Lincolnshire Churches Conference 2026.

This full-day Conference organised by the SLHA Local History Team, will take place on Saturday 18 April in Heckington, near Sleaford.

Talks will start at 10.00am and will include:

• Welcome: Mark Acton, Chair of the Local History Team.
• Tudor Paperwork: the Louth Churchwarden’s Accounts, 1527-1570. By Brian Hodgkinson These documents open a panorama on the financial undertakings of a large and relatively prosperous parish church. Together with the parish registers they illustrate the fiscal and social interactions between a local parish church and its parishioners.
• Exploring Heraldry in Lincolnshire’s Churches. By Ian Newton An illustrated introduction to the heraldry of Lincolnshire’s churches, revealing the families and stories behind the shields.
• New Work on Old Monuments at St Wulfram’s Church in Grantham. By John Manterfield This talk will describe recent conservation work on ten Georgian monuments, outlining those commemorated, the sculptors involved and potential sources of funding for conservation work.
• The Art of the Chapel. By Revd Angy Long This presentation will explore the spiritual meaning in Chapel Architecture, stained glass and how art reflects the ‘Church being People’.
• Exploring Lincolnshire Churches. By John Vigar This lecture is based on the research for his new book Churches of Lincolnshire and looks at a selection of churches countywide, many of which do not usually attract attention.

There will also be a guided visit around St Andrew’s Church, Heckington which is considered one of the most magnificent churches in the country. The present building dates from around 1307 and is substantially Decorated in style. The exterior has wonderful friezes, cornices and statue niches and interior features include a rare Easter sepulchre and beautiful sedilia.

Everyone is very welcome but pre-booking is essential. Bookings will close on the 1st April 2026.

Admission is £34.00 and £26.00 for SLHA members and includes, tea, coffee and a buffet lunch. To book, please use the Eventbrite link below.