Inns on the Edge
Engagement has concluded
The Inns on the Edge project focussed on historic pubs along the Lincolnshire coast. We aimed to improve our knowledge and understanding of these pubs. The project came about in response to the growing number of pub closures across the UK. It was a year-long pilot project funded by Historic England. The project has now completed.
The unique project looked at over 300 pubs between November 2021 and July 2022. We surveyed their status and condition and created a digital record for each one. These records will be added to the Lincolnshire Historic Environment Record. We have greatly increased the number of pubs available in the record. These records will better inform the planning process in future.
We found that most historic pubs have been demolished or converted to a different use. This includes uses such as converting to a shop or private residence. Only one third of surveyed pubs were still trading today.
The project had two further strands. Through Land on the Edge, we explored the history of the coast's landscape from the Mesolithic period to the modern era. Through Hospitality on the Edge, we looked at the economic viability of pub businesses. This helps us to better understand the challenges and opportunities they face. We are preparing reports on the findings of these different parts of the project. We will publish them and make them available to the public in 2023.
The Inns on the Edge team would like to thank everyone who made this project possible. In particular, Historic England for funding the project. We would also like to thank the people who followed and took part in the project online.
The links to the final project reports will be shared on this site when they are available.
In this project we asked what is so great about the British pub? The good company? The beer? The food? The old buildings? The good times and memories you share there?
Lincolnshire County Council's Inns on the Edge project celebrated the heritage of pubs along the much-loved Lincolnshire Coast.
Project Officer Marc Knighton visited pubs from Boston to Grimsby to uncover their stories and history. He also made a record of their current use and condition. Marc spoke to landlords and locals to encourage them to record their memories of these historic buildings. Pubs are rich in social history that may have never been written down.
You can read about the pubs in Marc's blog on our news feed below.
We asked you to share your memories, stories and photographs. We invited you to comment on posts and on our stories page. We want to know more about why these buildings matter to communities to help preserve them for the future.
Everything shared was read and recorded for posterity.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Pub History Workshops which were held in April 2022 to help communities discover the history of their 'local'.
The Inns on the Edge project focussed on historic pubs along the Lincolnshire coast. We aimed to improve our knowledge and understanding of these pubs. The project came about in response to the growing number of pub closures across the UK. It was a year-long pilot project funded by Historic England. The project has now completed.
The unique project looked at over 300 pubs between November 2021 and July 2022. We surveyed their status and condition and created a digital record for each one. These records will be added to the Lincolnshire Historic Environment Record. We have greatly increased the number of pubs available in the record. These records will better inform the planning process in future.
We found that most historic pubs have been demolished or converted to a different use. This includes uses such as converting to a shop or private residence. Only one third of surveyed pubs were still trading today.
The project had two further strands. Through Land on the Edge, we explored the history of the coast's landscape from the Mesolithic period to the modern era. Through Hospitality on the Edge, we looked at the economic viability of pub businesses. This helps us to better understand the challenges and opportunities they face. We are preparing reports on the findings of these different parts of the project. We will publish them and make them available to the public in 2023.
The Inns on the Edge team would like to thank everyone who made this project possible. In particular, Historic England for funding the project. We would also like to thank the people who followed and took part in the project online.
The links to the final project reports will be shared on this site when they are available.
In this project we asked what is so great about the British pub? The good company? The beer? The food? The old buildings? The good times and memories you share there?
Lincolnshire County Council's Inns on the Edge project celebrated the heritage of pubs along the much-loved Lincolnshire Coast.
Project Officer Marc Knighton visited pubs from Boston to Grimsby to uncover their stories and history. He also made a record of their current use and condition. Marc spoke to landlords and locals to encourage them to record their memories of these historic buildings. Pubs are rich in social history that may have never been written down.
You can read about the pubs in Marc's blog on our news feed below.
We asked you to share your memories, stories and photographs. We invited you to comment on posts and on our stories page. We want to know more about why these buildings matter to communities to help preserve them for the future.
Everything shared was read and recorded for posterity.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Pub History Workshops which were held in April 2022 to help communities discover the history of their 'local'.
Engagement has concluded
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Join Marc as he charts the historic pubs of the Lincolnshire coast
Share Join Marc as he charts the historic pubs of the Lincolnshire coast on Facebook Share Join Marc as he charts the historic pubs of the Lincolnshire coast on Twitter Share Join Marc as he charts the historic pubs of the Lincolnshire coast on Linkedin Email Join Marc as he charts the historic pubs of the Lincolnshire coast linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
My name is Marc Knighton and I am the project officer for Inns on the Edge.Over the last few months I have been researching historic pubs from behind a desk, but for the next phase of the project, I will be travelling up and down the Lincolnshire Coast visiting historic pubs to capture their stories and record the current use and condition of the buildings.
