Transcribed from the 1822 Sherwood, Neely, And Jones edition by David Price.

HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE
SKETCHES
OF THE
TOWN AND SOKE
OF
HORNCASTLE,
IN THE
COUNTY OF LINCOLN,

AND SEVERAL

PLACES ADJACENT,

EMBELLISHED WITH ENGRAVINGS.

BY GEORGE WEIR.

SECOND EDITION.

LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR BY SHERWOOD, NEELY, AND JONES,
PATERNOSTER-ROW.

SOLD AT HORNCASTLE BY WEIR AND SON.

1822.

Printed by Weir and Son,
Horncastle.

ADVERTISEMENT.

The first impression of this work being sold off, and copies still enquired for, a second edition has been prepared for publication. In this edition the Author has taken care to insert such additional information respecting the places described in the former impression, as he has been able to procure. A view of the Monastic Remains at Tupholme, together with a short description of the place, is also added; and for the drawing from which this view is engraved, the Author has to acknowledge his obligation to Mr. Espin, of Louth, who kindly furnished several of the former views.

In order to reduce the price of the book as much as possible, the ancient and modern plans of Horncastle, together with the Appendix, consisting chiefly of charters, which were included in the first edition, in this are omitted.

August 15, 1822.

CONTENTS.

EMBELLISHMENTS.

HORNCASTLE.

SITUATION.

Horncastle is pleasantly situated at the foot of that bold and even range of Hills, which, from their openness, have been termed the wolds. It is nearly in the centre of the Lindsey division of the county of Lincoln, and is the chief of a soke of fifteen parishes to which it gives name.

The principal part of the town is built within an angle formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Bane and the Waring, where an ancient fortification formerly stood, the scite of which is still visible, denoting it in early times to have been a station of importance.

The character of the place however is now completely changed. From a military station it has become a situation of trade; and owing to its being surrounded by a considerable number of villages, possesses one of the largest markets in the county.

Its distance from the city of Lincoln is twenty-one miles, and eighteen from the town of Boston.

HORNCASTLE DURING THE ROMAN AND SAXON GOVERNMENTS.

Before the invasion of Britain by the Romans, whilst yet the island was divided into independent states, the present scite of Horncastle with its immediate neighbourhood was doubtless appropriated, like the rest of the country of the Coritani, to the pasturing of herds and flocks. In the formation of settlements no other circumstances influenced the Britons than the conveniences which might be afforded them in their accustomed occupations. Vallies fertilized by streams, and the contiguous hills would supply food for their cattle and sheep, whilst the neighbourhood of forests invited to the pursuits of the chase. The rich tracts of open grass land stretching along the banks of the river Bane, and its tributary stream, would be populously occupied by the pastoral inhabitants of this district. Hence it may be presumed, that when the weak efforts of the Coritani for independence had left them vanquished by the victorious arms of the Romans, under Ostorius Scapula, and finally a tributary state by the more efficient achievements of Suetonius Paulinus, this portion of the country was soon secured by fixing on the present scite of Horncastle a military station. From the almost imperishable masses of the ancient wall which still remain, and by the numerous coins, urns, and other vestiges of the Roman people which have been found in this place, and are still met with in turning up the soil, it evidently became in process of time a station of considerable importance. It is difficult however to make any definite suggestions as to the period at which the fortifications were erected, no inscription having been found to throw light upon the subject.

To secure by effectual barriers against insurrections, the conquests which had already been made, whilst yet the bordering people to the north, the fierce and powerful Brigantes, remained unsubdued, might be deemed by the Romans a sufficient inducement for raising frequent and effectual military works among the inhabitants of this state: for it was not until Petillius Cerealis was appointed by the emperor Vespasian to the command in the province of Britain, that this hitherto unbridled nation were either conquered or involved in all the calamities of warfare. Though there be no precise data by which the decision may be guided, as to the time of the earlier military erections which were formed at this place; yet it cannot be ascribed to a much later period than the above occurrences so intimately connected. At all events, it may not be considered posterior to the effects which resulted from the wise policy of Agricola. Immediately on his arrival to assume the command, he placed along the frontiers of the several subjugated districts, a chain of fortresses: these were constructed with so much care and judgment, that the inhabitants of those parts where the Roman arms had not then penetrated, could never consider themselves secure from the vigor of the conqueror. [4a] The people, soon after this, completed their submission to the yoke by yielding to the allurements of Roman manners. Their ferocity was tamed: from a savage people running wild in woods, they became cultivated, acquiring knowledge, and dwelling in towns; and finally sweetened their slavery, by indulging in the pleasures of polished life.

