Lincolnshire is a county of contrasts, ranging from the seaside resorts on the east coast to the rolling chalk hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds and the fenland area of the south-east. The area has been settled since prehistoric times, the Romans established the town of Lindum (present-day Lincoln) for retired legionaries, a number of churches date from the Saxon period, and place names provide a reminder of the county's Viking past. Lincoln became a thriving medieval settlement, evidenced by its magnificent cathedral and castle. The coming of the railways in the nineteenth century created the seaside resorts of Skegness, Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe. During the Second World War Lincolnshire became ‘Bomber County’ as it was home to a large number of airbases. It was from here that the daring Dambusters raid was launched. The county also boasts a proud cultural heritage. The writer Alfred Lord Tennyson and the landscape artist Peter de Wint both drew inspiration from the Lincolnshire countryside. Annual events include the Lincoln Christmas Fair and the quirky Steampunk Festival, as well as the famous Haxey Hood game. 50 Gems of Lincolnshire explores the many places and their history that make this part of the country so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical interest. Alongside justly famous attractions, others will be relatively unknown but all have an interesting story to tell.

Michael Smith is Derby born and bred. After studying at Derby Technical College, he found employment in a variety of local companies and organisations. He later trained to be a teacher at Bishop Lonsdale College (now part of Derby University). Michael is a successful author with over a dozen books and numerous magazine articles to his credit. The majority of these have focussed on the history and heritage of Derby and its surrounding areas. He is a member of a number of local organisations including Derbyshire Archaeological Society, Derby Civic Society and the Friends of Derby Museums.