Bishops Palace

Standing tucked away under the giant shadow of Lincoln Cathedral and managed by English Heritage, the Palace features a wonderful stone tower, undercroft and a recreated Medieval Garden with lots to explore – it is the hidden ‘gem’ in Lincoln’s crown!  The site has stunning views across the lower City and boasts the northernmost Vineyard in England. The Retinue were based here in our earlier days and appeared several times. Now, much, much bigger with four times the staff we would be very pleased to return.

English Heritage Web site     http://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Lincoln Castle
The great Norman Castle dominates Lincoln's skyline alongside the Cathedral. Managed for the nation by Lincolnshire County Council the Castle was commanded by Sir Thomas Burgh as Constable and Steward of the Honor of Bolingbroke - The Duchy of Lancaster in Lincolnshire, from 1461 - 1485. The Retinue have appeared here before in support of the Jousting and with the umbrella organisations Livery & Maintenance and The Wars of The Roses Federation.

Tattershall Castle
The Castle which saw the start of our nations awakening to the tragic loss of our wonderful Medieval Heritage. Managed and expertly kept by the National Trust, the Castle we see now was rebuilt by Lord Ralph Cromwell, Treasurer to King Henry Vl. It was Cromwell and others who stood up to the political evils and criminal activities of the Lancastrian 'Court' party, headed by the Duke of Suffolk. The 'cradle' of the Wars of the Roses can well be said to be Lincolnshire and in no small way was Tattershall Castle involved in the preliminary, opening moves, both in the 1450's and in 1470 during the Losecote Field campaign. The Retinue have appeared here on several occasions and it is one of our definite favourite sites in the UK.

Hussey Tower
The Hussey Tower in the town of Boston is managed by Heritage Lincolnshire. Sir William Hussey was a well known Lincolnshire Government officer and lawman who was a contemporary of Sir Thomas Burgh, serving with him on dozens of commissions in the County. The rare, early brick tower was art of a large manor house complex owned by the Hussey family. We have appeared at this small but important site for Heritage Lincolnshire and it lends itself to small scale displays in the newly landscaped grounds.

Bolingbroke Castle
Now nothing more than humps and bumps in the ground, cared for by English Heritage with permission from The Duchy of Lancaster and managed by our friends at Heritage Lincolnshire. The Castle was the headquarters of the Honor of Bolingbroke, the administrative nerve centre of The Duchy of Lancaster lands, manors and rents in the County. Sir Thomas Burgh was Constable, Steward and Receiver for the Honor along with many of his most trusted cronies and friends during the 1460's through to the 1480's. The Retinue would be most interested in staging a Living History event at this, for all intents and purposes, "greenfield site".

Heritage Lincolnshire Web site      www.lincsheritage.org    

 English Heritage Web site    www.english-heritage.org.uk

Newark Castle
Not strictly speaking in the County, but just over the border in Nottinghamshire. Newark was a major junction for travelers in Medieval England. We know that Sir Thomas Burgh had associations with the town because of recorded presence of his family heraldry. The site was of great strategic value to both sides and the Castle would have most certainly been garrisoned by the dominant faction, be it York or Lancaster. The Retinue have appeared here and the site is small but excellent for camp site events, we hope to be back again very soon.’

Newark & Sherwood District Council Web site     www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Saint Mary's Guildhall, Lincoln
Saved for the nation by Lincoln Civic Trust and now jointly run with Lincoln City Council. St Mary's Guildhall is a fine example of the Medieval town and cities civic trade and religious guild headquarters. Although ignored by most local people in Lincoln the Guildhall is situated in the lower High Street and only open at set times, parking being a major problem. The building and courtyard are quite extensive and provide a perfect backdrop for our style of Social based Living History. The Retinue have appeared here a number of times as part of the National Heritage Open Days. The Guildhall is well worth a visit.

Lincoln City Council Web site     www.lincoln-info.org.uk

Browns Hospital Stamford

If the Bishops Palace is Lincolns hidden gem then surely this is very true of Browns Hospital in Stamford?  Built in 1475 by the wealthy wool merchant William Browne, the hospital features a beautiful Chantry Chapel, Hall and Cloisters – all perfect for the Retinue to bring to life.  The Hospital is really a Bedeshouse for ten poor men and two poor women, a function it still fulfils.

Website       www.stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk

St. Marys Guildhall Boston

Recently restored by Boston Borough Council and now fully reopened to the Public.

Originally, like Lincoln’s, this was the main hub of operations for the busy and thriving port of the Wool Staple of Boston. The beautiful medieval architecture is enhanced by excellent interactive displays making this a must for all ages, especially if we are there!  The retinue are hoping to be back soon.

 Website     www.boston.gov.uk

Thornton Abbey 

Managed by English Heritage and located in the north of the County, it was Thornton’s Abbot who lent Sir Thomas Burgh money for his daughter Elizabeth’s marriage to Lord Fitzhugh’s eldest son, and he was a bits slow paying it all back!

An Augustinian house heavily involved, as the Burgh’s were, in the Wool trade. The magnificent ruins feature the almost intact massive brick built gatehouse, which houses an excellent display about the Abbey in its heyday. The grounds are extensive and the gatehouse would make a perfect backdrop to a Living History event.

 Website            www.english-heritage.org.uk/thorntonabbey

Apart from these obvious heritage sites there are many others such as Bishop William Waynfletes school at Wainfleet, now a library (Lincs C.C.), Thornton Abbey the Abbot of which was owned money by Sir Thomas for one of his daughters weddings (English Heritage open site), plus many more small religious sites like Barlings, Mattersey and Tupholme all cared for by Heritage Lincolnshire and English Heritage, many with associations for Sir Thomas Burgh.