From the circumstances of this station being situated on the river Bane, several antiquaries have concurred in fixing here the Banovallum of the Roman geographer Ravennas. This opinion has been the more readily adopted from the etymology of the name; the latter part of the word being Latin, and the whole collectively signifying a fortification on the Bane. It is indeed probable that the Romans were induced at first to make a station at this place, from its convenient situation, easily rendered defensible by a vallum, or temporary barrier, drawn across the aperture of the two rivers from one bank to the other, and thence came its designation. Afterwards they built the indissoluble stone wall, whose vestiges after the lapse of ages are manifest nearly the whole compass round. [4b] It is to be regretted that Ravennas gives no distances: he merely places Banovallum next after Lindum, so that nothing decidedly certain can be gained from his work.

But, though it cannot be positively ascertained that this spot was the Roman Banovallum; yet, as the name most evidently points out a fortification on the river Bane, there appears little reason to question it; both from its contiguity to the colony of Lindum, with which place it had communication by means of a military road; as also from its situation; particularly as no other remains of the Romans have been discovered on that river, nor yet any near to it, except some coins at the village of Ludford, where the Bane has its source; and traces of an encampment at Tattershall, more than a mile distant from its banks. [5a]

In what circumstances this station was involved from the final subjugation of the Britons by Agricola, under whose paternal government the province felt some portion of enjoyment in cultivating the arts of peace, is not known: but, from the evidence of antiquities, it is perceptible that it continued a place of importance down to the period when the Romans in the decline of their empire had withdrawn from Britain; though probably, in the security of a long abstraction from war, its military strength was somewhat disregarded. No sooner however had the necessities and the mistaken policy of the enervated inhabitants, again left to themselves, called to their assistance the warlike Saxons, against the eruptions of the northern barbarians, than we find this place agitated, in common with the rest of the country, by all the calamities which were connected with the desperate contests which ensued: the Britons having to struggle for liberty, against the eagerness for dominion on the part of the victorious Saxons. These people, according to the practice which prevailed amongst them of changing the names of Roman stations, gave to this place the appellation of Hyrncastre or Hornecastre, from its situation in an angle formed by the junction of the two rivers, which denotes a fortification in a corner, of which the present name Horncastle is evidently a corruption.

The Roman fortress was at that time either destroyed, or in a very dilapidated state: for Horsa, the Saxon general and brother of Hengist is stated to have enstrengthened the fortress of Horncastle. This fortification however did not continue long; for Horsa being defeated in an engagement with the Britons, under the command of Raengeires, at the neighbouring village of Tetford, Vortimer king of the Britons caused it to be beaten down and rendered defenceless. [5b]

THE MANOR.

By the record called Domesday, compiled towards the latter end of the reign of William the Conqueror, it appears that the manor of Horncastle, previous to the close of the Saxon Government, belonged to Editha the queen of Edward the Confessor; but at the time of making that survey, it formed, together with the soke, part of the possessions of the king. [6a]

When the manor was separated from the crown does not appear; but in the reign of Stephen it was the demesne of Alice or Adelias de Cundi, who resided at her castle here, which leaves it to be concluded that she held it by inheritance from her father. [6b] As she took part against the king in his contention with the Empress Maud, he seized her lands, but restored them again on condition that she should demolish her castle, the means which had served to render her political alliance formidable to his interest. [6c] What may have been the extent and nature of the structure possessed as the mansion of Adelias is not now discoverable, no traces being to be found; but its strength most probably consisted in a restoration of the walls of the Roman fortress, which encircling some convenient and less durable edifice, gave to the place of her residence the security of a castle.

The restitution by Stephen of these lands to Adelias de Cundi, seems to have been only for life, as her heir did not succeed thereto; for this manor came again to the crown, and was afterwards given by Henry the second to Gerbald le Escald, a Fleming, who held it for one knight’s fee, and who was succeeded by his grandson or nephew and heir Gerrard de Rhodes. [6d] Gerrard was succeeded by his son and heir Ralph de Rhodes, who, in the reign of Henry the third, sold the manor to Walter Mauclerke, the third Bishop of Carlisle, who also held the office of Treasurer of the Exchequer. This sale being made in the spirit of these times when the feodal system prevailed, the bishop and his successors were to hold the estate by the performance of suit and service to Ralph de Rhodes and his heirs. In the fourteenth year of the same reign, the transfer to Walter Mauclerke was confirmed by the king, who in the same year also granted to him three several charters, conferring those immunities upon the manor and soke, which served to raise the town of Horncastle from the dependence of a village, to become in some degree the mart of the surrounding country.

