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'.An image of the Inns on the Edge Logo

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'.An image of the Inns on the Edge Logo

Share your stories about the pubs on Marc's route.

We are keen to hear your stories and see your photographs of historic pubs buildings and to hear about their role as social hubs for communities.  So, we can see how it has changed over the years both inside and out.   

On this stories page we plan to have a series of themes.  These are to jog memories and help people to recall their stories related to that topic.  

Our first theme, following on from Marc's post from the Ship Tavern, Boston, is on pub sports, games and pastimes.  Any stories and photos (particularly old ones of course) that focus on pubs and sports (links with sport or sports teams originating from pubs) and the games and activities people took part in pubs themselves would be very welcome.     

Whatever the theme, we still want to hear about any topics and aspects of pubs and their communities that you have to share.

Please be aware that if you post photos that include people you should seek their permission (where possible) before uploading them.      

Thank you for sharing your story with us.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

  • Great Northern Hotel, Surfleet

    by Sarah Fletcher , about 2 years ago

    My memories of this Bateman Brewery owned hotel are from over 50 years ago as I lived there as a small child.


    Now called the Riverside the hotel when my parents ran it was a lively place to be, not just for the villagers of Surfleet but many travellers from all over.


    My mum Mary looked after the accommodation and catering side of things, while dad Colin was in charge of the bars and entertainment. We had a large upstairs entertainment room and I remember several musical evenings happening.

    Our hotel was regularly full of fishermen who came to fish... Continue reading

  • The Old School

    by Chris Farmery, about 2 years ago
    Charnwood Tavern, Church End, Winthorpe PE25 1EJ

    Give Caroline manager a ring 0783 3575454

    Interesting pub with camping

    old Photos and old school desks

  • Chunky Smith

    by Barry Thompson, over 2 years ago
    The story existed in The Royal Oak, Wainfleet.


    An armed chair by the door in the main bar was always kept empty as it was “reserved for Chunky Smith”. He had “gone to the Taj Mahal”.

    No one knew when or how, or when he would return but for years no one ever sat in that chair!

  • Peacock & Royal, Boston

    by DavidM, over 2 years ago

    The attached photo was randomly on the wall of a pub in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, until a couple of years ago. I understand the Peacock & Royal was demolished in the mid 1960s. Judging by the style of clothing I estimate this was just post war or perhaps in the 1950s. The medals suggest perhaps Armistice Day. Does anyone have any further details ?