I have always had a love of old buildings. I studied art, history and historical architecture at University and catalogued 1000s of architectural plans before spending a few years working at an auction house as a fine art consultant.
My expertise in historical research, technical knowledge of buildings, and an eye for period detail will hopefully stand me in good stead for this unique and extraordinary project!
Please join me on my journey by following my blog.
My name is Marc Knighton and I am the project officer for Inns on the Edge.Over the last few months I have been researching historic pubs from behind a desk, but for the next phase of the project, I will be travelling up and down the Lincolnshire Coast visiting historic pubs to capture their stories and record the current use and condition of the buildings.
I have always had a love of old buildings. I studied art, history and historical architecture at University and catalogued 1000s of architectural plans before spending a few years working at an auction house as a fine art consultant.
My expertise in historical research, technical knowledge of buildings, and an eye for period detail will hopefully stand me in good stead for this unique and extraordinary project!
Please join me on my journey by following my blog.
Engagement has concluded
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Please click on the article headings to see all the pictures.
Share Please click on the article headings to see all the pictures. on Facebook Share Please click on the article headings to see all the pictures. on Twitter Share Please click on the article headings to see all the pictures. on Linkedin Email Please click on the article headings to see all the pictures. linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Engagement has concluded
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"How to find your pub's history" workshops
Share "How to find your pub's history" workshops on Facebook Share "How to find your pub's history" workshops on Twitter Share "How to find your pub's history" workshops on Linkedin Email "How to find your pub's history" workshops linkCLOSED: These workshops have now finishedWhite Hart Hotel, BostonWe held four “How to find your pub’s history” workshops at venues along the coast in April.
Whether they were interested in local heritage, or just curious about the origins of their ‘local’, attendees learned how to discover the history of pubs.
We explored how these much-loved community buildings evolved over time, and how to read the history in their walls. We also used free and easy to access resources to discover their history.
However, since much of the rich community history of pubs remains unrecorded, the workshops also looked at how we can all do our bit by recording and sharing memories.
The Ship, Grade II Listed Art Deco public house in Skegness photographed c.1935White Hart Hotel, BostonWe held four “How to find your pub’s history” workshops at venues along the coast in April.
Whether they were interested in local heritage, or just curious about the origins of their ‘local’, attendees learned how to discover the history of pubs.
We explored how these much-loved community buildings evolved over time, and how to read the history in their walls. We also used free and easy to access resources to discover their history.
However, since much of the rich community history of pubs remains unrecorded, the workshops also looked at how we can all do our bit by recording and sharing memories.
The Ship, Grade II Listed Art Deco public house in Skegness photographed c.1935Engagement has concluded
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Inns on the Edge Exhibition
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We held a special exhibition in the stunning gallery space at the North Sea Observatory celebrating the historic pubs of the Lincolnshire coast from 16th-29th May 2022.The Lincolnshire coast is a land of shifting sands and changing fortunes. We explored how these inns, taverns and beerhouses were shaped by our coastal communities.
We told the stories of smugglers, shipwrecks, ghosts and local legends. We also shared memories from more recent history and the games, drinks and communities that have made Lincolnshire's pubs special.
You can be part of the story visiting and sharing your memories with our team. Like pubs across the country, many of these much-loved buildings now face an uncertain future. Find out what you can do to support them and help preserve their history.
Exhibition on Tour
The exhibition is now available to loan to community venues and heritage sites free of charge.
If you're interested get in touch innsontheedge@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Confirmed venues so far include:
- Lincoln - David Chiddick Building, Brayford Pool, University of Lincoln - 20th-24th June 2022
- Skegness - Tower Gardens Pavilion - 6th & 7th August 2022
Pavilion, Skegness
We held a special exhibition in the stunning gallery space at the North Sea Observatory celebrating the historic pubs of the Lincolnshire coast from 16th-29th May 2022.The Lincolnshire coast is a land of shifting sands and changing fortunes. We explored how these inns, taverns and beerhouses were shaped by our coastal communities.
We told the stories of smugglers, shipwrecks, ghosts and local legends. We also shared memories from more recent history and the games, drinks and communities that have made Lincolnshire's pubs special.
You can be part of the story visiting and sharing your memories with our team. Like pubs across the country, many of these much-loved buildings now face an uncertain future. Find out what you can do to support them and help preserve their history.
