'Boston has such a rich history' - Three historic buildings in town awarded blue plaques
Three historic buildings in Boston have been awarded blue plaques in celebration of their contribution to the town’s heritage.
Swan House, Church Keys House, and the Salvation Army building have received the honour from the Civic Group of Boston Preservation Trust.
The trust was established, in its words, ‘to protect the precious heritage of the borough of Boston’.
Swan House, in Trinity Street, was once one of five factories in Boston processing goose feathers into bedding, pillows and quills. Of those five, it is the only one left. The building opened in 1877, having replaced one destroyed by fire. It was converted into flats in the late 20th century.
Church Keys House, in Church Street, next to the Stump, has a history dating back to the late 16th century. Over the centuries, it has had numerous uses, including being home to the keys to St Botolph’s Church, and, later, operating as the studio and workshop of the pioneering photographer George Hackford. Today, it is a public house.
The Salvation Army building, in High Street, was originally a steam driven mill. Built in 1845, it was gutted by fire in the mid-1880s and then acquired by the Salvation Army. It was re-opened in 1889 by Evangeline Booth, the daughter of the founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth. William’s wife, Catherine, grew up in Boston and is remembered in a plaque in Red Lion Street.
On Monday (September 14), a celebration was held at Fydell House to mark the blue plaques being awarded to the sites. The event was attended by Mayor of Boston Coun Jonathan Noble and representatives from the three buildings.
The guests then took a walking tour, during which all the new plaques were formally unveiled by Coun Noble, assisted by members of the Civic Group.
Chairman Dudley Bryant said: “Boston has such a rich heritage which deserves to be celebrated. Our history is diverse; many famous people can claim to be Bostonians and the town is full of iconic buildings.
“By unveiling three more blue plaques we are highlighting the importance of Boston’s history and heritage. But we are also paying tribute to the owners of these buildings, who have worked very hard to ensure their properties remain in fine condition.
“Their diligence will mean that future Bostonians will be able to enjoy our town’s heritage as much as we do now.”
This is merely the latest act the The Civic Group of Boston Preservation Trust has carried out this year in support of the town’s heritage.
In July, it held its latest, annual Boston Heritage Awards.
First prize went to the We’ll Meet Again museum at Freiston Shore, run by Paul and Linda Britchford.
The RSPB Frampton Marsh Nature Reserve, meanwhile, scooped the Civic Group Chairman’s Special Award.
More information about the trust’s work can be found on the website of Fydell House, where it is based, at https://fydellhouse.org.uk/whats-on/.