History of Lincoln's Guildhall is relived in new book Above the Bow

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Saturday, December 15, 2012
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Lincolnshire Echo

The history of one of Lincoln's most iconic buildings has been relived in a new book.

Tales about the Guildhall, situated above the Stonebow, and the people connected to it have been penned in the new book, Above the Bow.

  1. Above the Bow

    Chapter and verse: Above the Bow recounts the history of one of Lincoln's most famous buildings – The Guildhall. From left, are Henry Ruddock, City Sheriff Melanie Tointon, City Mayor Karen Lee and Brian Taylor. Picture: Anna Draper

  2. Historic: The council meeting chamber  at The Guildhall in Lincoln

    Historic: The council meeting chamber at The Guildhall in Lincoln

  3. Historic:   Above, the council meeting chamber  at The Guildhall in Lincoln and, below, The Stonebow

    Historic: The Stonebow

Commissioned by the City of Lincoln Council, the book tells the story of the building and the treasures housed within, including the sword of King Richard II.

Businessman Henry Ruddock, who was asked to lead the project, is pleased to see the final product.

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"Myself and Brian Taylor were asked to produce this book because the previous one was coming out of print," he said.

"There are some wonderfully quirky tales in there as well as all the history of the building.

"We look at some of the previous mayors of Lincoln and tell some of their stories.

"Part of the idea of the book is for somebody not familiar with Lincoln to be able to pick it up and learn about the city and some of its civic history.

"I am very proud of what we have achieved and produced. Hopefully, people will enjoy reading it."

The 70-page book took several years of work before publication, but Mr Ruddock admits it was enjoyable.

"There were several stages involved in putting the book together," he said. "We had to research, write, take pictures, a whole range of things.

"I met some very interesting people while working on the book and it was very enjoyable to do."

Mayor of Lincoln, Karen Lee, began the printing process once the book had been written.

She said: "The book does the building and its history justice, the pictures are extremely good quality."

Meanwhile, a book has been written looking at the history of RAF Coningsby's 41(R) Squadron.

Historian Steve Brew has concentrated on its wartime activity between August 1942 and May 1945 and examined the unit's role in battle.

Blood, Sweat and Valour reveals some of the squadron's actions for the first time after Mr Brew used records that were previously unavailable.

"The project has been an incredible journey, touching many lives," he said.

Above the Bow is available from Ruddocks in the High Street, priced at £10, and also online at www.ruddocksoflincoln.co.uk

The 995-page Blood, Sweat and Valour costs £35 and can be purchased at Waterstones, WHSmith and all good bookstores as well as online at www.fonthillmedia.com

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