Atton Place

Atton Place on Eastgate is one of the oldest houses in Lincoln.  First mentioned in the accounts of the Dean and Chapter in 1441, it was originally a single storey building.  The building was included in a Parliamentary survey of 1649.

Reputedly named after Canon John de Aton (or Acton), Prebendary of Welton Ryval from 1329-1351. who lived here 1324-1326.

The building was re-fronted in a typical Georgian style in the late 18th century, an extra floor was added in the late 19th century, the house was made up of the properties visible in the image, but divided into two properties about the same time.

The building remained a priests' house for many years.  

It later became the County Assembly Rooms and a ladies boarding school, the large ground floor room was cleared for balls and other functions, the room was 40 ft long by 20 ft wide, entered through the central doorway at the front. The County Assembly Rooms moved in 1744 when the new building opened in Bailgate.  The school closed sometime later and then became the Judges Lodgings until 1810.  

For most of the next 100 years the house became a private house, Since the second decade of the 20th century, it has been home to a group of surgeons, an architect and interior designer, and now an estate agent.

People who lived and worked here 

In 1840 it was the home of 31-year-old Harriet Bainbridge's Boarding and Day Academy, her father Thomas' Academy was situated at 1 Michaelgate, her brother George founded the Bainbridges department store in Lincoln High Street.  Harriet married Richard Waddington, an Ironmonger, in early 1841 and later moved to 3 Guildhall Street.  Harriet died in April 1885.

In 1851 Henry Moss, Town councillor silk mercer & master employing 17 hands, lived here with his wife Louisa, 5 children, nephew, 10 employees and 3 servants.  

1857 Miss Thomas - Preparatory school for young gentlemen, formerly at 31 The Park

1932 Douglas Darbyshire, surgeon