The first of these charters gave to the bishop free warren over the manor and the soke: the second the liberty of holding an annual fair at this place, which was to commence two days before the eve of the feast of St. Barnabas, and to continue eight days: the third had for its objects the empowering of the bishop to try felons, and to hold a court leet; also the exemption of the inhabitants of the manor and the soke from toll, and several other payments and services, beside protecting them from arrest by the officers of the king and the sheriff. [7a] An additional charter was granted in the following year enabling the bishop to hold a weekly market here every Wednesday; and also another annual fair to commence on the eve of the feast of St. Lawrence, and to continue seven days. [7b] The custom of holding a fair on the anniversary of this festival appears to have prevailed at an earlier period, it being alluded to in the charter granting the former fair.

In the same reign, Gerrard, the son and heir of Ralph de Rhodes, appears to have preferred his claim to this manor, which had been sold by his father; perhaps in consequence of some omission in the performance of those services by which the estate was to be held. [7c] His claim does not appear to have been successful; for in the seventeenth year of the same king, the bishop fined to hold the manor in fee, but not to alienate without licence. [7d]

Walter Mauclerke resigned the see of Carlisle in 1246, and as the manor devolved to his ecclesiastical successors, it may be inferred that it had been purchased to increase the revenues of the bishoprick, and not to be appropriated as his private property. The privileges of such essential interest to the estate, which had already been conferred by the preceding charters, were in part strengthened by fresh acknowledgments to the Bishops of Carlisle, in the reigns of the two succeeding kings; Edward the first confirming the grant of free warren, and Edward the second that which exempts the inhabitants of the manor and soke from certain payments and services. [8a]

At the period of Richard the second, Roger le Scrop and Margaret his wife, with Robert Tibetot and Eve his wife, heirs and descendants of Gerbald le Escald, appear to have advanced a claim to this manor, and to have succeeded in obtaining letters patent, confirming to them homage and service from the ecclesiastical possessor. [8b] At that time also when the border contests had laid waste the see of Carlisle, and divested the bishops of their seat of Rose Castle in Cumberland, they were necessitated to take up their residence at Horncastle, which continued for some time to be their principal place of abode.

In the twenty-fifth year of Henry the sixth, that monarch confirmed the several charters granted to the bishops as lords of this manor, by Henry the third, and also conferred on them numerous other privileges. [8c]

The manor continued in the possession of the Bishops of Carlisle, until the reign of Edward the sixth, when under the authority of a licence from the crown, it was sold by Bishop Aldrich to Edward Lord Clinton, who, during the time he held it, compounded with the copyhold tenants, and enfranchised their estates; but after Mary had ascended the throne, he was compelled to re-convey his purchase to the see of Carlisle, to which, since that time, it has continued to belong. [8d] Bishop Aldrich died at this place in March, 1555, the second year of the reign of Queen Mary: from which it appears, that the estate had either been restored previous to his decease; or, in the conditions of the sale he had reserved to himself the privilege of residing in the manor house. [8e]

In the sixteenth year of the reign of Charles the second, the several charters which had before been granted to the possessors of this manor were again acknowledged, and the privileges further extended. [9a]

Queen Elizabeth had a lease of this manor from the then possessing bishop, in which she was succeeded by James the first, who assigned it to Sir Edward Clinton, knight; but owing to a neglect of enrollment, it proved void. [9b] For nearly a century the lease was held by the late Right Honorable Sir Joseph Banks, Baronet, and his ancestors, and it is now held in trust for the benefit of his devisees.

The large tract of fen land, situated between this place and Boston, at a very early period belonged to the lords of this manor, in conjunction with the lords of the manors of Bolingbroke and Scrivelsby; but by the grants which they gave to the neighbouring abbies at Revesby and Kirkstead, their right therein became comparatively small. [9c] On the enclosure of these fens, pursuant to Act of Parliament, in 1801, about six hundred acres were annexed to the parish of Horncastle, eighty-one acres of which were allotted to the lord of the manor; the remainder to the owners of common-right houses.

