     |
Market Towns in the Lincolnshire WoldsEnjoy the charm and beauty of the market towns in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Spilsby
Spilsby, one of the market towns in the Lincolnshire Wolds, is located on the A16 at the southern end of the Wolds. Interesting things to see near Spilsby: Gunby Hall is an 18th Century Manor built in 1700 and owned by the National Trust. The ground floor and basement are open to the public. The house and gardens are open every Wednesday in June, July, and August between 2 pm and 5 pm. Nearby are the ruins of Bolingbroke Castle which was built in the 13th Century. It was once owned by John of Gaunt and was the birthplace of King Henry IV. It was destroyed during the English Civil War. Monksthorpe Baptist Chapel also owned by the National Trust was built by a group of Separatists who were fearful of worshiping where they could be seen at a time when it was dangerous to worship in anything other than the established church. They built the church to look like a farm building and at that time it had a thatched roof. Regular worship ended in the 1970's but since the building has been refurbished, there are occassional services held now.
HorncastleHorncastle is one of the oldest market towns in the Lincolnshire Wolds. There has been a settlement at Horncastle since Roman times. There is evidence that there was a Roman fort here. A Roman wall can be seen in the library. Recently a massive Roman burial ground was discovered which suggests that the settlement was more than just a fort. Pottery discovered was not the ordinary kind and suggests that residents were wealthy. It is quite possible that the settlement was more than a farming outpost.Things to see and do in Horncastle: The town is packed with antique shops. Snipe Dales Country Park and Nature Reserve There are two walks here. One is about two miles and the other is about four miles in length. Picnic tables are provided near the car park. Snipe Dales is located between Horncastle and Spilsby on the A1115.
Tattershall Castle This brick castle with a moat is owned by the National Trust. It was built in 1434 by Ralph, 3rd Lord Cromwell, Lord Treasurer of England on the site of an earlier stone castle. Six floors including the battlements and cellar are open to the public. The castle is closed Thursday and Friday. In the summer months it is open from 11 am to 5:30 pm.
Louth
Louth is known as the capital of the Lincolnshire Wolds. It was here that the Roman Catholics rebelled against the dissolution by Henry VIII out of fear that their beautiful St. James Church would be destroyed. The rebellion failed and there were dire consequences for the leaders but the church was saved. Alfred, Lord Tennyson attended school here at the King Edward VI Grammar School. Market days are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The fourth Wednesday of the month is the Farmers Market. I haven't been able to attend this market but I have been told that it is the best market in Lincolnshire. Things to see and do in Louth: Caldwell Park is a motor racing track and is located five miles south of Louth. The Louth Navigation Canal is a great place for a walk. You can follow the canal to Alvingham where there is a water mill and two 12th Century churches. The walk to Alvingham and back is about six miles. Enjoy your time in the market towns of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
|
