, together with our 377 space car park situated above the shopping centre. www.pescodsquare.com Phone - 01205 353370 | info@pescodsquare.com PARKING TARIFFS 1 ⁄ 2 Hour50p 1 1 ⁄ 2 Hour£1.60 All Day£2.80 Opening Hours Mon to Sat 7am – 7pm Sun 8am to 6pm Permit Payment options Monthly £35 3 monthly £100 (saving £5) 6 monthly £200 (saving £10) WE'VE GONE TICKETLESS! PESCOD SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE BOSTON'S PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION Our new ticketless system at Pescod Square Carpark allows for seamless parking. Enter your number plate at our pay stations when you are leaving. No tickets required. Please remember to take note of your number plate when parking. Pay with ease using your credit or debit card. Contact us at parking@pescodsquare.com Our shopping centre includes high street favourites like Costa and Greggs as well as local independent retailers such as Boston Soap. You can shop for everything from books and stationery at Waterstones or The Works to music and film at HMV or buy a new mobile at our O2 outlet or get your phone repaired at Phone Guys. If you're in Boston and looking for fashion, then look no further. Our fashion retailers PEP&CO, Next and Select along with our newest additions, Leading Labels/Blue Inc and Empori Childrenswear, stock this seasons latest fashions, there is Superdrug for all your beauty and health needs or you can grab a bargain at Wilko's. 20-27.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:41 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 BOSTON Warren Wood View welcomes home movers Warren Wood View in Gainsborough is calling all home movers to make 2023 the year of your big move with the use of Easymove. Offering a stunning range of two, three and four-bedroom homes, Warren Wood View, developed by homebuilder Keepmoat, boasts a semi-rural location with green open spaces, beautiful walkways, and woodland views, while being just 1.5 miles from the town centre of Gainsborough. If you are wanting to move to a new Keepmoat home but still have a property to sell, Easymove makes selling your property easy, managing the sale of your existing home for you, leaving you more time to think about your new one. Plus, your estate agent fees will be paid for. Don’t just take our word for it, meet newlywed customers Rebecca and Paul Foottit. Rebecca and Paul came to Warren Wood View and sold their old home using the Easymove scheme, leaving time for them to plan their wedding ahead of the big move to their new 4 bedroom detached Hardwick home. To view four showhomes, open Thursday to Monday 10am – 5pm, get in touch on 01427 857950 or take a look at https://www.keepmoat.com/warren-wood-view-gainsborough often used for events and exhibitions, such as the annual mayor-making ceremony, and this year’s Boston History Book Festival which takes place in June, welcoming guests including Bishop Grosseteste University Chancellor, historian and author Tracy Borman. Besides the May Fair which resides in the country’s top five street fairs, Boston’s vibrant cultural scene boasts the annual Boston Folk Festival and Summer Music Festival. The Folk Festival celebrates traditional and contemporary folk music, featuring performances by local and national artists, as well as workshops and other events that promote the genre’s history and culture. The town’s commitment to applauding and nurturing its creatives is exemplified by the Summer Festival, which has taken pride in its key purpose as a music programme for young musicians since 1966. Courses and instruction in chamber music, orchestra and solo playing are organised here by the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As proof of its dedication and quality, many of the festival’s alumni have gone on to successful careers in music, even as members of major orchestras or Grammy Award-winning musicians. 27 Á 20-27.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:41 Page 626 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS To find out how to get your business on the up visit www.dextersharpe.co.uk Offices in Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & Spilsby We pride ourselves on providing a pro-active, friendly and accessible service. Experts in Accounts and Tax Returns Tax Planning and Book-Keeping Audits and Business Advice We’re here to get you in the right direction Keeping business on the up… Photographs and video may be taken at this event for promotional purposes www.boston-england.co.uk Mayfair@boston.gov.uk Dodgems Carousel Food stalls Fun House Chair-o-planes Hook-a-duck Superbowl Inflatable slides Rocky Thompson Sweets Arcades Teacups ... and much much more Boston Town Centre Official Opening on Saturday, 29th April at 12 noon Please keep an eye out on the Boston May Fair Facebook page for Boston May Fair Courtesy of Deans Ariel Photography an y full details of the event Court 20-27.