The parochial extent of Horncastle, exclusive of the fen allotment, is about one thousand three hundred acres, two hundred and fifty of which are contained in the manorial estates.

The house where the bishops used to reside, a spacious structure, but destitute of architectural merit, was situated at the north-west corner of the ancient fortress. It was demolished about the year 1770, when the present manor house was erected on its scite.

HORNCASTLE DURING THE CIVIL WARS IN THE
REIGN OF CHARLES THE FIRST.

Notwithstanding that in this part was born that individual of the family of Plantagenet, whose assumption of the throne plunged the country, for half a century, into the civil wars which nearly exterminated the ancient nobility; yet had the soil here been unstained by the blood so profusely shed. Partaking, in common with all, the miseries of the land, it seemed peculiarly exempted from beholding those contentions of the houses of York and Lancaster, which sprung from the elevation of Henry of Bolingbroke to the sovereignty of England. It was however otherwise when the usurpation of unlimited power on the part of Charles the first had urged a war between the people and the king. As peculiar circumstances of policy and interest had brought the military operations into these parts, it will be necessary in their detail to revert to the conduct of the parties opposed in the opening of the war.

No sooner had the commons demanded concessions from the royal prerogative, as the only security against the repeated encroachments which had been made on the privileges of the people, than they were impelled, by the insincerity of the monarch, to protect the interest of the subject by every possible means. The right of the sword was looked upon as the exalted claim of the patriot alone; but as either party considered themselves influenced by the sacred love of their country, both made gradual advances to an appeal: the one to protect the liberties of the people; the other, those general interests which seemed connected with upholding the authority of the king. As the commons were sensible that the monarch would seize the first favorable opportunity to reinstate himself in the former excess of his power, the earliest precautions were taken in regard to the military establishments of the country. Amongst these was secured the important fortress of Hull, containing the arms of all the forces which had been levied against the Scots: with these the parliament also assumed to themselves the disposal of the militia, a force indeed collected, but totally untried in the conduct of war. The king, on erecting his standard, opposed to this, as a resource of strength, his Commission of Array. The call of the monarch was obeyed by each county, as the political inclinations of individuals led them, or in submission to the influence and example of those men of fortune, with whose interests that of their tenantry was intimately connected. [11a]

The contest carried on in the south and in the west with vigor, already appeared favorable to the royal cause. In the north, however, it sustained a decided check, by the strong hold which the parliament possessed in the garrison of Hull, then commanded by Lord Fairfax, who, unable to maintain the field against the Marquis of Newcastle, had there retired, determined to repel a siege with courage and ability; and to diminish the strength of his enemy by sudden incursions.

The disposable forces of the parliament, not immediately required for the defence of Hull, were too inconsiderable to oppose the march into the south. Notwithstanding this, the affairs of the king were ruined by confining the efforts of a powerful army to investing this fortress; while the active enemy, though few in number, acquired by their boldness and intrepidity, an effective strength in the field. When Oliver Cromwell, then beginning to signalize himself as the companion in arms of the young and gallant Sir Thomas Fairfax, had by a signal victory at Gainsborough, routed the royal troops; the Marquis of Newcastle, beholding his brother Cavendish dead, amid the noblest and bravest of his soldiers, seemed as if awakened by the calls of vengeance to the necessity of more extensive exertions. He therefore suddenly decided on harassing his opponents, while weak and inefficient, by dispatching a competent force into the heart of Lincolnshire. Cromwell, though a conqueror, was obliged to make a precipitate retreat; and as Lincoln was not defensible, he hastened on the day succeeding his victory to Boston; intending there, with the young Sir Thomas Fairfax, who was proceeding with additional horse from Hull, to concentrate their forces with those of the Earl of Manchester. [11b]

The division of the royal army, destined for these parts, was entrusted to the command of Sir John Henderson, an old and valiant soldier, and to Sir William Widdrington, who was appointed governor of Lincoln. As these leaders were anxious to requite themselves for the defeat which had so recently crowned the conquerors with the applause of heroism, they determined to draw the enemy to an engagement before their reinforcements should arrive: ere this however could be effected, Manchester, upon advice of their intention, after possessing himself of the strong fortress of Lynn, had advanced with the disposable part of the army of the associated counties. Such appeared to be the mutual disposition of affairs in the north, at the beginning of October, 1643, in the first year of the civil war.

