The Italian Revolutionary, the Lincoln M.P. and the biscuit.

Charles Seely (1803–1887) was a towering figure in Lincoln’s 19th-century history—an innovator, entrepreneur, and reformist politician whose legacy spans industry, civic leadership, and international diplomacy. From pioneering steam-powered milling to hosting Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, Seely’s life was a remarkable blend of local impact and global intrigue.

Early Life & Family Foundations 

Born in Lincoln in 1803, Charles Seely was the son of Charles Seely Sr., a bread baker, and Ann Wilkinson. His father died in 1809 at the age of 41, leaving Ann to raise the family alone. In 1824, she made a bold and visionary move—purchasing land between Lincoln High Street and the River Witham, where she built a striking five-sail windmill This landmark not only symbolised entrepreneurial spirit but also laid the foundation for the Seely family's industrial future.

Industrial Innovation: Lincoln’s First Steam-Powered Mill

Seely began his career as a miller, operating at St Peter in Eastgate and on the High Street, including a partnership with John Coupland. But his most transformative achievement came in 1836, when he joined forces with Thomas Michael Keyworth to establish Lincoln’s first steam-powered mill—a revolutionary step that modernised local grain production and set the stage for industrial growth.

His business acumen extended further: Seely became an early investor in Clayton Shuttleworth & Company, a firm that would become a powerhouse in agricultural engineering, producing threshing machines, steam engines, and more.

Civic Leadership & Political Ambition

Seely’s influence wasn’t confined to industry. In 1841, he was elected Mayor of Lincoln, and in 1847, he won a seat as MP for Lincoln. However, his first term in Parliament was short-lived—his election was declared void in 1848 due to irregularities involving bribery and payment of travel expenses for non-resident electors.

Charles Seely, Vanity Fair,
21st December 1878

Despite this setback, Seely’s political career rebounded. He was re-elected in 1861 and served until 1885, earning a reputation as a radical Liberal MP who championed reform and challenged government spending. His resilience and progressive ideals made him a respected figure in Victorian politics.

Hosting Garibaldi: A Moment of International Fame

One of the most fascinating chapters in Seely’s life came in April 1864, when he hosted Giuseppe Garibaldi, the famed Italian revolutionary, during his third visit to Britain. Garibaldi arrived in Southampton to a hero’s welcome, mobbed by supporters, and was swiftly taken to Brook House on the Isle of Wight—Seely’s private residence.

Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1861

During his stay, Garibaldi met Alfred Lord Tennyson and charmed Seely’s wife, Mary, who reportedly wrote him romantic letters. After eight days, Garibaldi travelled to London, where he was greeted by an estimated half a million admirers. He stayed at Seely’s London home, where a grand reception was held on April 19.

The Garibaldi Biscuit: A Sweet Tribute

Garibaldi’s popularity in Britain even inspired a culinary creation—the Garibaldi biscuit, affectionately known as the “Squashed-Fly Biscuit.” In 1861, James Peek, a tea merchant, partnered with his brother-in-law George Frean, a miller, to form Peek, Frean & Co. in Bermondsey. Their company initially supplied hard tack to the Royal Navy.

To expand their range, Frean recruited his schoolfriend Jonathan Carr, of the famous Scottish biscuit-making family. Carr’s greatest achievement during his time at Peek, Frean was the invention of the Garibaldi biscuit, a tribute to the Italian hero’s enduring appeal.

Final Years & Legacy

Charles Seely died in 1887 at his home on the Isle of Wight, leaving behind a legacy of industrial innovation, political reform, and international influence. His contributions to Lincoln’s development and his role in Victorian society continue to inspire historians, heritage enthusiasts, and local residents alike.

Echoes of Grandeur: The Story of Nettleham Hall and Its Remarkable Residents

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Nestled between the village of Nettleham and picturesque Riseholme stand the evocative ruins of what was once a magnificent house: Nettleham Hall. While today it offers a hauntingly beautiful silhouette against the Lincolnshire sky, its story is far richer than just a grand house lost to fire. It's a tale of generations, pioneering minds, and a legacy that reached far beyond its stone walls.

The Rise of the Hood Dynasty

The history of Nettleham Hall truly begins with the Hood family. Their arrival in the village dates back to the mid-17th century when John Hood famously accompanied General Monck, the 1st Duke of Albemarle on his march to restore King Charles II. From that point on, Nettleham Hall became the heart of the Hood family's influence and home for centuries.

John Hood (1788-1870) owned the house from 1828. The exact construction date of the house is uncertain, with some sources indicating it was built in its present form in the 18th century.

Described as a charming stone-built Georgian house, it boasted enviable views of Lincoln Cathedral and was once surrounded by 1,500 acres of prime shooting land. Local lore even speaks of an intricate network of underground tunnels for the servants—a testament to the scale and grandeur of the estate.

Perhaps the most striking remaining feature of the Hall's former glory are its magnificent Grade I listed wrought iron gates and stone piers. These aren't just any gates; they were originally designed around 1720 for the Church of St. Peter at Arches in Lincoln before being meticulously relocated to Nettleham Hall in 1856. They stand today as a proud sentinel to a bygone era.

A Family of Influence: From Local Squires to Global Scientists

Grace Mary "Molly" Crowfoot (née Hood) (1878–1957)

Molly Crowfoot is arguably the most famous family member for her direct contributions to archaeology.

• Pioneering Archaeologist: She was a respected British archaeologist and a pioneer in the study of archaeological textiles.

• Key Work: Her research spanned North Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Britain. She co-authored an article on the "Tunic of Tutankhamun" and was involved in early reporting on the textiles from the famous Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon ship burial in Suffolk.

• Family Connection: She married John Winter Crowfoot and was the mother of another extremely distinguished figure (see below).

Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin (1910–1994)

Although her father was John Winter Crowfoot, she was the daughter of Grace Mary Hood, meaning she grew up with strong ties to the Nettleham family.

• Nobel Prize Winner: She is a globally renowned figure who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 for her determinations by X-ray techniques of the structures of important biochemical substances.

• Groundbreaking Work: She mapped the molecular structures of penicillin, Vitamin B12, and later, insulin.

Wartime Service

Several of Grace Mary's brothers served during the First World War:

• Reverend Charles Ivo Sinclair Hood (Died 1918): He was a Reverend who died in 1918 at the age of 31 and is buried at Lijssenthoek.

• Martin Arthur Frankland Hood (Died 1919): He was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy.

• Alban John Frankland Hood (1881–1927): He served in the King's Own Scottish Borderers and later with the Ministry of Munitions. He died after the war.

The Hood family's history is a clear example of how a prominent country family could contribute significantly to both local life and broader academic and military history.

The Tragic End and A New Beginning

Sadly, the grandeur of Nettleham Hall was abruptly curtailed. In early March 1937, the Hall was consumed by a devastating fire under mysterious circumstances. Wing-Commander Cock, the tenant, lowered his wife and and young son from a window using a bed sheet and two servants escaped using the back stairs. A Chippendale suite and paintings by old masters were saved but much valuable furniture was destroyed.

Since then, its beautiful stone shell has stood roofless and windowless, slowly being reclaimed by nature, a poignant reminder of its past.

However, the story of Nettleham Hall isn't entirely over. Recent plans have been approved to sensitively reimagine the fire-damaged ruins, creating a new country home while painstakingly preserving and restoring the historic gates. It's a testament to the enduring appeal and historical significance of this remarkable site.

Nettleham Hall, though largely a ruin, continues to whisper tales of its illustrious past – of Georgian elegance, pioneering scientific discovery, and a family whose legacy resonated far beyond their Lincolnshire home.