Spalding Gentlemen’s Society

@17sgs10

A wondrous place... Founded in 1710, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is Britain’s oldest provincial learned society and second-oldest surviving museum, library and archive.

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Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· 10d

Did you know you can sign up to the Spalding Gentlemen's Society newsletter to hear our latest news, volunteering opportunities, and discover upcoming events? Simply visit our website and sign up to the newsletter from the footer of our homepage: www.sgsoc.org

An image showing the Society's Museum on Broad Street in Spalding. The carved panels on the exterior represent the work of Jules Tuerlinckx of Mailines, a Belgian refugee, resident in Spalding during the First World War. The carvings are from designs made by E.M.M. Smith (1843-1920), the Society’s Honorary Operator (Curator). These panels consist of the arms of the founder over the library window, and above the entrance door a very elaborate carving based on the Society’s book plate. On either side of this are two small panels bearing the monogram ‘S.G.S.’. The three remaining panels bear the words Art, Literature and Science, indicative of the objects for which the Society was founded. The head carved in the roundel over the front door is that of Edward Gentle (1832-1910), a member who contributed largely towards the cost of the building. The 18th century sundial on the wall of the caretaker’s residence next door was formerly on the street wall of the Crane Inn in Double Street, Spalding. It was moved from there and erected on its present site in 1913. The weathervane erected on the roof of the museum in 1996 is from the former Ship warehouse in Double Street. It can be seen in the engraving of Spalding High Bridge published by Hilkiah Burgess in 1823.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· 14d

Mystery object alert! Sometimes we don't always have complete records of items in our collections. We may not know much about this object, but everyone who's seen it adores its unusual graffiti. The object itself is probably a straight edge for drawing or checking lines. What do you think?

A long flat wooden object engraved with the words 'Vouloir c'est Pouvoir'.

A long flat wooden object engraved with graffiti of three little characters with colourful pointed hats. One looks like it is fishing, the other two are perhaps dancing or running.

A long flat wooden object with a graffiti engraving of a creature being pulled along in a red cart by what looks like four white rabbits. Above them there is an engraving of a smiling face.

A long rectangular wooden object with a circular hole at one end. It could be a straight edge for drawing or checking lines.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jul 16

The Fenland Heritage Network is an alliance of local organisations that work together to celebrate and promote local and regional heritage. It's free to join and open to visitor attractions, museums, libraries, and local history and archaeology societies. See www.fenlandheritagenetwork.co.uk

An archive image from the Fenland Heritage Network website.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jul 14

Meet Peggy and Polly! Peg dolls originated in Europe during the late 18th to early 19th centuries, evolving from wooden pegs or scrap wood into beloved children's toys. Hand-carved or lathe-turned, they were sold unclothed so they could be dressed using leftover fabric scraps #CollectionSpotlight

Peg dolls originated in Europe during the late 18th to early 19th centuries, evolving from wooden pegs or scrap wood into beloved children's toys.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jul 10

Want to know more about the origins of Spalding Gentlemen's Society? We were founded by Maurice Johnson (1688-1755), ‘The Antiquary’, of Ayscoughfee Hall. Discover more about this remarkable man and his story on our website: www.sgsoc.org/our-story

Image: Portrait of Maurice Johnson II, from the SGS Collection

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jul 6

While we’ve been repairing our museum building, which was built in 1911, our project builders have uncovered some interesting finds. The broken bottle has ‘J Barnes, Confectioner, Spalding’ on it. James Barnes was a baker and confectioner, based a couple of doors up from about the 1850s to 1870s.

The stoneware bottles, glassware and ink jar are unmarked. The broken bottle has ‘J. Barnes, Confectioner, Spalding’ impressed on it. James Barnes was a baker and confectioner, based a couple of doors up on the corner of Broad Street and New Road. He operated there from around the 1850s to the 1870s.

This photo shows a bottle of James Hole’s India Pale Ale (which could be contemporary to the building of the museum) and some cigarette boxes. The Senior Service slogan ‘The Perfection of Cigarette Luxury’ was used from around the 1930s to 1960s.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jun 26

Did you know that we're currently working on the first large-scale redisplay of our collections in more than a century? Like our founders, we have the opportunity to reimagine what a museum can be and do: and we’re excited to bring that reimagining into reality. #MuseumReimagined

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jun 22

A massive thank you to everyone who braved the heat and supported our summer quiz! We want to say congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who supported by attending and volunteering. We are delighted to say that the event raised a fantastic £580 for the Society.

An image showing a room filled with attendees taking part in the quiz.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jun 18

At the weekend, our History Hunters had a fantastic time completing activities that worked towards achieving their 'Castles' badge. Alongside challenges and games, they spent time painting their mask creations - choosing bright colours to reflect the high status of the castle owner. #HistoryHunters

A collection of the decoratively painted masks created by the History Hunters.

A challenge with cards saying choices such as 'Medicines', 'Raw Materials' and 'Water'.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jun 15

In the spirit of our founders, who came together to share knowledge and discoveries, we love uncovering new finds! When we analysed an archive document using a light box recently, we came across a previously undetected image. The outline of a unicorn (a maker's mark) was revealed.

The archive document before it was analysed with a light box.

The outline of the unicorn showing on the document.

The outline of the unicorn showing on the document, traced in red to highlight the features.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jun 12

If you're not yet a member, you can still stay connected by signing up to Spalding Gentlemen's Society's monthly public newsletter. Simply visit www.sgsoc.org and scroll to the bottom of the homepage to find the newsletter sign-up button. We'd love to keep in touch!

