Historic mausoleum open for the first time
Cemetery chapels in Holbeach and Spalding are open to the public this weekend as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days campaign.
In Spalding, one of the cemetery chapels and the Johnson mausoleum at Spalding Cemetery will be open as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days campaign.
The Gothic chapel and mausoleum within it will be opened to the public for the first time as part of the event, with displays and talks exploring the stories and history of Victorian Spalding, as well as about some of the notable individuals who are interred in the cemetery, and the buildings themselves.
Coun Elizabeth Sneath, who has helped to organise the event, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in Spalding’s past to gain a rare insight into how life and traditions were in the town almost 200 years ago.
“The Heritage Open Days campaign is a wonderful celebration of our country’s heritage and the chance to get to explore these hidden, often forgotten, gems in every town and city capture the essence of what makes it so special.
“We are hoping this will just be the beginning of starting to explore and research the cemetery further, and uncover more of the stories and features that are within it.”
The 27 acre site on Pinchbeck Road, founded in 1854, will be open from 10.30am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday and entry is free. Outdoor clothing and sensible footwear are advised for anyone attending.
The Cemetery Chapels in Park Road, Holbeach will once again be open, from 10am on on Saturday, with another of the very popular cemetery trails taking place at 2pm.
The theme this year is 'Picturing the Past' and there are displays created both by children who attended the Arts Workshop in the summer holidays and by pupils at William Stukeley Primary School, who enjoyed a three-day heritage course in July.
It will also be a chance for the community to view the 'Last 100 Days' exhibition, commemorating the end of World War I and to see paintings of the chapels as they might look if funding is granted for refurbishment.
The trustees recently heard that they have gained further funding from the Big Lottery Awards for All which will enable them to organise more heritage skills courses and art and craft events which have proved so popular during the past couple of years.
A spokesperson for the Trustees said:" We would like to thank all National Lottery players who ensure funding is available to enhance and enrich the lives of hundreds of people. We hope that the local community will come and find out more about the chapels project and enjoy the events that are being organised."