ary's formation, a sermon was preached, on its behalf, at a
service in the parish church, by the Rev. John Dymoke, Rector of
Scrivelsby, and Chaplain to his grace the Duke of St. Albans. This
became an annual observance, and has continued so ever since, the
preachers being selected with special care, and often from a considerable
distance. For instance, at the following anniversary, in 1791, the Rev.
Everard Duckworth, LL.D., Prebendary of Canterbury, was invited to
preach, and he being unable to undertake that office, the Rev. Peter
Bulmer, Vicar of Thorpe, officiated in his stead. Among other preachers
named we find the Rev. Basil Beridge, well-known for his works of
charity, Rector of Algarkirk, near Boston; the Rev. W. Goodenough,
Archdeacon of Carlisle; the Rev. E. R. Mantell, Vicar of Louth, and other
prominent clergy of the county.

How widely the institution was appreciated is shewn by the number of
leading persons who gave it their patronage. Sir Joseph Banks was its
warmest supporter, through life, regularly attending the committee
meetings, either as a Governor or President, until his decease, June 19,
1820; and his example brought to the meetings members of the Chaplin,
Massingberd, and Heneage families, Lord Yarborough, and others, at no
small inconvenience, from considerable distances.

[Picture: The Bull Ring]

Among other Presidents have been the widowed Lady Banks; Lord Yarborough,
on several occasions; the Honble. and Rev. John Dymoke; to whom succeeded
the Honble. Henry, afterwards Sir Henry Dymoke, Bart.; Lord Worsley; the
Right Honble. E. Stanhope, M.P.; J. Banks Stanhope, Esq. After the death
of Mr. Stanhope, Jan. 18th, 1904, it was resolved, at a special meeting
of the Governors, Jan. 28th, that the Secretary should record, among the
minutes, their regret at his death, and their high appreciation of his
long and generous support. The chairman was requested to send a copy of
this to the Honble. Mrs. Stanhope; and at a meeting held on March 31st,
following, a very kind letter in reply was read from Mrs. Stanhope,
promising her support in the future, in lieu of that of the deceased
gentleman. The chairman was again requested to convey to her the thanks
of the Governors, and Mrs. Stanhope was elected and continued to be
President until her death, October 25th, 1907.

Among Vice-Presidents have been two Earls Fortescue (father and son);
Lord Worsley: Sir Joseph Hawley