Museum of Lincolnshire Life – Lincoln, England - Atlas Obscura

Museum of Lincolnshire Life

The charming collection illustrates life in Lincolnshire in the 18th through 20th centuries. 

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This eclectic collection is housed in an old military barrack (constructed in 1857 for the North Lincoln Militia). It features a mix of domestic, agricultural, and industrial displays, as well as military displays that explore the history of local regiments by examining the life of an ordinary soldier.

The visit follows a set tour, which goes anti-clockwise around the quadrangle. You’ll start with a number of displays showcasing typical room scenes from lower-middle class housing in the 19th century. Then, you’ll walk by a couple of displays relating to saddlery and horsemanship before arriving at the first military section, which includes a fantastic re-creation of a World War I trench complete with brilliant sound effects.

Progressing through the section on transport leads you to what many see as the star of the show: a display of the products created by the many agricultural machinery manufacturers once based in the country. Surprisingly, this section includes a World War I-era tank and a fighter aircraft engine, illustrating the agricultural companies’ abilities to change to wartime production when required.

If you start your tour in the reception area take a look up at the ceiling where you will see the vaulted brick arches supported on iron pillars and cross beams for the purposes of keeping the building fireproof. 

Know Before You Go

Admission is free, though donations are welcome. There's a limited amount of free parking at the front of the building. You can also use the park and ride system based to the north of the city.

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January 16, 2020

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