Our Story
Founded in 1966 as the Horncastle Civic Society - an independent and non-political body dedicated to safeguarding and preserving the rich heritage of our ancient market town. We act as a leading voice in the development and growth of the Town.
The Society endeavours to highlight the heritage of the Town whilst promoting places of interest and activities in Horncastle to generate local pride and community spirit allied with an expanding tourist trade.
What We Do
The Society works in the following areas:
Museum
In conjunction with the Sir Joseph Banks Society the Society has a display area at the Joseph Banks Centre incorporating Roman pottery, Victorian artefacts and temporary displays of fascinating aspects of our local history. Books, leaflets and DVDs on the history of Horncastle are also available to purchase
Opening times: Thursday 10:00 to 16:00
Friday 10:00 to 16:00
Saturday 10:00 to 16:00
The Centre may be open outside of these hours
Exhibitions
Exhibitions are held at the Sir Joseph Banks Centre, in addition to the website, information will be available on our social media pages and at the Sir Joseph Banks Centre
Planning
The Society is consulted by the District Planning officers on any plan that affects the conservation area of the town and also any large development proposals which could affect the town. In the past we responded to the proposal by Tesco to build off Lincoln Road and expressed our concerns about the effect on the viability of the town centre. Fortunately, this development was refused.
We have opposed the Mareham Road development because of flooding concerns on the town centre. We fought strenuously against the Langton Hill development and continue to monitor the development to ensure that conditions imposed are being met.
We supported the application for a very modern eco house off Bargate Lane because it was an excellent example of modern architecture and would not affect the townscape in that area.
We supported the houses on the Becks which are excellent examples of sympathetic architecture.
We try and encourage developers to enhance rather than detract.
Conservation
We work with the District's conservation officer to protect important buildings in the town. We report problems and Members help carry out periodic reviews of the state of protected buildings for English Heritage.
We successfully campaigned to get some conservation work carried out on the Roman Wall, which removed all of the vegetation growth, ensuring visitors can continue to view the wall in an as complete condition as possible.
We have been successful in helping to get historic paving stones replaced after being removed by utility contractors.
Enhancement
The planters around the town are provided by the Society and planted regularly with some financial support from the Town Council. The planters on the lamp posts in the town centre are also now being maintained and planted by the Society. We provided the horse statues on Jubilee Way. We have also installed several blue plaques around the town highlighting places where historic events have taken place or on buildings connected to famous local people.
Information and Education
We hold regular talks and lectures about the history or people of the town and the surrounding area. We produce books and DVD's and leaflets to educate.
Archives
Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:00 to 13:00
Members FREE Non-Members £5
Walks
Look out for our guided walks on our social media page and at the Jospeh Banks Centre
Volunteering
Support us in developing and delivering exhibitions, events and talks