The original function of Greyfriars in Lincoln has been debated over many years. When the building was restored in 2025, scaffolding was erected, allowing access to the medieval roof. It was possible for the first time in over a century to study the building in detail. This was accompanied by a laser survey of the building and a reappraisal of the documentary evidence.

It has been possible to show that this was the first friary church, the earliest still-standing such building in England. It has allowed us to consider how far the Franciscans adhered to their ideals of poverty.

The speaker, Mark Gardiner, is Emeritus Professor of Medieval Archaeology at the University of Lincoln. He worked at University College London, where he was assigned to Archaeology South East, becoming Deputy Director. He left in 1996 to work at Queen’s University Belfast, lecturing in medieval archaeology, before coming to Lincoln in 2017. He has worked across Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia, excavating sites and recording standing buildings.

There is a £5 entrance charge, payable at the door. Free entry for full-time students.