Boston Guildhall has been awarded £401,112 through the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), marking a major investment in the preservation of one of Lincolnshire’s most significant historic buildings.

Built in the 14th century for the religious Guild of St Mary, Boston Guildhall is an iconic two-storey, 50-metre-long medieval brick building that holds immense historic and architectural value. The Grade I listed site welcomes thousands of visitors each year and plays a vital role in telling the story of Boston and its national and international connections.

The funding forms part of a wider £5 million investment across the East Midlands, supporting ten cultural venues, museums and libraries, and is delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport through the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund. Nationally, 130 organisations are benefiting from the funding, designed to protect cherished cultural assets and improve access to arts and heritage across the country.

The MEND funding will enable urgent internal and external repairs, including essential work to plaster, paint and brickwork, helping to prevent further deterioration of the building. These repairs will ensure Boston Guildhall remains safe, weatherproof and accessible, allowing it to continue to be enjoyed by the public for many years to come.

The award places Boston Guildhall among a small number of East Midlands museums receiving support through the Museum Estate and Development Fund, which has invested in 150 local museums nationwide over the past four years to protect heritage buildings and improve visitor experiences.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Cultural organisations across the East Midlands are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.

“Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations.”

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said, “Museums can inspire us, provide connection, and help us to make sense of the world around us.

“The Museum Estate and Development Fund aims to ensure these landmark buildings are preserved, so their treasured collections can continue to be enjoyed.

“We’re pleased to award Boston Guildhall £401,112 to make urgent repairs to plaster, paint and brickwork, preventing further deterioration, so the building can remain open to the public for many years to come.”

Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Tourism at Boston Borough Council said: “This is really fantastic news for Boston. Securing £401,112 for the Guildhall is hugely important and I’m absolutely delighted we’ve been successful.

“The Guildhall is one of our most treasured historic buildings and sits at the heart of our town’s story.

“This funding will help protect it for the future and make sure people can continue to visit, learn about our local history and enjoy this special place for many years to come.”