51 Fleetgate

Val and Eddie Maxworthy look after the building on behalf of the Society, and open the house to visitors free of charge several times a year when they are on hand to answer questions and tell visitors about the building and its history.

The building is thought to be the oldest residential house in north Lincolnshire. The front section is part of what was a single house incorporating 47, 49 and 51 Fleetgate, possibly dating from 1325.

The house was in the form of a hall and was open from the floor to the crown post roof which was originally thatched. There would have been an open fire in the middle of the floor, with smoke escaping through louvres in the thatch.

The property was later split into three houses and number 51 was bought by the Clipson family and opened as a barber shop and tobacconist in 1908. The Clipson family did not alter the interior, which remains much the same today as it would have done in 1900. The house is owned and maintained by North Lincs Council.

Living history

Val and Eddie are continuing to compile a history of the building. They are building a collection of recordings of local people telling their stories about the building and the people who used it.

They are eager to receive more information about the house and its people. If you would like to tell your story, they would love to hear from you on 01469 519144 or eddie.max@ntlworld.com.

Visit Fleetgate

date	event	from	to
Saturday, May 24		10am	4pm
Sunday, May 25		10am	4pm
Saturday, July 12		10am	4pm
Sunday, July		10am	4pm
Friday, September 6	Heritage open day	10am	4pm
Saturday, September 7	Heritage open day	10am	4pm
Sunday, September 8	Heritage open day	10am	4pm
Friday, 28 November	Christmas Fair	5pm	9.30pm
Saturday, 29 November	Christmas Fair	10am	9.30pm