Heritage Lincolnshire is working to restore 40-42 Michaelgate, Lincoln, also known as the Wonky House. Elements of the buildings date to the 16th Century and alongside their neighbour ‘The Harlequin’ these three unique buildings are the most photographed buildings within Lincoln’s Cathedral quarter, outside of the Cathedral and Castle.
We are conserving the Michaelgate buildings to bring them back into use as holiday lets. The income generated will go towards keeping the buildings safeguarded and self-sustaining, as well as helping to open the 15th Century Harlequin for community use.
In the development of this project, we have raised £451,000 through generous grants from the Architectural Heritage Fund, Investors in Lincoln and City of Lincoln Council.
During initial works at the start of 2024, it was discovered that the condition of the timber-frame of the buildings was a lot worse than previously expected due to death-watch beetle infestation and inappropriate cement repairs; a factor that couldn’t be observed until the exterior render was removed. This means additional funding of £60,995.00 is required to safeguard the structure and future of the buildings.
If you would like to donate to our fundraising effort, click on the button below to go to our donate page.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“40-42 Michaelgate is an important part of Lincoln’s heritage and we understand the value in maintaining, protecting and restoring this building.
“Securing this funding is fantastic news and will allow us to protect the condition of the property and help us in creating new holiday accommodation to bring the building back into use, securing its future.”
Tracy Stringfellow, Chief Executive Officer at Heritage Lincolnshire added:
“Heritage Lincolnshire are so pleased that work to save the iconic Wonky House on Michaelgate is beginning. We have worked hard in partnership with the City of Lincolnshire Council to secure funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund, City of Lincoln Council and Investors in Lincoln and are excited the works will finally begin next week.
Watch this space for excellent new holiday accommodation coming soon at the top of Steep Hill in this iconic building.”