#lincoln

A classic symbol of American luxury.

THE DEATH OF MARY LINCOLN

On July 16, 1882, the final turbulent years of Mary Todd Lincoln came to an end. Mary never really recovered from the death of her husband, Abraham, who had been killed by an assassin after the end of the Civil War. Although often seen as "difficult" throughout her life, she became almost unhinged by grief following the deaths of her son, Willie, and her husband. After Lincoln was shot, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton ordered Mary from her husband's death room because she was so bereaved.

As a widow, Mrs. Lincoln returned to Illinois and lived in Chicago with her sons. In an act approved by a low margin on July 14, 1870, the United States Congress granted Mrs. Lincoln a life pension in the amount of $3,000 a year. Mary had lobbied hard for such a pension, writing numerous letters to Congress and urging patrons such as Simon Cameron to petition on her behalf. She insisted that she deserved a pension just as much as the widows of soldiers, as she portrayed her husband as a fallen commander. At the time, it was unprecedented for widows of presidents, and Mary Lincoln had alienated many congressmen, making it difficult for her to gain approval.

Death visited the Lincolns again in July 1871 and claimed the life of Thomas (Tad), which led to overwhelming grief and depression for Mary. Her surviving son, Robert Lincoln, a rising young Chicago lawyer, was alarmed at his mother's increasingly erratic behavior. In March 1875, during a visit to Jacksonville, Florida, Mary became unshakably convinced that Robert was deathly ill. She traveled to Chicago to see him, but found he was not sick.

In Chicago, she told her son that someone had tried to poison her on the train and that a "wandering Jew" had taken her pocketbook but would return it later. During her stay in Chicago with her son, Mary spent large amounts of money on items she never used, such as draperies and elaborate dresses -- she wore only black after her husband's assassination. She would walk around the city with $56,000 in government bonds sewn into her petticoats. Despite this large amount of money and the $3,000 a year stipend from Congress, Mrs. Lincoln had an irrational fear of poverty. After she nearly jumped out of a window to escape a non-existent fire, her son determined that she should be institutionalized.

On May 20, 1875, he committed her to a private asylum in Batavia, Illinois. Three months after being committed to Bellevue Place, Mary Lincoln devised her escape. She smuggled letters to her lawyer, James B. Bradwell, who was not only her friend but fellow Spiritualist. She also wrote to the editor of the Chicago Times. Soon, the public embarrassments that Robert had hoped to avoid were looming, and his character and motives were in question, as he controlled his mother's finances. The director of Bellevue at Mary's trial had assured the jury she would benefit from treatment at his facility. In the face of potentially damaging publicity, he declared her well enough to go to Springfield to live with her sister, Elizabeth Edwards.

Mary Lincoln was released into the custody of her sister in Springfield. In 1876, she was declared competent to manage her own affairs. After the court proceedings, though, Mary was so enraged that she attempted suicide. She went to the hotel pharmacist and ordered enough laudanum to kill herself, but he realized her intent and gave her a harmless prescription. The earlier committal proceedings had resulted in Mary being profoundly estranged from her son Robert, and they did not reconcile until shortly before her death.

Mrs. Lincoln spent the next four years traveling throughout Europe and took up residence in France. Her final years were marked by declining health. She suffered from severe cataracts that reduced her eyesight. This condition may have contributed to her increasing susceptibility to falls. In 1879, she suffered spinal cord injuries in a fall from a stepladder.

Finding Your Next Adventure: 6 Great Days Out Within Reach! 🗺

Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply spend a day somewhere different. A walk by the sea, exploring somewhere new, or discovering a piece of local history can help us reset, make memories with family or simply enjoy a change of scenery.

Whether you're planning a solo adventure, a day out with friends, or a family trip, these six destinations all offer plenty to see and do.

1. Hull – A City Full of Surprises

Hull combines fascinating museums, beautiful parks and a thriving independent shopping scene, making it a brilliant destination for all ages.

Top 10 things to do:

1. Visit The Deep.

2. Explore the Museums Quarter.

3. Wander around Trinity Market (shopping!)

4. Discover the Ferens Art Gallery.

5. Visit Hull Maritime Museum.

6. Step inside Hull Minster.

7. Walk around the Fruit Market and Humber Street.

8. Relax in Pearson Park.

9. Spend time at East Park.

10. Follow Hull's colourful Street Art Trail.

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2. Skegness – Traditional Seaside Fun

Nothing quite beats a day beside the sea. Skegness offers everything from sandy beaches to family attractions.

Top 10 things to do:

1. Visit Natureland Seal Sanctuary.

2. Walk along Skegness Pier.

3. Fish and chips on the beach.

4. Enjoy Fantasy Island.

5. Explore Skegness Aquarium.

6. Meet the animals at Hardy's Animal Farm.

7. Visit Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve.

8. Watch a performance at the Embassy Theatre.

9. Have fun at Bottons Pleasure Beach.

10. Enjoy a traditional donkey ride along the beach (seasonal).

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3. Cleethorpes – Classic Coastal Charm

Cleethorpes is perfect if you're looking for a slower-paced seaside escape with plenty to explore.

Top 10 things to do:

1. Ride the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.

2. Walk along the promenade.

3. Relax on the beach.

4. Visit Ross Castle.

5. Feed the ducks at the Boating Lake.

6. Explore the Discovery Centre.

7. Visit Magical Castle Soft Play

8. Stroll through Pier Gardens.

9. Visit Meridian Showground (if event on)

10. Enjoy the cafés and views around Cleethorpes Pier.

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4. Grimsby – Rich in Maritime History

Grimsby has a proud fishing heritage and plenty of green spaces to enjoy alongside its historic attractions.

Top 10 things to do:

1. Visit the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre.

2. Step aboard the Ross Tiger trawler.

3. Walk through People's Park.

4. Explore Grimsby Minster.

5. Browse the shops at Freshney Place.

6. Enjoy a woodland walk in Weelsby Woods.

7. Visit Bradley Woods.

8. See a show at Grimsby Auditorium.

9. Discover the Time Trap Museum.

10. Admire the historic Corporation Bridge.

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5. Mablethorpe – Sand, Sea and Fresh Air

With its wide sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere, Mablethorpe is perfect for slowing down and enjoying the coast.

Top 10 things to do:

1. Spend the day on Mablethorpe Beach.

2. Visit the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary & Wildlife Centre.

3. Explore Queen's Park.

4. Play a round of crazy golf (theres also soft play and more!)

5. Walk through the Mablethorpe Dunes.

6. Visit Mablethorpe Coastal Country Park.

7. Browse the weekly market.

8. Enjoy the traditional seaside amusements.

9. Visit the seasonal fairground.

10. Take a short trip to the North Sea Observatory at nearby Chapel St Leonards.

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6. Lincoln – History Around Every Corner

Lincoln is packed with historic landmarks, independent shops and beautiful places to explore.

Top 10 things to do:

1. Visit Lincoln Cathedral.

2. Explore Lincoln Castle.

3. Walk the medieval walls around Lincoln Castle.

4. Wander down the famous Steep Hill.

5. Visit The Collection Museum.

6. Explore the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

7. Discover the Usher Gallery.

8. Walk around Brayford Waterfront.

9. Visit Ellis Mill.

10. Explore Doddington Hall & Garden.

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Whether you're looking for the peace of the coast, the excitement of a city, or somewhere new to explore with family, there's a fantastic day out waiting not too far from home.

​The best stories are the ones we create ourselves. Whether you need the quiet of the waves or the hum of the city, take a moment for yourself.