Exhibition on Tour
The exhibition is now available to loan to community venues and heritage sites free of charge.
If you're interested get in touch innsontheedge@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Confirmed venues so far include:
- Lincoln - David Chiddick Building, Brayford Pool, University of Lincoln - 20th-24th June 2022
- Skegness - Tower Gardens Pavilion - 6th & 7th August 2022
Pavilion, SkegnessEngagement has concluded
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Seven lost Grimsby pubs
Share Seven lost Grimsby pubs on Facebook Share Seven lost Grimsby pubs on Twitter Share Seven lost Grimsby pubs on Linkedin Email Seven lost Grimsby pubs linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.Over 70 pubs were demolished in Grimsby over the years, a remarkable number for any city, let alone town. Many of these demolitions took place when large areas of housing slums were cleared along with the re-development of parts of the town centre during the second half of the 20th Century.
Read all about the pubs below.
Over 70 pubs were demolished in Grimsby over the years, a remarkable number for any city, let alone town. Many of these demolitions took place when large areas of housing slums were cleared along with the re-development of parts of the town centre during the second half of the 20th Century.
Read all about the pubs below.
Engagement has concluded
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The Oil Miller's Arms
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The Oil Miller's Arms stood on the corner of East Marsh Street and Holles Street and is now the site of Machine Mart. Licensed in 1866, the pub took its name from the nearby oil mill at the end of East Mash Street.Originally a beerhouse, there was a petition against its licence in 1866 by the Teetotal Society due to the number of beerhouses in the area, up from 19 in 1864 to an incredible 33 by 1865!
The pub was built of red brick and resembled many of the terrace houses it served (especially the upper floor withContinue reading
The Oil Miller's Arms stood on the corner of East Marsh Street and Holles Street and is now the site of Machine Mart. Licensed in 1866, the pub took its name from the nearby oil mill at the end of East Mash Street.Originally a beerhouse, there was a petition against its licence in 1866 by the Teetotal Society due to the number of beerhouses in the area, up from 19 in 1864 to an incredible 33 by 1865!
The pub was built of red brick and resembled many of the terrace houses it served (especially the upper floor with its plan sash windows and roofline the same as many houses along this street) however, the ground floor was distinguished by its mullioned bar windows and corner entrance marked by pilasters and signage above.
In 1879, George Beavers (aged 15) stole £17 from the till of the landlord, his Uncle George Kerman. Police later found much of the stolen money hidden in a rabbit hutch and coal house at his sister's house. The crime earned Beavers 6 months hard labour – it was, after all, his 4th theft from the pub!
Like so many pubs during this era, several inquests on the deaths of young children were held at the Oil Millers Arms; this included the landlord's son Raymond Schofield (aged 8), who tragically died when his nightgown caught light after going behind the fire guard.
The pub continued to operate until the 1980s, when it was put up for sale and the site demolished soon afterwards.
Engagement has concluded
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Chapman's Hotel
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This substantial hotel stood in a prominent position in the Central Market opposite the Liberal club and next to the Fountain Inn. The hotel was one of the first visitors would have noticed after crossing the Corporation Bridge and heading to the square.In 1952 the Earl of Annesley began his parliamentary campaign from the hotel window addressing his supporters below (this may explain why the hotel appears to have been briefly named the Annesley Arms) and supported by the hotel's owner John Chapman, chairman of the Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway. Chapman also became a member of parliament in 1861Continue reading
This substantial hotel stood in a prominent position in the Central Market opposite the Liberal club and next to the Fountain Inn. The hotel was one of the first visitors would have noticed after crossing the Corporation Bridge and heading to the square.In 1952 the Earl of Annesley began his parliamentary campaign from the hotel window addressing his supporters below (this may explain why the hotel appears to have been briefly named the Annesley Arms) and supported by the hotel's owner John Chapman, chairman of the Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway. Chapman also became a member of parliament in 1861 for Grimsby.
With an L-shaped plan, the hotel was three-storeys high with entrances along the ground floor, including a corner entrance to access the bar and above a statue of a 'Buccaneer' (also the hotel's local nickname) in front of a blind window. The market was demolished in the late 1950s, along with it, the hotel.