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jun 7

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is not just a collection of objects in a building – it is also a community of people. We have survived for over 300 years, and continue to grow, thanks to the support, dedication and hard work of our volunteers and members. www.sgsoc.org/volunteering #VolunteersWeek

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Jun 2

At Spalding Gentlemen's Society, we've been recording our collection of photographs and transferring them to conservation-grade folders and albums to protect them for the future. See how you can support with volunteering at www.sgsoc.org/conservation #BehindTheScenes #VolunteerWithUs

We've been recording our photographs and transferring them to conservation-grade folders and albums to protect them for the future.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· May 30

Our exhibitions on ‘Science’ and ‘Navigation’ are currently on display at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum. Discover more about those early Society members whose experiments and discoveries in medicine, botany, optics and engineering helped shape our understanding of science and nature today.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· May 28

Join a Victoria County History Spalding workshop on Medieval and Early Modern History, held on 30th May. This workshop is open to all as a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the early history of the region and to work with documents from the time. www.sgsoc.org/events/vch-w...

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· May 22

Today, we’re sharing another item from our collections. These photographs show a decoratively painted silk jacket in a high-waisted spencer style. The clothing is likely to date from the late Victorian or early Edwardian periods. #TextileConservation #HistoricFashion #BehindTheScenes

A decoratively painted silk jacket in a high-waisted spencer style.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· May 15

Eleanor, Louisa and Mary from the SGS team headed to the @museumsandheritage.com show yesterday to hear from a range of experts and see exhibits of the latest products and technologies shaping the sector. They even met some dinosaurs along the way... #MuseumSector #BehindTheScenes

Eleanor, Mary and Louisa at the 2026 Museums + Heritage Show

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· May 14

We regularly do object-handling training with new volunteers in the Society. One of the most questioned and important aspects is the use of gloves. Read more in our latest blog: www.sgsoc.org/to-glove-or-... #MuseumConservation #ObjectHandling #CollectionsCare #BehindTheScenes #HeritageVolunteers

An example of gloves being used in museum conservation.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· May 11

Founded in 1710, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is Britain’s oldest surviving provincial learned society. So, how can you support the Society? You might decide to become a Member, to volunteer with us, to spread the word about what we do, or to donate online. See www.sgsoc.org #SupportHeritage

An image showing conservation tools laid out ready to use.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· May 6

During this weekend's History Hunters, we tried recipes from the past. The children had a go at baking medieval Fine Cake, taste-testing Strawberries in Snow with rose water, and Pynade (pine nut brittle). #HistoryHunters

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· May 5

Bring history to life! Explore the world of the Ancient Greeks with our May Half Term workshop in Spalding. For more information and to book, visit: www.sgsoc.org/events/glorious-greeks

Poster for The Glorious Greeks event in Spalding on Tuesday 26th May, between 10am-2pm.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Apr 22

We're inviting tenders for specialist consultants for our New Beginnings project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, focused on Activity Planning; Business Planning; Branding, Communications & Website; Evaluation; Fundraising; Interpretation & Exhibition www.sgsoc.org/getting-invo...

An image showing some of Spalding Gentlemen's Society collections.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Apr 17

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society (SGS) is inviting tenders for specialist consultants to support our New Beginnings project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Full tender details: www.sgsoc.org/getting-invo... #tenderopportunity #spaldinggentlemenssociety #heritage #lincolnshire

Spalding Gentlemen's Society museum on Broad Street

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Apr 15

Have you been to see our exhibitions at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum yet? On this, #WorldArtDay, we thought we'd share some of the artwork you can see. This oil painting was created by George W Bailey, a prolific artist and President of SGS in 1955. It shows Pannell's Boat Yard, in Marsh Road, Spalding.

This oil painting was created by George W Bailey, a prolific artist and President of SGS in 1955. It shows Pannell's Boat Yard, in Marsh Road, Spalding.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Apr 13

Our History Hunters had a brilliant time yesterday during their group trip out to Castle Rising. They delved deep into the past, uncovered intriguing facts, and discovered all about castles! #HistoryHunters #SpaldingGentlemensSociety #Castles

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Apr 9

Have you been to see our new exhibitions on 'Science' and 'Navigation' yet at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum? www.sgsoc.org/exhibitions-... This picture shows a brass reflecting telescope, c.1755, which was purchased by SGS in 1761 for members to conduct experiments at meetings.

This picture shows a brass reflecting telescope, c.1755, which was purchased by SGS in 1761 for members to conduct experiments at meetings. It was made by Benjamin Martin of London, one of the leading scientific instrument makers of the 18th century.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Apr 6

If you're looking ahead to May half-term and deciding what activities your family will enjoy, why not take a look at our children's workshop on the Ancient Greeks? It will be held on Tuesday 26th May at Spalding Baptist Church. Attendees must book in advance: www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticket...

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Apr 4

This picture shows our conservation volunteers carrying out rust removal on a chain measure. A chain is an imperial unit of measure that is 22 yards (or 66 feet). See this and more of our artefacts on display at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum, where we have exhibitions on 'Science' and 'Navigation'.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Mar 27

Our new exhibitions on 'Science' and 'Navigation' open today at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum & Gardens - we hope you'll take a visit to see our collections on display! www.sgsoc.org/exhibitions-... #Science #Navigation #SpaldingGentlemensSociety

Displays on navigation at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum

Examples of the collection on display, including this book on anatomy from 1693

Specimens of two tiny fish and a 'stinging insect'

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society@17sgs10· Mar 26

We want to say a big thank you to everyone who attended our latest series of lectures - we hope you enjoyed the season of talks. We'd like to thank everyone who supports with the smooth-running of the events. Our next lecture season will start again in September - details to be announced soon!