Exciting new exhibitions exploring the history of ‘Science’ and ‘Navigation’ to open in Spalding

Orrery (made in London c.1780-1800).
Post Date: 23/03/2026

Britain’s oldest provincial learned society, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society, is launching two new exhibitions at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum this spring. Opening on Friday 27th March 2026, they will display a carefully curated range of artefacts, focusing on ‘Science’ and ‘Navigation’.

Brass reflecting telescope, c.1755. This telescope was purchased by SGS in 1761, along with an air pump and two microscopes, for members to conduct experiments at meetings. It was made by Benjamin Martin of London, one of the leading scientific instrument makers of the 18th century.
Brass reflecting telescope, c.1755. This telescope was purchased by SGS in 1761, along with an air pump and two microscopes, for members to conduct experiments at meetings. It was made by Benjamin Martin of London, one of the leading scientific instrument makers of the 18th century.

Founded in 1710 by Maurice Johnson II, eminent members of the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society over the centuries include Sir Isaac Newton, William Stukeley, and Alexander Pope. From its earliest days, the Society has collected ‘curious’ things, including artefacts of national and international importance.

This spring, visitors to Ayscoughfee Hall Museum will get the chance to explore the history of navigation from 1700 to the present day: from the search for an accurate way to measure longitude to modern OS mapping. In the Ambler Room, discover more about those early Society members whose experiments and discoveries in medicine, botany, optics and engineering helped shape our understanding of science and nature today.

Head of Collections & Operations, Dustin Frazier Wood, explains: “For more than 300 years, the Society has been a beacon of Enlightenment ideals. Today, we aim to connect members, academics, students and the wider public with the collections.”

Dustin continues: “We believe that curiosity, discovery and the search for knowledge can and should be nurtured and open to all. Through these new exhibitions, the Society is excited to welcome as many people as possible to uncover the intriguing stories behind the Society’s artefacts.”

‘Science’ and ‘Navigation’ are planned to run until Sunday 18th October and are accessible free of charge during Ayscoughfee Hall Museum’s normal opening hours of Wednesday to Sunday, between 10.30am and 4pm.

Find out more about Spalding Gentlemen’s Society’s upcoming events, volunteering opportunities, and how you can get involved at www.sgsoc.org

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