Spalding Gentlemen’s Society’s bid for new museum in Broad Street

A new £2 million museum with an education and research area could be built in Spalding if a funding application gets the green light.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society (SGS) has applied to the Museum and Estate Development Fund (MEND) to help realise the dream of a new facility in the former business centre in Broad Street.

The society, founded by Maurice Johnson II in 1710, also needs to take action to save its long-standing museum – which is suffering significant damage due to the sinking of an extension added in the 1960s.

If the grant applications are successful, the society aims to remain within its Broad Street site until next year before closing and re-opening in 2026.

The society has an enormous treasure trove of artefacts and an extensive library – including a book given by Isaac Newton – and it’s hoped that a new museum could help the town attract more tourists.

Chairman Petronella Keeling said: “In the longer term this additional site gives SGS a fantastic opportunity to create a fully open public-facing museum with an educational and research centre, a facility to fulfil the aims of – and be a new home to - the society, alongside the 1911 building so loved by all.”

While renovations are taking place, the society has been offered a temporary home in Spalding’s Ayscoughfee Hall – the family home of its founder – by South Holland District Council.