The Heritage Open Days take place every September; it is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Every September thousands of volunteers and businesses across England organise events to celebrate the fantastic history and culture in our country. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new. The Heritage Open Days return this year from the 11th to the 20th September. This blog is all about some of the events you can attend in South Kesteven.
Art at the Stamford Town Hall
Stamford Town Council
Stamford Town Council have organised some brilliant events, free of charge! Including the Stamford Town Hall Tours, they are opening their Guided Town Hall Tours and Gaol Tours on special dates and times as part of the Heritage Open Days. You will get to explore the Town Hall, a beautiful Grade II* listed building on St Mary’s Hill. The tour is delivered by knowledgeable volunteer tour guides and reveals parts of the building not normally open to the public.
Bringing to life over 500 years of Stamford’s civic history, you’ll visit the Council Chamber, the historic Courtroom and the Mayor’s Parlour, which is home to remarkable civic collections, including the three historic maces, magnificent silverware, paintings, and town charters dating back to the 15th century. Visitors can also enjoy the famous painting of Stamford’s extraordinary bull running tradition, recently professionally restored to its former glory.
You’ll also descend into the rooms beneath the Town Hall to explore the remains of the Georgian gaol. During the tour you’ll see one of the original cells and hear the stories of prisoners held in harsh and overcrowded conditions.
Dates:
September 14th – midday until 1pm
September 14th – 1pm until 2pm
September 15th – 6pm until 7pm
Stamford Cemetery
Stamford Town Council are also hosting cemetery tours. Join a fascinating guided walking tour exploring the fascinating history of Stamford Cemetery. The tour is a one-hour long cemetery walking tour allowing visitors to explore the peaceful natural beauty of the site on Radcliffe Road. Discover notable figures buried at the cemetery and explore the iconography and meaning of the headstones. The tour will cover the Victorian section, military graves, and unique architectural features of the cemetery.
September 19th – 11am until Midday
Mannakin Hall Hands
Mannakin
Mannakin Hall will open its doors for free on the 12th September at 1pm to 5pm as part of the Heritage Open Days. Mannakin Hall is located near Fulbeck.
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Mannakin Hall, once the dining quarters for American soldiers during World War II. Today, it stands as a testament to art and history, housing over 15,000 mannequins that have graced TV sets and music videos. You will receive a tour of the site, paint a mannequin, visit the gift shop, have a picnic and take part in a paranormal investigation, if you dare.
Grimsthorpe Castle
Grimsthorpe Castle
Explore the Castle and Gardens as part of the Heritage Open Days with free entry on the 15th September, self-guided access, pop-up refreshments and a special opportunity to discover this historic site at your own pace.
Visitors are welcome to explore the site at their own pace, with free-flow access throughout the day. There will be no guided tours on this day, allowing you to discover the Castle and its surroundings at your leisure. A pop-up shop and refreshments will be available in the main Visitor Area and in the Vaulted Hall, providing the perfect opportunity to browse, relax and enjoy the day. To help Grimsthorpe Castle keep you up to date with future events and activities, all Heritage Open Day visitors will be asked to sign up to their newsletter. The Park and Gardens open at 10am till 5pm and the Castle opens at 11am to 4pm.
Please note there are limited free tickets and they are expected to sell out.
Wake House
Bourne Arts and Community Trust
As part of the Heritage Open Days Bourne Arts and Community Trust is hosting an exhibition at Wake House in Bourne on the 18th September, from 10am to 4pm.
“The House of Worth” was the very first fashion brand and a huge success, dressing European royalty, including Queen Victoria, and rich ladies from across the world in spectacular and very expensive clothes. Wake House is the birthplace of Charles Frederick Worth, “The Father of Haute Couture”. There will be free guided (or self-guided) tours of Wake House, also displays of Charles F Worth’s creations and information about his life and career.
St Wulframs Church
Grantham Civic Society and St Wulfram’s Church Grantham
To celebrate the Heritage Open Days and England’s Finest Parish Church Grantham Civic Society and St Wulfram’s Church have organised an open day at St Wulframs Church in Grantham.
You will be able to visit the crypt, tower & chained library in the beautiful church. Marvel at newly conserved monuments & meet congregation members in this busy church.
As well as earlier Anglo-Saxon & Norman features, the church had a major rebuild from c1265 to 1320 culminating in the magnificent tower and spire (283 ft), which was England’s tallest parish church for some 150 years. The interior was remodelled in 1865-69 by Sir George Gilbert Scott and new roofs added and the Chancel raised up. There is a good variety of stained-glass windows from Victorian to late c20th. The Georgian and early Victorian monuments are rich and varied with sculptors including Henry Cheere and James Smith. The Coffee Shop will be open for refreshments, and the Civic Society will be running a local history bookstall. Aspects of congregational life will be displayed at various times especially on Sunday afternoon.
Timings:
Saturday 12th September:
10.00 – 16.00
Sunday 13th September:
11.30 – 16.00
Heritage Open Days Logo
To see what else the Heritage Open Days have to offer visit: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
