Spalding Gentlemen’s Society

@17sgs10.bsky.social

A wondrous place... Founded in 1710, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is Britain’s oldest provincial learned society and second-oldest surviving museum, library and archive.

Mystery object alert! Sometimes we don't always have complete records of items in our collections. We may not know much about this object, but everyone who's seen it adores its unusual graffiti. The object itself is probably a straight edge for drawing or checking lines. What do you think?

A long flat wooden object engraved with the words 'Vouloir c'est Pouvoir'.A long flat wooden object engraved with graffiti of three little characters with colourful pointed hats. One looks like it is fishing, the other two are perhaps dancing or running.A long flat wooden object with a graffiti engraving of a creature being pulled along in a red cart by what looks like four white rabbits. Above them there is an engraving of a smiling face. A long rectangular wooden object with a circular hole at one end. It could be a straight edge for drawing or checking lines.

See our latest lecture programme! The new season brings together leading historians, archaeologists, scientists, conservators and curators. Gain insights into new discoveries, hear about hidden stories, and learn what goes on behind the scenes with our experts. www.sgsoc.org/2026-27-lect...

Curiosity, Discovery and the Search for Knowledge: 2026/27 Lecture Series - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society unveils its latest lecture programme. The series of talks starts in September 2026 and runs through to March 2027.

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While we’ve been repairing our museum building, which was built in 1911, our project builders have uncovered some interesting finds. The broken bottle has ‘J Barnes, Confectioner, Spalding’ on it. James Barnes was a baker and confectioner, based a couple of doors up from about the 1850s to 1870s.

The stoneware bottles, glassware and ink jar are unmarked. The broken bottle has ‘J. Barnes, Confectioner, Spalding’ impressed on it. James Barnes was a baker and confectioner, based a couple of doors up on the corner of Broad Street and New Road. He operated there from around the 1850s to the 1870s.
This photo shows a bottle of James Hole’s India Pale Ale (which could be contemporary to the building of the museum) and some cigarette boxes. The Senior Service slogan ‘The Perfection of Cigarette Luxury’ was used from around the 1930s to 1960s.

It may be one of the hottest days of the year so far, but if you're looking ahead to autumn and winter activities, you can visit our website to book tickets in advance. Discover a performance of seasonal songs by the Greenwood Quire. www.sgsoc.org/events/winte...

‘Winter’s Tales’ by the Greenwood Quire - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Enjoy seasonal songs from the Greenwood Quire - a group making glorious music across the South Lincolnshire region.

sgsoc.org

A massive thank you to everyone who braved the heat and supported our summer quiz! We want to say congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who supported by attending and volunteering. We are delighted to say that the event raised a fantastic £580 for the Society.

An image showing a room filled with attendees taking part in the quiz.

In the spirit of our founders, who came together to share knowledge and discoveries, we love uncovering new finds! When we analysed an archive document using a light box recently, we came across a previously undetected image. The outline of a unicorn (a maker's mark) was revealed.

The archive document before it was analysed with a light box.The outline of the unicorn showing on the document.The outline of the unicorn showing on the document, traced in red to highlight the features.

Our exhibitions on ‘Science’ and ‘Navigation’ are currently on display at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum. Discover more about those early Society members whose experiments and discoveries in medicine, botany, optics and engineering helped shape our understanding of science and nature today.

Our exhibitions on ‘Science’ and ‘Navigation’ are currently on display at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum.

Are you looking for something educational and fun for the whole family to do during the school holidays? Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is running an interactive and hands-on workshop all about The Glorious Greeks on Tuesday 26th May 2026. Discover more at: www.sgsoc.org/discover-all...

Discover all about the Ancient Greeks this May Half-Term - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Are you looking for something fun for the whole family to do during the school holidays? Discover our Ancient Greeks workshop.

sgsoc.org

Are you looking ahead and planning your family activities for May half-term? We're running a fantastic workshop all about the Ancient Greeks. There will be hands-on activities such as painting pottery. Find out more at www.sgsoc.org/events/glori... #WhatsOnSpalding #FamilyFun #HeritageEvents

The Glorious Greeks - Spalding Gentlemen's Society

Bring history to life! Explore the world of the Ancient Greeks with our May Half Term workshop on Tuesday 26th May 2026.

sgsoc.org