Where the past meets the present

Andrew Vaux takes a trip to Gainsborough, one of the largest market towns in the country, which boasts a wealth of activities for all ages.

Young or old, the market town of Gainsborough has something to appeal to all ages. Bordered by the River Trent, it has a long history of industry and was once a busy shipping port. The town’s links to the Royal family, the Mayflower Pilgrims and the English Civil War continue to draw much interest from visitors and locals alike, and it also offers a range of independent businesses and resources, with its regular markets being a focal point in the community.

The history of Gainsborough can be traced back to the 6th century. Its position on the Trent meant it was the first port of call for many invaders. As the Vikings began to settle in the UK, Gainsborough became a base for new arrivals and the Danes set up their administrative offices here. In 1002, the King of England ordered the massacre of anyone with a Danish connection, and Gainsborough was at the centre of many bloody battles.

When the King of Denmark heard of the unrest, he came to England to conquer the crown. He made Gainsborough Castle the centre of his operations – and Gainsborough was named as the capital of England.

Just five weeks later, the King was found dead, and the town’s new title was lost.

TOWN HERITAGE
Over the years, Gainsborough developed into a thriving port and became a major producer of wool. Home to warehouses, breweries and large engineering firms, the town played an integral part in the Industrial Revolution.

With the development of the railways, Gainsborough became the manufacturing base of Marshall, Sons & Co, an engineering company founded by William Marshall in 1848. Marshall’s exported boilers to locations as far away as Russia, employing a workforce of 4,000. During the two World Wars, Marshall’s also helped to produce munitions and military hardware for the British forces.

Another local manufacturer, William Rose, was responsible for the design of the first tobacco wrapping machine. His company, Rose Brothers Ltd, also played a key part in both World Wars, manufacturing aircraft parts.

THE MAYFLOWER
A “must do” on any visit to Gainsborough is a walk down to the river to see The Pilgrim Woman – the bronze statue which remains a lasting legacy bringing attention to the often-unheard stories of women who travelled to America on the Mayflower.

The Mayflower story is often dominated by the idea of the ‘Pilgrim Fathers’ when in fact men, women and children were part of the journey. It’s quite fitting that the Pilgrim Woman is situated looking over the River Trent, as research tells us that of those who escaped from Gainsborough in 1608 to Amsterdam, the majority were in fact women and children and accompanied by a couple of men. The statue is mounted on a piece of stone which has the words ‘Steering our Future Informed by Our Past’ carved on to it. This reflects how it’s important to look back at our history, how it’s relevant today and how it’ll carry us into the future.

HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE
Perhaps the best way to absorb the town’s history in a clear and informative way is to follow the 90-minute self-led Heritage Walking Trail, taking in the scenery along the way.

This circular walk introduces a rich and varied history that dates back to the 15th century.

Key landmarks along the way include:
• Gainsborough Heritage Centre (www.gainsboroughheritage.co.uk-heritagecentre). Housed in the town’s old telephone exchange and post office, dating back to 1904, it’s brimming with memorabilia from the town’s social and industrial history.
• Old Nick Theatre and Police Museum (www.theoldnick.co.uk). An amazing timewarp experience of Victorian policing and family life. Explore the cells, exercise yards, and charge room; learn about the many Lincolnshire murderers and their trials and punishments; and see displays, including an original 1950s Police Box (as used in TV series Doctor Who) and a restored set of pillory stocks. Because of the deaths recorded between 1860 and 1940 (24 deaths, plus one female suicide) the venue is popular with paranormal groups across the UK and film crews from across the world.
• Gainsborough Old Hall. One of England’s biggest, grandest and best-preserved medieval manor houses, unusually set in a town centre. Lavishly built in brick and timber framing, it’s distinctive both for its imposing size and its battlemented brick tower. Inside, the great hall is noted for its soaring roof and vast bay window. The huge medieval kitchen is among the most impressive in the country, noted for its cavernous fireplaces and fully equipped to prepare sumptuous feasts.
• Gainsborough Library. A Grade II-listed building built in 1905 to commemorate Edward VII’s accession to the throne.

SHOPPERS’ PARADISE
For visitors with a passion for shopping, Gainsborough has much to offer.

Marshall’s Yard (www.marshallsyard.co.uk) is a unique shopping destination with a relaxed atmosphere, making for a great day of retail therapy.

It features household brands you love, including Next, M&S Food Hall, and Holland & Barrett. Browns department store has a fabulous range of brands for both men and women. And Stanley Hunt Jewellers brings the most desirable brands such as Pandora, Hot Diamonds, Swarovski and Nomination Italy to the town.

You can also explore the quirky layout of the historic market place and uncover some unique finds from local butchers and greengrocers, to florists and fashion!

