Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens – and Birds!

I took this the other day.

Probably Spalding‘s ‘hidden’ gem, Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens is a medieval gem, well maintained, with a fascinating south Lincolnshire regional museum.

Formerly also a private junior school, now located elsewhere in the town under the same name, the gardens are noted for their topiary, the rather notable Edwin Lutyens world war 1 memorial and a very nice aviary with many interesting species finches and other birds. Lutyens was one of the most famous and capable British architects of the 2oth century.

Although the town has been deeply affected by the crises of this year, it is still well worth a visit if you live nearby or are on holiday in the area.

And by the way, the locals pronounce it ‘Asscoffee’!

Copyright Francis Barker 2020

Photograph: Framed by Yews

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Ayscoughfee Hall, Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.

copyright Francis Barker 2020

Photograph: Framed by Yew

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Ayscoughfee Hall, Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.

copyright Francis Barker 2020

Spalding’s Unique Ayscoughfee Hall

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Ayscoughfee Hall in Spalding Lincolnshire is simply an architectural gem.

However, I don’t believe it’s known for sure how it got its name (it’s pronounced ‘Ascoffey’ folks).

Nevertheless, recent archaeology has discovered much that was once hidden; stairs, passageways, tiles… all of which are included in the comprehensive museum illustrating the history, not only of Spalding, but of the whole South Holland region and its wonderful agricultural heritage.

Leofwine Tanner 2019

World War 2 Memorial, Ayscoughfee Hall

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Recently a new memorial to Spalding’s WWII dead was unveiled.

It is a masterful, yet understated and fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in the most devastating conflict yet known to mankind.

It is also a fine complement to Edwin Lutyens’ earlier, more classically styled WW1 memorial, just a few yards away.