Conservation projects
Royal Charters of the City of Lincoln
In 2018 in partnership with the University of Lincoln Department of Conservation the Lincoln Charters Project was launched with the aim of conserving and preparing for display the Royal Charters to the City of Lincoln that had been within our archival deposit for many years, making a complete display of twenty-four Royal grants to the people of Lincoln. Few documents hold as much power and weight as royal charters. Dating back centuries, these influential decrees granted immense power and privileges to cities and their people.
Lincoln's journey through time is intrinsically tied to these royal charters, which shaped the course of its illustrious history. These ancient documents provided the framework for self-governance, enshrined civil liberties, and solidified the city's standing in the national landscape.
Spanning over a millenium, Lincoln's impressive collection of royal charters is a testament to the city's enduring importance. As a thriving medieval trading centre and a hub of political significance.
The earliest royal charter on display in Lincoln's Historic Guildhall dates back to the twelfth century. Henry II gave six charters to Lincoln, and in 1157 the Plantagenet monarch confirmed to the citizens of Lincoln all their existing liberties, customs and laws that they had held in the times of Edward the Confessor, William the Conqueror and Henry I
Royal Swords of the City of Lincoln
Lincoln Guildhall is home to four swords of state three having been the gift of Monarchs over the centuries, in fact the oldest State Sword in the country is within our collection. In March 1387 during the “gyration” of the Midlands and the North King Richard II gifted to our Mayor John Sutton his personal sword with the right for him and his successors to have a sword borne before them in perpetuity. A fine example of a two-handed fighting sword bearing the arms of King Edward III and decorated with the pointed rays of Richard. The arms of King Edward III are believed to have gone out of use by 1367 meaning the sword is older than the date of the gift. The swords are currently the subject of work to learn more about their construction and markings.