The first of many commemorative plaques by Lincoln Civic Trust was unveiled at the old St. Swithin’s churchyard in 1956, and 70 years later, two new plaques have been installed at the site of the Lincoln Union Workhouse on Upper Long Leys Road and Burton Road.
Two plaques were revealed on Saturday 12th September 2026 with The Right Honourable Hamish Falconer MP formally unveiling a plaque on 11 Upper Long Leys Road on the home of Alex Wallace and Marco Gutierrez. Deputy Mayor Calum Watt & Dr. Jess Holt, City Councillors Lucinda Preston, Lesley Allinson & Neil Murray and Lincoln Civic Trust Chair Tony Maltby & vice-Chair Tom Cave all joined the celebrations, as well as other members of Lincoln Civic Trust and many local residents.
Right on cue, a flypast by The Red Arrows with red, white & blue trails briefly interrupted Hamish Falconer’s speech to enhance the occasion.
Deputy Mayor Calum Watt, Alex Wallace & Marco Gutierrez and Rt. Hon. Hamish Falconer MP at the unveiling of the plaque at 11 Upper Long Leys Road and the second plaque at Burton Road entrance to The Workhouse.
The Lincoln Union Workhouse opened in September 1838, occupying a large site to the south of Upper Long Leys Road with a main entrance from Burton Road, initially for 269 inmates, later expanded to 350. Workhouses were abolished in April 1930 when Lincoln Union Workhouse was re-named Burton Road Institution, later West View Hospital before its demolition in August 1965. Willis Close and Willis Terrace now occupy the site, though the burial ground remains between Theodore Street and Willis Close.
=
“We are very grateful to be able to be involved with the installation of this historical plaque, officially signposting this area as the site of the Lincoln Union Workhouse. This site holds the collective memory and remembrance of the many men, women and children that lived and worked here. They, their stories and this site, deserve to be remembered.”
Alex Wallace & Marco Gutierrez
“It was a privilege to join the Lincoln Civic Trust and Blue Plaque Group to unveil this plaque at the site of the old Lincoln Union Workhouse. Historic buildings like these are an important part of our city’s history, and the plaque helps ensure that the stories of the people who lived and worked here are not forgotten.