Gainsborough’s traditional retail markets – held every Tuesday and Saturday from 9am to 2pm – offer a range of great value food, clothing and household goods.

Regular stalls include fruit and vegetables, fresh Grimsby fish, quality fashion clothing, home-made cakes and pastries, value pet foods, haberdashery and wool, watch batteries and repairs and mobility scooters. Traders offer great value and a customer-friendly service.

Monthly Farmers’ and Craft Markets offer the best in fresh, local, homemade, and handmade produce from a variety of traders. The Market is held on the second Saturday of the month from 9am to 2pm, from February to December.

RELAX AND UNWIND
Once you’ve enjoyed an active day around town, there’s no doubt you’ll be ready to relax and unwind with some much-deserved food and drink.

Situated in North Street, Il Gusto Restaurant (www.ilgustoitalian.co.uk) serves Italian dishes prepared using time-honoured recipes passed down through generations. There’s a choice of indoor and outdoor dining, plus bar and lounge areas.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Whilst embracing its historical past, Gainsborough remains fully focused on its future.

West Lindsey District Council’s £18 million regeneration plan for the town includes:
• Supporting the development of brownfield housing sites in partnership with Homes England.
• Delivering public realm and heritage-led regeneration to secure the town’s historic character.
• Enhancing the linkages between the town centre, Marshall’s Yard, and the river front.
• Rejuvenating the town centre – stimulating leisure and restaurant uses in the heart of Gainsborough, coupled with support for new businesses to occupy vacant shops.
• Improving the town’s traditional housing stock and environment.
Councillor Trevor Young, leader of West Lindsey District Council, says: “We’re passionate about our town and this funding will help improve our green spaces, which links back to our Sustainability, Climate Change and Environment Strategy.
“I look forward to seeing the changes take place and enhancing the appeal for others to visit Gainsborough.”

FINE JEWELLERS MOVE ON UP
Established since 1908, Barnes Jewellers, which is owned and run by mother and daughter duo Jeanette and Bethany Thompson, have recently relocated to bigger premises on Market Place in the heart of Gainsborough.

With a reputation for excellent expert customer service and craftsmanship, they are always in demand for repairs to watches and fine jewellery. From battery replacements and strap renewals to servicing, cleaning and more complex repairs, there is no need to put your favourite piece or watch to the back of

Browse the windows and displays at Barnes for a wide choice of gold and silver jewellery, ideal for celebrating a special occasion, engagement or christening, as well as watches and clocks in many contemporary and classic styles.

As a family-owned business, Barnes Jewellers is proud to have served the local community for more than 100 years and their values of quality, choice and service make them still the first choice for fine jewellery, stylish timepieces and skilled repairs.

For more information find them on Facebook: Barnes Jewellers

ENJOY TASTY TREATS AT BLYTON
Ideal to visit for a family day out, Blyton Ice Cream, which opened in 1985, is an award-winning family-run parlour and café specialising in delicious homemade ice cream, with a choice of seventy-five flavours.

Alongside the famous sweet treats and desserts, you can also enjoy a full menu of hot and cold dishes, including full English breakfast, pies, burgers, pizzas and jacket potatoes – as well as a variety of home baking.

Party bookings are also popular and there is also an outdoor play area and crazy golf for families to enjoy.

The Blyton team also offer wholesale and distribution of their ice creams which are all still made on the original farm site, with takeaways and deliveries also available.

For more information visit www.blytonicecream.co.uk

PARENT POWER SURVEY PUTS QEHS ON THE MAP
Queen Elizabeth’s High School, a co-educational grammar school in Gainsborough, has been identified by The Sunday Times in its 2025 Parent Power Survey as being the 9th best (and 3rd best co-educational) school in the East Midlands and 6th best in Lincolnshire. A national ranking of 275th out of over 4,000 places QEHS in the top 7% of schools across the country!

This survey rightly acknowledges schools where students have excelled in terms of both outright attainment and overall academic progress. Such outcomes bear testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication that students and staff characteristically demonstrate, not only when preparing for public examinations but throughout their learning journey at QEHS.

This positive culture around the dynamic learning and the enrichment of life skills that students experience is also reflected in the school’s excellent attendance figures, rising annually over the past three years: 95%, 96%, 97%.

These percentages notably top both local and national school attendance figures. The calm, orderly, safe and supportive learning environment that students enjoy is clearly central to facilitating and in turn promoting such excellent attendance.

The impressive credentials of QEHS are similarly recognised by Ofsted who have graded the school as solidly “Good” in all areas. 

The inspection team noted that QEHS is a school where expectations around what students can achieve are high, that students thrive on this challenge and are successful in their academic studies.

Just as importantly, it is noted that students get on well together and interactions with their teachers are similarly positive and productive.

