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| The Stonebow early 20th century |
If you've ever walked down Lincoln's bustling High Street, you simply cannot miss the magnificent, limestone archway that dominates the lower city centre: the Stonebow. Capped with the stately Guildhall, this building is more than just a landmark; it's a living, breathing history book, and arguably the heart of Lincoln’s civic life for centuries.
Here’s a look into what makes this Tudor treasure one of the city's most significant buildings.
A Story in Stone: From Roman Gate to Medieval Arch
The history of the Stonebow is incredibly deep, tracing its roots all the way back to Roman Britain.
Roman Foundations: The Stonebow marks the site of the original southern gateway to the Roman lower town (Lindum Colonia). The first gate stood here as early as 211 AD, forming a crucial point on Ermine Street, the main route connecting London and York. Parts of this original Roman structure are still beneath the current arch!
The Norse Name: The modern name, 'Stonebow,' is a direct link to Lincoln's Viking past. It comes from the Danish word, 'stennibogi', which simply means 'stone arch'.
A Century of Delays: After an earlier medieval gate was demolished, King Richard II ordered a new gate to be built in 1390. However, there were extensive delays in the building process. Lincoln was no longer the prosperous city it once was; the loss of the Wool Staple (which moved to Boston), among other economic factors, meant the city could not easily afford the expense of a new gateway. The Stonebow was eventually completed around 1520 by William Spencer, a freeman of the city, nearly 130 years after it was commissioned.
Tudor Masterpiece: The gateway you see today, with its beautiful Tudor architecture, replaces that earlier medieval structure. The intricate carvings on the south face, including the figures of the Virgin Mary and the Angel Gabriel, make it a true masterpiece of 16th-century craftsmanship.
The Guildhall: The Seat of Civic Power
Perched directly above the archway is the Guildhall. While the current building dates from the 16th century, the site has been the continuous home for Lincoln’s local government since 1237, making it one of the longest continuously used council sites in the country.
The Council Chamber: This impressive room on the first floor still serves as the active meeting place for the Lincoln City Council. Here, you can find 18th-century panelling and the coat of arms of King George II. The Council Chamber Table dates from the early 18th century.
The Clock: The clock face that sits proudly on the stepped gable was provided by the manufacturer Potts of Leeds in connection with the extensive restoration and alterations carried out by architect J. L. Pearson in 1887.
The person who gifted the clock was Joseph Ruston, J.P., a prominent local industrialist, engineer, and former Mayor of Lincoln (1883-1884). Ruston was one of the founders of the major engineering company Ruston, Proctor and Co. (later Ruston & Hornsby).
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| I doubt many people notice this sign as they walk through the Stonebow |
The Mote Bell: One of the Guildhall's most fascinating features is the Mote Bell, which was cast in 1371. This bell still summons councillors to their meetings, a tradition of over 650 years!
A Treasury of Regalia: The Guildhall houses an extraordinary collection of civic regalia, which tells the story of Lincoln's relationship with the Crown. Highlights include:
A magnificent sword presented to the city by King Richard II in 1387.
The Mayor’s ceremonial mace, dating from 1640.
The Mayor's chains of office and the unique Mayor's posy ring.
The Arch That Was Nearly Moved: A History of Preservation
For all its beauty and history, the Stonebow's position in the middle of a major thoroughfare has made it a continuous obstacle to traffic for centuries. This led to serious, and thankfully rejected, proposals to dismantle and move the ancient structure.
19th-Century Plans to Demolish: The most serious threat came in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when traffic struggled to navigate the narrow archway. In 1809 and again around 1880, the idea was floated to demolish the Stonebow entirely to widen the road and improve traffic flow.
The Radical Relocation Idea: A more outlandish plan in the mid-19th century proposed dismantling the entire Stonebow and Guildhall and re-erecting it in another location, likely in a new square or park, to preserve the monument while clearing the street. This would have meant the complete loss of its function as a civic gateway and the destruction of the Roman and medieval foundations beneath it.
The Power of Preservation: Fortunately, Lincoln’s citizens and historians consistently fought against these proposals. They successfully argued that the Stonebow was too important to the identity and history of Lincoln, and today, it is protected as a Grade I listed building, ensuring its permanent place on High Street.
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| North side of the Stonebow in 18th century |
A Place of Public Life
Beyond governance, the Stonebow and Guildhall have witnessed and participated in nearly two millennia of city life:
Prison and Court: For centuries, the East Wing of the Guildhall held the city prison. The Council bought an adjacent house to expand the facility in 1586, the conditions were stark. There were just two ground-level rooms: a 13-foot square room for men and an 8-foot square room for women. In a curious arrangement, each room had a small, iron-grated window opening onto Prison Lane (now Saltergate). Passersby could literally see, talk to, and even pass food and drink to the inmates. This jail was finally closed in 1809 when a new prison was constructed at the Sessions House. The East Wing was pulled down and rebuilt in 1842 in a style matching the Stonebow and now appropriately houses the Guildhall Treasury.
Royal Visits: Throughout its history, monarchs and significant figures have passed under the arch, including Henry VIII and Catherine Howard in 1541.
A Defining Boundary: The Stonebow sits at the junction of High Street and Saltergate, historically marking the southern boundary of the original city and providing a dramatic, formal entrance for those arriving from the south.
Plan Your Visit
The Stonebow is a public thoroughfare, but to truly appreciate the history, you should step inside the Guildhall.
Guided Tours are often available on specific days (typically Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays—check local listings!) and offer a fantastic opportunity to see the Council Chamber, the Civic Insignia Room, and hear the incredible stories that connect this landmark to Roman legions, Viking settlers, medieval merchants, and modern democracy.
The Stonebow and Guildhall are not just beautiful architecture; they are the enduring symbol of Lincoln's long and continuous history of self-governance. It's a must-see on any trip to the city!
Check visiting times here: https://www.lincolnguildhall.com/guidedtours