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:41 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 27 BOSTON Teenagers dedicate support to Lincolnshire museum Five young men are dedicating their spare time to help support a local Lincolnshire museum. After finding out the owner of the We’ll Meet Again WW2 Museum based at Freiston Shore Nr Boston had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, Archie, Jacob, Alfie, Leon and Ewan – who’s ages range from 13-16 – have been coming to the museum at weekends dressed in full period WW2 uniforms to talk to the public about items on display and give guided tours of the original WW2 gunline and buildings situated next to the museum. They have also been busy digging authentic trenches to help with the visual impact. All the public donations given in recognition of the lads’ exceptional knowledge of the WW2 structures and equipment has gone towards the upkeep of the museum charity. The group are now volunteering alongside the regular museum volunteers to give the public that extra special experience. The dedication shown by these young men should not go unrecognised, giving the museum owner Paul that extra reason to fight on through his ongoing treatment. © Photos courtesy of Pescod Square Beyond the town itself, the wider borough of Boston parish offers more hidden gems. In nearby Freiston Shore for example, you’ll find the unique We’ll Meet Again World War Two Museum, which gives visitors, locals and schools an award-winning learning experience about the area’s role in modern warfare. But it has more than just these stories to tell, thanks to the dedication of five young men. Archie, Jacob, Alfie, Leon and Ewan, all aged between 13-16, pitched in to help at the museum after hearing that owner Paul Britchford had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Since then they’ve become regular volunteers, wearing full period WW2 uniform and drawing on their exceptional knowledge to give guided tours and educate visitors on artefacts. They’ve even been hard at work digging authentic trenches, which will add still more visual impact to the museum’s exterior than the genuine wartime coastal defences standing adjacent to the building. There’d be few better reasons to give Boston parish a visit than to support the continued efforts of these young local heroes and Britchford himself, at this one-of-a-kind attraction which is free to enter, but gratefully accepts all donations to its museum upkeep fund. If a closer look at Boston reveals anything, it’s that if you come for the attractions, markets or fairs, you’ll stay for the stories. The town has so many to share, from a multitude of cultural histories, that coming to it only as a British port and market town will let you enjoy but a fraction of them. This is a place that will grow on you with time spent immersing yourself in its events and meeting its people. Give it this time once, and maybe you’ll find that the strength of Boston’s distinctive community spirit will keep you coming back. 20-27.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:41 Page 828 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY T he late C17th, C18th and C19th were great ages of exploration. So here are brief lives of five Lincolnshire explorers from those periods who left their own and Lincolnshire names scattered across the globe along with remarkable links with Australia, Tasmania, the USA and the Arctic! We begin with Captain John Smith, born at Willoughby in 1580. After learning martial arts as a youth Smith led an adventurous life as a mercenary in Holland and the Balkans, was captured as a slave in Constantinople but escaped back to England via Russia. He then became involved with the Virginia Company and sailed for America in December 1606 arriving at the colony of Virginia (named after Elizabeth I, the “virgin” queen) in May 1607 and in 1608 was elected as the colony’s president. During his time there he was most famously associated with the Indian princess Pocahontas who saved his life when he was threatened with execution by Algonquin Indians. Much of his time however was spent exploring and mapping America’s east coast. He undertook a 3,000-mile expedition to survey and map Chesapeake Bay and in 1624 explored and mapped Maine, Massachusetts and Cape Cod, naming the eastern coast of America as “New England” and recommending the site, now the city of Boston, for settlement. He published many of his maps (1616) and wrote a history of Virginia