Above all, students are seen to benefit from an ambitious curriculum and a rich educational experience that serves to develop their confidence, character and to broaden horizons.

For more information visit www.qehs.lincs.sch.uk

RIX PETROLEUM: KEEPING HOMES WARM THROUGH SPRING
As winter loosens its grip and the first signs of spring emerge, the lingering chill in the air reminds us that reliable home heating is still essential.

For almost 100 years, Rix Petroleum has been the trusted partner for Lincolnshire households, ensuring they stay warm and comfortable through every season.

February often brings unpredictable weather, with frosty mornings and cool evenings still making heating a necessity. Rix Petroleum provides dependable domestic heating oil deliveries to homes across Lincolnshire, no matter how rural the location.

With three local depots in Gainsborough, Grantham and Spalding, their dedicated teams ensure a swift, efficient service when you need it most.

“Rising energy costs remain a concern for many, which is why we offer flexible payment plans and competitive pricing to help families manage their budgets without sacrificing comfort.

“Beyond our services, Rix Petroleum is proud to be part of the Lincolnshire community, delivering more than just heating oil – we deliver care, reliability, and peace of mind.

“Whether you’re topping up your tank after winter, or preparing for those unpredictable spring chills, we’re here to help.”

As the seasons shift, trust Rix Petroleum to keep your home warm.

For more information visit www.rix.co.uk

SPECIALIST OPTIONS TO MANAGE MYOPIA
A common vision condition that affects millions worldwide, myopia is an eye disease where distant objects appear blurry while close objects appear normal. Particularly common in children and adolescents, the importance of myopia management cannot be overstated, as this condition is increasing at an alarming rate.

The caring professional team at Walters Opticians offer effective management strategies crucial to prevent the progression of myopia, which can lead to severe eye health issues later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataracts.

“Regular eye exams can help detect myopia early which is crucial in preventing progressive myopia. We offer options such as myopia management MySight contact lenses, as well as the Essilor Stellest spectacle lenses. Additionally, promoting outdoor activities and reducing screen time can also contribute to better eye health,” explains Roy Walters FBDO SMC (tech), who has been in optics for 23 years. “By prioritising myopia management, we can safeguard the vision of future generations, ensuring they maintain a high quality of life and reducing the risk of complications associated with advanced myopia.”

CELEBRATING THE TOWN’S WEEKLY MARKETS
With markets held in Gainsborough for more than 800 years, West Lindsey District Council has been investing in the market place to help boost the town’s commercial and social heart.

hopfronts have seen a make-over showcasing the town’s heritage and the eagerly anticipated Savoy Cinema is set to open this summer.

Gainsborough’s main retail market day takes place every Tuesday and features a range of great value food, fresh fish, fashion, haberdashery, giftware and other goods. Saturday’s market includes antiques and collectables traders, as well as the regular fresh produce stalls.

The town’s farmers’ and craft market is held on the second Saturday of the month (February to December) offering a range of produce and crafts, including Redhill Pork Farm, jams and chutneys, local honey, cakes and bakes, plus unique art, jewellery, garden ornaments, wood carvings, dog treats and more.

Make a date for Saturday 12th April when the town welcomes back the popular Ladidahs vintage singers for some great 1940s and ’50s dance tunes.

With plenty of eateries and cafés to choose from, Gainsborough open air markets, which are also dog friendly, are a great place to enjoy socialising and do some “proper shopping”.

Nicola Marshall, West Lindsey District Council’s towns manager, says: “The market is a great, risk-free way of trying out a new business idea or expanding from online selling – we encourage people to get in touch and have a try, with incentives for new and young traders too.”

To find out more, email market.officer@west-lindsey.gov.uk

EXPERT ADVICE FROM THE RUG STUDIO
The Rug Studio, which has premises in both The Guardroom at Hemswell Antique Centres and St Martins Antiques Centre in Stamford, showcases an extensive collection of rugs, kilims and textiles, all of which can be seen at the studios where a unique, in-depth knowledge awaits.

Owner Rachel Bassill, who has been in the trade for more than 30 years, has been buying rugs for over 35 years. Many pieces are pre-restoration, as this reaches a larger audience and follows today’s fashion, but as a skilled restorer Rachel is also on hand to advise and discuss any work you may wish to have carried out. 

The Stamford based studio has limited opening hours to enable Rachel, who trained as a rug designer and weaver, to travel to her customers for buying, selling and monitoring the work with her restoration teams. The main studio also has contemporary, modern traditional rugs and offers bespoke options. 

Rug Studio customers also use the centre as a base to collect rugs to try, discover styles they like and discuss their own requirements for cleaning, restoration or conservation. 

For more information visit www.therugstudio.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

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