With renowned folk such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Sir Isaac Newton and George Boole shaping Lincolnshire’s history, the University of Lincoln would like to rename campus buildings to reflect this rich heritage.
From the first brick laid in 1996, the University has grown at an exponential rate. Officially opened by The Queen it was the first new city centre campus to be built in the UK for decades.
To signify its impact on the city and wider region, the University of Lincoln is now looking for suggestions on what its main buildings should be called.
Vice Chancellor Mary Stuart said: “The first building created on the Brayford Campus marked a unique point in history and shaped the idea that Lincoln would be a university with a difference. Since my arrival in 2009 the University has driven forward its reputation as being an institution of innovation and enterprise with an emphasis on research and research-engaged teaching. It is only right the names of our building reflect the incredible talent contained within.”
The former Becor House building, which is being refurbished as part of the University and Lincolnshire Co-operative’s world-class science and innovation park, is the first to be re-named Joseph Banks House.
Banks, who grew up in Revesby, near Horncastle, was a naturalist and botanist who took part in Captain James Cook’s first great voyage and has approximately 80 species of plant named after him.
Some of the buildings in the running for a name makeover are the Main Administration Building, Bridge House, AAD, MHT and the Science Building.
And with such a plethora of Lincolnshire talent, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, born in Somersby, was Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland and remains one of the most popular British poets. Considered one of the best poems of the 19th Century many people will have heard the well-known phrase from ‘In Memoriam A.H.H’, ‘Tis better to have loved and lost, Than never to have loved at all’.
Lincolnite George Boole was an English mathematician, philosopher and logician. He is now best known as the author of The Laws of Thought and in hindsight is regarded as a founder of the field of computer science.
And of course there is Sir Isaac Newton, the physicist and mathematician who ‘discovered’ gravity. Born at Woolsthorpe, near Grantham, he is one of the greatest scientists who has ever lived.
Other leading lights include Captain Matthew Flinders, who was the first to circumnavigate Australia and identify it as a continent; virtuoso violinist Sir Neville Marriner and Dam Busters hero Guy Gibson.
So, whose name do you think should stand the test of time? Please send any suggestions and the reasons why to internalcommunications@lincoln.ac.uk