published in 1624. He died in 1631. There are memorials to him in Willoughby church. Sir Joseph Banks (1743–1820) was born into the wealth and privilege of the landowning family of Revesby Abbey. After attending Harrow, Eton (where he developed a passion for botany) and Oxford he travelled widely before paying for his passage (along with his servants and other scientists) with Captain James Cook on his round-the-world voyage between 1768 and 1771. It was on this voyage that Cook mapped much of Eastern Australia. Botany Bay is named in Banks’s honour and he returned to England with around 3,500 plants, 1,400 of which were new to science and about 80 of those are named “Banksia”. One inadvertent explorer was Henry Roberts from Mareham-le-Fen (one of Banks’ tenants) who accompanied him. Banks went on to become one of the foremost scientists of his day; president of the Royal Society and played an important part in Lincolnshire life as Sheriff and in promoting the Horncastle canal and the Lincolnshire has a disproportionate share of England’s famous and intrepid explorers. This month we look at their lives and achievements. Lincolnshire explored FLINDERS STATUE DONINGTON JOHN SMITH WINDOW WILLOUGHBY CHURCH 28-29.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:42 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 draining of the East and Wildmore fens. Born at Aswarby near Sleaford George Bass (1771–1812?) is best known for his association with his contemporary Matthew Flinders who was three years his junior. Although born so close to Flinders birthplace at Donington they only met in the navy which Bass joined after training as a surgeon in Boston. It was while they were both in Australia that Flinders and Bass in their ship the “Norfolk” undertook a voyage to establish that Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) was an island (ships bound for Port Jackson - now Sydney - had hitherto sailed around the island). Their discovery shortened voyages to Australia considerably and the strait between them was named the “Bass Strait”. Bass later became a maritime merchant bringing supplies to Australia and in February 1803 he left Australia for South America; he, his ship and his crew were never heard of again. The date and circumstances of his death remain unknown. St Denys at Aswarby still has the font at which Bass was christened and a memorial to him. Matthew Flinders (1774 – 1814) was born in Donington. He joined the navy aged 16 and sailed with Captain Bligh and Admiral Howe. His first voyage to Australia – or Terra Australis as it was then known – was between 1795 and 1800. He was soon recognised as a skilled navigator and surveyor and in July 1801 he set sail again on an admiralty expedition to explore and map Australia further. In addition to his voyage with George Bass he became the first to circumnavigate the Australian continent in 1802 and he also named both the continent itself and many locations in south Australia after Lincolnshire places. During his return voyage he was imprisoned in Mauritius by the French (with whom England was at war) for seven years. Back in England by 1810 he wrote up his journals and died in July 1814 shortly after their publication. His grave was lost until unearthed by work on HS2 at Euston. St Mary’s church has a memorial and stained- glass window and in the Market Place there’s a statue and a plaque at the site of his birthplace. And finally, Sir John Franklin (1786-1847). Born in April 1786 Franklin is remembered at his birthplace in Spilsby by plaques in Franklin’s Passage (by the baker’s shop) and in the church. There is a prominent statue too in the West Market. He joined the navy aged fourteen and survived both battles of Copenhagen and Trafalgar. He got his first taste of the arctic on an unsuccessful expedition to the north pole in 1818. He led two arduous overland expeditions in northern Canada between 1819 and 1822 and 1825 and 1828 in search of the Northwest Passage becoming perhaps the most tenacious of Lincolnshire explorers. After serving as governor of Tasmania from 1836 to 1844 he undertook his last trip to the arctic (this time by sea) at the age of 59. He never returned with both ships lost and all of their crews. Only from 1848 were several rescue attempts made but only a note was found confirming Franklin’s death on 11th June 1847, but not its causes or his whereabouts. His two ships have now been found; HMS Erebus in 2014 and HMS Terror in 2016. by Hugh Marrows ST HELEN'S CHURCH WILLOUGHBY JOSEPH BANKS CENTRE HORNCASTLE FRANKLINS STATUE SPILSBY FRANKLINS PASSAGE SPILSBY FLINDERS MEMORIAL WINDOW DONINGTON 28-29.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 11:42 Page 2Next >