The Crooked House and the Harlequin

The Crooked House at the top of Michaelgate is well known and is probably one of the most photographed buildings in Lincoln after the Cathedral, Castle and Stonebow.

This house looked like any other terraced house until the 1930s. At that time there was a major slum clearance throughout the city; in areas close to the factories and foundries of the Waterside, even Jews Court was in danger of being lost until it was rescued by the Lincolnshire Architectural and Archaeological Society (now The Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology).  In late 1933 a demolition order was issued for numbers 34, 36, 38 and 40 Michaelgate. When demolition of no 40 began it was discovered there was a half-timbered building behind the brick façade.  The owner of the house asked the council to rescind the demolition order, Permission was granted by the Minister of Health subject to it not being used for human habitation.   

Dating from the 16th century, the house has C18, C19 and C20 alterations. Dressed stone and brick, with close studded first floor with rendered nogging. Pantile roof. 2 storeys, 2 bays. Street front has a replica plank door to the left, and to right, a 2-light sliding sash. Above, to the right, a C20 casement. South gable has a C20 door to left and a C20 casement above. Gable framing has curved braces and corner posts. (https://historicengland.org.uk/)

The house was acquired by Lincoln Council and renovated to its original style, it became one of the oldest council houses in England.  The house is still owned by the City of Lincoln Council and managed by the National Trust.

Click here to read about the interior of the house

Walk on to Steep Hill and you will see another old half-timbered building:

The Harlequin Inn (also known as the Harlequin and Columbine when it was connected with the theatre on Drury Lane) dates from the 15th century, first recorded as an inn in the mid 18th century, in 1931 it was refused the renewal of its alcohol licence as "structurally unsuitable".  George Shelton was an antique furniture dealer for about 30 years and then it was the Harlequin Galleries an antiquarian bookshop for over 50 years until it closed a few years ago.

Other Lincoln Houses

The Lost Houses of Lincoln  - Boultham Hall
The Lost Houses of Lincoln  - Hartsholme Hall
The Lost Houses of Lincoln  - Eastgate House
The Lost Houses of Lincoln  - Monk's Tower
The Lost Houses of Lincoln  - Monk's Manor

The Lost Houses of Lincoln  - Cold Bath House

The Lost Houses of Lincoln  - Sibthorp House

The Lost Houses of Lincoln - Eastcliffe House

The Old House on Corporation Street

Grand House Built on the Sale of Drugs