The secret History of Boultham Park & Estate in Lincoln: Victorian Elegance, St Helen’s Church, Near Priory Annex.

jamespryor54
May 18
3 min read

If you’ve ever strolled through the leafy paths of Boultham Park in Lincoln, you’ve walked over 150 years of fascinating local history. Once the heart of a wealthy family’s estate, today Boultham Park is a vibrant public space filled with stories, wildlife, music—and even a few ghosts, if you ask around.

Whether you're searching for the best green spaces in Lincoln, historic walks, or a peaceful place near Priory Annex guest accommodation, Boultham Estate has it all. Let’s explore its journey from opulent past to community treasure.

🏛️ Boultham Hall: An Estate Built on Influence and Elegance

The Boultham Estate was shaped by Colonel Richard Ellison III, who inherited the land in 1857. A wealthy landowner, justice of the peace, and philanthropist, Ellison turned the estate into a stunning example of Victorian landscaping. His legacy lives on in Boultham Hall, the grand manor once nestled near today’s bandstand.

Though the hall was demolished in 1959, it stood for over a century as a symbol of privilege, power—and eventually, wartime wear. During World War II, the hall served as a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. After the war, the upkeep proved too costly, and the hall was razed, leaving behind the lake, pathways, and spirit of its golden days.

🏰 Hidden in Plain Sight: St Helen’s Church and the Graveyard on Hall Drive

Just off the main footpaths, on Hall Drive, lies one of Boultham Estate’s most overlooked historic gems—St Helen’s Church, a Grade II* listed building with roots dating back to the 12th century. This picturesque church is not only one of the oldest surviving structures in Lincoln, but it also served as the Ellison family’s private chapel and community place of worship.

Surrounded by an ancient graveyard, the churchyard includes tombstones dating as far back as the 1600s. It's a peaceful, reflective space where time stands still—and a must-visit for anyone interested in local history, Victorian burial traditions, or heritage sites in Lincoln. Local legend claims one grave belongs to a gardener who “planted the first tree” in the estate grounds—a tale yet unverified, but too charming to ignore.

🌳 What Remains Today: Buildings, Lake, and Leisure

Though Boultham Hall is gone, the lake remains a focal point, lovingly preserved for wildlife and leisure. Dug in the 1860s by hand, it was originally stocked with fish and used for boating parties and serene strolls.

You’ll also find:

A lovingly restored Victorian bandstand, often used for summer music events.
A cozy café, once a tearoom site, now offering drinks, snacks, and fabulous parkland views.
The long-lost wooden-framed glasshouse, once a showcase of exotic plants, is remembered through the park's ongoing green initiatives, seeing a new glasshouse built next to the cafe..
The historic tennis courts and putting green, originally added for public recreation in the 1930s, are still used today.
Regular events such as Yoga and the Saturday morning park run demonstrate how the park is still very much a hub for the local community and visitors alike.

These amenities make Boultham Park one of the most family-friendly outdoor attractions in Lincoln.

📅 A Glimpse Through Time: Boultham Estate Historical Timeline

1100s: First records of St Helen’s Church on the land
1857: Richard Ellison III inherits the estate
1860s: Lake and ornamental features created
1929: Estate donated to the public and becomes Boultham Park
1959: Boultham Hall demolished
2000–2015: Major restoration funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund
2020s: Site thrives as a nature, heritage, and event space

🧠 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Boultham Park was once called “Little Versailles” by Victorian visitors due to its grand layout and topiary.
The park's swans have their own "local family tree" tracked by volunteers since 1982.
A time capsule was buried near the café in 2010 and is scheduled to be opened in 2060.
Word has it that the park holds an eerie spectre known as the "faceless Man" who had reportedly been seen near the lake by walkers crossing the park at night!!

🛏️ Stay Close: Priory Annex Guest Accommodation

If you're planning a visit, you're in luck. The charming Priory Annex guest accommodation is just a short walk from Boultham Park, making it the perfect base for nature lovers, history buffs, and families.

Whether you're after a peaceful retreat, a dive into Lincoln’s Victorian past, or an eventful summer weekend, Boultham Park delivers on every level.