Engagement has concluded
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Duke of York
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At the lower end of Burgess Street, among terrace housing, was the Duke of York. Established at the beginning of the 19th Century (in 1826, the licence was with a Mr Samuel Plumtree), the Duke of York remained in operation until the late 1950s, when much of the street was cleared. The pub stood behind the Bluebell Inn on Victoria Street close to Alexandra Dock in an area notorious for drunkenness and bad behaviour.A 1930s photograph of the pub shows the front of the building mainly rendered with a central entrance leading to a bar or function room onContinue reading
At the lower end of Burgess Street, among terrace housing, was the Duke of York. Established at the beginning of the 19th Century (in 1826, the licence was with a Mr Samuel Plumtree), the Duke of York remained in operation until the late 1950s, when much of the street was cleared. The pub stood behind the Bluebell Inn on Victoria Street close to Alexandra Dock in an area notorious for drunkenness and bad behaviour.A 1930s photograph of the pub shows the front of the building mainly rendered with a central entrance leading to a bar or function room on the right and a part timbered shop front leading to the main bar on the left. Displayed across the parapet at the top was the name of the pub in large letters and below this a bind window advertising the local brewer.
In 1831 the Duke of York was the scene of the murder of Edward Button by William Hall, who stabbed his victim to death. A complete account of the murder was written up in the press, and Hall was sentenced to death and hung at Lincoln castle.Engagement has concluded
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The Queen's Head
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Not too far away from the Duke of York was the Queen's Head at No.63 Victoria Street (not to be confused with the Queen's Head at the top of Victoria Street). The Queen's Head dated from at least the 18th Century and was conveniently located close to the River Head and South Dock Street, ideal for those with trade connections to and from the docks.
A 19th Century postcard shows a Georgian coaching Inn with large bay windows and a central doorway with a gabled cross-wing to the left. Above the door are a lantern and the pub'sContinue reading
Not too far away from the Duke of York was the Queen's Head at No.63 Victoria Street (not to be confused with the Queen's Head at the top of Victoria Street). The Queen's Head dated from at least the 18th Century and was conveniently located close to the River Head and South Dock Street, ideal for those with trade connections to and from the docks.
A 19th Century postcard shows a Georgian coaching Inn with large bay windows and a central doorway with a gabled cross-wing to the left. Above the door are a lantern and the pub's name in capital letters.
A map of the Inn shows a substantial yard to the rear, which would have been accessed from the side passage at the end of the building. In the late 1950s, the Duke of York was demolished and replaced with Woolworths. Poundland currently occupies the site.Engagement has concluded
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The Black Swan
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Established in the 17th Century, the Black Swan was a corner pub on Victoria Street and Flottergate and one of the oldest in Grimsby.At some point, the pub was re-fronted with quoins and a parapet with updated windows on each floor. A shop front was added with fluted pilasters, cornice and a wainscoted base.
In 1925, The Black Swan was demolished and rebuilt in a vernacular style like many pubs during the interwar period. A double gabled front marked the corner point of the new inn, and an extra storey was added across the build.The windows wereContinue reading
Established in the 17th Century, the Black Swan was a corner pub on Victoria Street and Flottergate and one of the oldest in Grimsby.At some point, the pub was re-fronted with quoins and a parapet with updated windows on each floor. A shop front was added with fluted pilasters, cornice and a wainscoted base.
In 1925, The Black Swan was demolished and rebuilt in a vernacular style like many pubs during the interwar period. A double gabled front marked the corner point of the new inn, and an extra storey was added across the build.The windows were different on each floor, a mixture of traditional ideas of the English Inn with the use of narrow stone mullion windows along the ground floor.
In contrast, the gable's window heads were crowned with classically inspired (demi-lune) pediments. Known locally as the 'mucky duck', the pub was demolished to make way for the Riverhead Shopping Precinct in the early 1970s.
Engagement has concluded
Route map

Why are we doing this?

The project is being funded by Historic England and the aim is to help communities explore and celebrate the heritage of their 'local' by creating new trails, resources, and an exhibition. Making more people, both locals and visitors, aware of what the pubs on the Lincolnshire coast have to offer and their heritage.
All of the pubs recorded as part of the project will be added to the Lincolnshire Historic Environment Record (HER). The Historic Environment Record is the record of Lincolnshire's archaeology and historic buildings used by local authorities, developers and researchers to help manage the county's heritage.
Why do historic pubs matter?
Lincolnshire's pubs continue to be an important part of the county's economy, employing local people, providing accommodation for visitors and showcasing the wealth of food and drink produced here.
As across the country, pubs on the coast today face many challenges but remain much valued by communities. In rural areas in particular they help tackle social isolation, with some branching out to provide a range of extra services.
Pubs play a unique role in the area's culture and history which the project hopes to record for future generations. From their names and hanging signs, to social history and historic buildings, pubs are an important part of Lincolnshire's heritage.
Important dates
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July 2021
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November 2022
Further reading
Get in touch
Email: innsontheedge@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Phone: 01522 552222
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