Lincolnshire
ANCIENT MARKET TOWNS
East Lincolnshire is a rural area served by several market towns. Horncastle has a history dating back to Roman times and has gained a reputation as a centre for the antiques trade. Spilsby, the birthplace of Captain Sir John Franklin, discoverer of the North West Passage whose statue stands in the Market Place, Louth is famed for its glorious spire, which acts as a landmark for miles around. The local School, King Edward VI, has educated some very famous pupils in its long history, including the poet. Alfred Lord Tennyson and explorer Captain John Smith. The craft market at Alford is now internationally famous, drawing large numbers of visitors, particularly to the festival weekends in May and August. Musicians, dancers, poets and, of course, craftsmen and women, put on a dazzling display. Alford has a long tradition of hospitality, and people gather from the surrounding villages to attend the old livestock market.
The coastal resorts of Mablethorpe and Skegness have been welcoming holiday-makers for many years, offering award winning beaches and a vast selection of attractions. Woodhall Spa started as one man's dream and became, by accident, one of the country's premier spa towns. Although the spa is no longer in operation, the village's connection with leisure and relaxation continue; it is an ideal base for holidays and touring.
THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE
Lincolnshire peopIe, or 'yellowbellies', look after themselves well, particularly when it comes to good food and fine ale. East lincolnshire is very proud of the local brewery, Bateman's of Wainfleet. The award winning ales are gaining an enviable reputation amongst those who recognise an excellent pint. Very much a local firm, Bateman's maintain many of the small rural inns in the district. Specialities are: sausages andstuffed chine, as well as the beer. Although local people protested when the fens were originally drained and the land reclaimed, they went on to become fine farmers and the rich soil provides the country with top quality produce.
The area inspired one of England's finest poets, Alfred Lord Tennyson and many of his works allude to the county of his birth. Somersby, home of the Tennyson family, appears to have changed little in the rich browns of newly ploughed fields, the vivid greens of young sprouting plants and the dramatic yellows and golds of the rape and cereal crop.
A RICH HERITAGE
East lincolnshire has a fascinating history and is blessed with a fair share of kings, poets and explorers. The Battle of Winceby proved decisive in the struggle between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians in 1643, but also saw the ruination of Bolingbroke Castle, the home of John of Gaunt and the birthplace to his son Henry IV in 1366.
Captain Sir John Franklin and Sir Joseph Banks all hailed from East Lincolnshire. They helped forge the future of countries like America and Australia with their courage and vision. Annie Besant, one of the first trade unionists, went from Sibsey to London to lead the 'Matchgirls' in their fight. The Champion of England - has lived at Scivelby Court since 1350 and the Dymoke family has played a prominent role in the country's history.
A rather more infamous son of the area was William Marwood, executioner to the Kingdom in the late 1800's. His other, less gory, trade was as cobbler to the good folk of Horncastle.
Captain John Smith saved from death by the Indian Chief's daughter, Pocahontas, was baptised at Willoughby, near Alford. The Magna Carta owes much of its existence to another East Lincolnshire man, Stephen Langton of Langton by Wragby, Archbishop of Canterbury at the time.
The living past can be sampled at the superb museums in the district, Church Farm Museum at Skegness shows how the land was farmed in the days before the Internal' combustion engine. Mawthorpe (Willoughby) Museum houses a treasure trove of bygones and a working steam organ. Ye Olde Curiosity Museum at Mablethorpe has a unique collection of lampshades. Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum demonstrates the history of the spa.
The Royal Air Force has played a very important role in Lincolnshire and the remains of many wartime runways still echo with the sound of bombers, limping back to base after a daring raid. One such squadron was the famous 617 Dambuster's Squadron based at Woodhall Spa. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is based at RAF Coningsby. The East Kirkby Aviation Heritage Centre, (www.lincsaviation.co.uk) brings the old base back to life, complete, some say, with wartime ghosts.
A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Being a rural area, East Lincolnshire is very protective of its environment. A healthy distribution of nature reserves, protected woodlands and conservation areas ensure a safe habitat for the flora and fauna that makes the areas such a delight to live in and visit. (www.lincstrust.co.uk) Gibraltar Point, just south of Skegness is an important reserve and home for a huge variety of birds. Further up the coast, Rimac and Theddlethorpe provide a haven for the Marsh orchids, and Natterjack Toads, whilst right to the northern tip of the district is Tetney Lock, an RSPB (www.rspb.org.uk - national site) reserve. Snipe Dales is a charming area, part nature reserve and part woodlands, with walks and information points to assist the visitor.
There are many excellent animal and wildlife centres stretching from the coast to the inland areas of Claythorpe and over the district border into Brigg.