Future secured for Horncastle’s Sir Joseph Banks Centre through grants of almost £150,000

A Horncastle museum dedicated to local heritage, natural history and the life and work of Sir Joseph Banks has been secured for future generations thanks to support from East Lindsey District Council.

The Sir Joseph Banks Society has been able to purchase its home building, on Bridge Street, through a £100,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), distributed by East Lindsey District Council, and a major contribution of £47,500 from the council’s own East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF). The Society also raised more than £60,000 towards the purchase.

The building, which was for sale, has a fascinating history and learning centre focused on both local heritage and the life and accomplishments of the scientist, explorer and botanist who grew up in nearby Revesby.

Attracting visitors from across the globe, the unique centre, managed by volunteers, is home to important natural science artefacts, including botanic and insect collections, and boasts a courtyard ‘tribute’ garden featuring some of the plants Sir Joseph Banks helped to discover.

However, without fundraising and the significant investment from East Lindsey District Council the future of the centre was at risk.

On Thursday, Councillors Craig Leyland, William Gray, Adam Grist, Richard Avison and Fiona Martin joined council officers, volunteers and trustees to unveil two plaques to celebrate the Society’s successful purchase of the centre.

The celebration also included presentations from Heritage Lincolnshire, East Mercia Rivers Trust and the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, who are all delivering projects in Horncastle funded by both ELIF and UKSPF.

In the last two years, East Lindsey has invested over £1million in grant funding in Horncastle and the surrounding area, with other projects including significant improvements to St Mary’s Church, the new Prospect Street Play Park, a new wetland nature reserve and a scheme of Town Centre improvements.

Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader of East District Council and Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing, said: “We are incredibly proud to have played a part in safeguarding such an important building for the community.

“Sir Joseph Banks’ legacy has shaped both Lincolnshire and the wider world - and we take great pride in that heritage. It’s why we felt so strongly about helping the Society in its efforts to keep the centre open and thriving.

“Through ELIF, we set out with four target areas, one of which was to promote the visitor economy. That goal, combined with the UKSPF theme of restoring a sense of community, local pride and belonging, meant that this cause was absolutely something we knew we should support.

“We wish the Society good luck with their next steps and would encourage anyone who is curious about the area and Sir Joseph’s work to visit the centre at their earliest opportunity.

“It was also fascinating to hear more about the work of Heritage Lincolnshire, East Mercia Rivers Trust and Lincolnshire Community Foundation. Horncastle is thriving thanks to the combined efforts of these organisations and the projects supported through both funds.

“We look forward to the continued delivery of these initiatives and to seeing the benefits they bring in the months ahead.”