Back to School!

Lockdown seemed as good a time as any to shake things up a little.

And the National Lottery Heritage Fund has helped us – so, thank you!

After our first decade we thought it was time to re-open by re-telling the fascinating story of the School’s unique link with Samuel Wilderspin and his Infant System – back in the early 1800s.

We’ve re-shaped your visit so you’ll go “back to school”, straight into the world’s only reconstruction Mr. Wilderspin’s Model Infant School of 1845.

Then new displays and historical classroom settings tell the story of the Barton Church School, including a new Wartime Classroom showing the part played by the School in the Second World War.

You can help too – tell us what you think about our re-telling of the Wilderspin Story.  We’ll then look at things again over the summer and tweak things further in time for a big bash in September as part of Heritage Open Days.

Back to School!

Follow in the footsteps of the Victorian children who came to school here full of trepidation and excitement, through from the School Yard and into School, then explore Mr. Wilderspin’s Infant Schoolroom.

Who used the finger-stocks in the Victorian Classroom?

What’s hidden in the desks in the Wartime Classroom?

What was school like for your mum, dad and grandparents?

Explore the world’s only reconstruction of Mr. Wilderspin’s Model Infant School.

Barton Arts – Lincspirational Plants Exhibition

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust presents an exhibition of 30 artworks by Lincolnshire artists chosen to signify the importance of plants in Lincolnshire, and reminding us of the link between plants and creativity and how they symbolise the value and importance of our connection with the natural world.

The pictures will be on show here at Wilderspin (10am – 4pm) and in pop up form at various places around the town during the weekend.

All the artwork submitted will be available for purchase from an online exhibition/auction in October 2021.

Independent tutors run a range of courses at the Museum.

Their programmes will be announced as soon as details are available.

Caretaker’s Clearout

During Lockdown we’ve been clearing out the cupboards and have a range of bric a brac on offer to help raise funds for further restoration of the School.  Items can be secured for a small donation!

Kickstarting Tourism

The Trust is grateful to the Humber Business Growth Hub for help with improving our shop and visitor reception as we prepared for post – Covid reopening.  We received £1,750 towards upgrading our Shop & Visitor Reception with funding made available by the  – SME Restart & Recovery / Kickstarting Tourism programme part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Heritage Volunteering

Short presentations at 11am and 2pm or drop in anytime 11am and 3pm to find out about volunteering opportunities in Barton.

Art in the Playground

Members of the Wilderspin Art Group display their works in progress and affordable art for you to appreciate and buy.  10am – 4pm.

Smart Energy investment in the Joseph Wright Hall

We have had support from Smart Energy Greater Lincolnshire to help us invest in more efficient heating for the Joseph Wright Hall, as part of an £8.5 million Smart Energy programme part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Lottery Club

Support our work restoring the former Church School & Primitive Methodist Chapel.

Two draws a year pay out a £50 prize, a £25 prize, two £20 prizes and two £10 prizes!

The annual subscription is only £15 (less than 30p per week!) by standing order only.

To participate and support the Trust, please print the Standing Order from and return it to us.

Click here for the WNS Lottery Standing Order Form

The Winter 2025 Draw winners were:

£50: Keith Ready

£25: Ralph Warfolk

£20 each: Brian Pettifer and Murray Wilson

£10 each: Jean Bradley and Stuart Oldridge