How lucky NWR Deepings ladies were to experience the incredible library and artefacts at the 300 year old museum in Spalding known fondly as “Spalding Gentlemen’s Society”. Our private tour led by Ian and Phillip – two voluntary curators at SGS introduced us to the origins of the society; the original library bequests and the rich collection of objects that constitutes the second oldest museum in the UK. (Only the Ashmolean in Oxford 1683 predates this marvellous Lincolnshire gem).
The current building was erected in 1910 to permanently house the enormous collection. It is a rather lovely red brick building of the era which from the outside belies the many rooms and quirky passages and stairs inside. I loved the stained glass windows, doorways and architraves. Sadly the building is in need of serious conservation – the weight of the books and cases are causing part of the building to ‘spilt apart’.
Our visit was even more special, as SGS are closing their doors on 1st September to a large part of the collection in order for building works to commence, with re-opening planned in over two years time.
There were too many highlights to do justice to the generosity of our curator guides. We loved the innocent name dropping our founding gentlemen of Spalding rubbed shoulders and corresponded with: Sir Isaac Newton, William Stukeley, Alexander Pope, and not least Maurice Johnson the original founder who went on to re-found the Society Of Antiquaries in London.
We were allowed to hold several precious artefacts (and Ray, I didn’t drop anything). Their oldest manuscript book dated from the mid 13th century. Another beautiful book was owned by Henry VIII. We peered at the handwritten margin notes and under linings by Henry – the story goes, his manservant took the book at Henry’s direction to favoured subjects opening the pages at the point Henry wanted to convey behavioural advice to the recipient. We thumbed the pages of an original William Caxton printed press ragbook and held a treatise between the USA and Salvador signed by Abraham Lincoln. We saw the German medal of honour given to Fraulein Cassell by Adolf Hitler – her nursing work saved the lives of many German sailors in 1938.
Some items offended our modern day sensibilities, either from their function or their manufacture. But at every twist and turn we learned new things and acquired knowledge. How marvellous that our women only organisation took so much pleasure from a thriving 300 year old organisation created by and intended only for men.
We really deserved our cake and coffee when we emerged from SGS at 1pm. A great choice was found at the Unique Cottage Studios on Fulney Lane, Spalding PE12 6FA. You can find them on FaceBook. Please explore the links below to learn more from SGS – they have a very excellent lecture programme that takes place in the Broad Street Methodist Church building opposite the museum at 7:30pm on Friday evenings at a cost of £5.00 per person.
The museum has secured funding to improve and extend their facilities so that the work of SGS can continue for another 100 years to come. The people of Spalding and Lincolnshire are very fortunate to have this energetic museum in their midst.
Thank you Ian and Phillip and the team of volunteers and specialists at SGS for our unforgettable unique experience. It was greatly appreciated.