The army of the parliament, about six thousand foot, and thirty-seven troop of horse, being concentrated at Boston, it was determined that companies should be distributed into such parts as might secure their early co-operation whensoever occasion should require. Bolingbroke, defended by a castle held by the partizans of the king, called forth into exertion their vigor and the alacrity of their courage. [12] This they decided upon as the place of military operation; whilst as the neighbourhood promised the most favorable circumstances for a field, they would there invite the enemy on to battle. Accordingly ten companies commanded by Major Knight, an officer under Sir Miles Hobart, were disposed of at this place. A regiment commanded by Colonel Russel, was quartered at Stickford, about two miles distant; and three companies of the Earl of Manchester’s own at the village of Stickney. The cavalry were all distributed into the country round, for about eight or ten miles distance.

In the evening after their arrival, the castle of Bolingbroke was summoned. The answer in effect was, that “the commander need not expect that the demands of arrogance alone should win the castle.” From this determined reply promising a strenuous defence, dispositions were immediately taken to acquire it by a regular siege. The church and a neighbouring house were occupied by the assailants, earth works were thrown up, and the assault commenced, but without much effect.

During this time, the royalists, bold, eager, and trusting that a generous heroism would nerve them for victory, waited only the opportunity for attack. Upon learning the arrival of the Earl of Manchester, they lost no time in drawing out all their military from the several garrisons of Lincoln, Newark, and Gainsborough, still stimulated by an undaunted resolution to find out the enemy, and advance to the combat. Hastening on, they arrived, early on the day previous to the battle, at the out-posts of the parliamentary forces.

No sooner had a detachment from the king’s army, advancing on the western road, been observed at Edlington, reconnoitring the lines of their enemy, than word came to Sir Thomas Fairfax, the commandant of the cavalry at Horncastle, that a surprize was expected. Information was accordingly dispatched to the Earl of Manchester: it found him at East Kirkby hill, with Colonel Cromwell, and the Lord Willoughby of Parham, intently observing the progress which the besiegers made against the castle of Bolingbroke, and assiduously ordering the dispositions of attack. Roused at this communication, Cromwell immediately hurried to collect the troops dispersed around. Fairfax was still every where distributing horsemen for the purpose of enquiry, cautious to ascertain and forward such accounts as might be obtained of the progress and number of the royal forces; who though eager for battle, were careful to deliberate on the promises of success. As the party who caused the alarm, suspecting themselves seen, had drawn off with such intelligence as they gathered, there seemed reason to suppose that the main body of the royalists were yet at a considerable distance: Fairfax therefore about sun set, learning nothing additional, proceeded to the quarters at East Kirkby, to confer on the measures proposed for the expected conflict. In the mean time, the Earl of Manchester, with Lord Willoughby and some other officers, had with the like object hastened to Horncastle, previously appointing that at that place the forces should be immediately collected; where, being drawn together, the most effective resolutions might be taken for ensuring a victory, or lessening the calamities of a defeat.

It was not until the dusk of the evening that the royal army, under Sir John Henderson, moved rapidly on to the station of their enemy. They had judged that the dubious light would serve to conceal their true numbers; and that as nothing was known of them with certainty, but their anxious readiness for the encounter; so their opponents, whether few or many, deeming them prepared for every casualty, might, by their indecision, leave an easy conquest to their arms.

The out-posts were surprized by the precipitate advance of these hostile forces; and in the unprepared circumstances of those who maintained them, and the disparity of their numbers, there was afforded them no means of encountering their difficulties, but the hardihood of a cool intrepidity. This indeed was a stern calmness which always pervaded the breast of a Puritan who was a soldier. He did not untremblingly bare his bosom to the steel because, like a Roman, he abstractedly considered fear inconsistent with the nobler qualities of human nature; but because the factitious enthusiasm of his religion had taught him to look with indifference on temporal things. If the general good required the sacrifice of his life, the particular calamities of his family were dismissed with scarce a thought beyond a pious supplication. It was this feeling which finally rendered the parliament victorious in the contest. However in this unlooked-for state the soldiers at the out-posts were exposed to much perplexity, and many were the dangers recited amongst them on the morning of the gathering of their strength for the field of battle. Some finding themselves surrounded, out-numbered, and in all the perilous circumstances of desperate warfare, were obliged to supply by politic conduct the helplessness of their condition. These therefore, hastily mounting their horses, agreed with much resolution to break through the opposing ranks, sword in hand, with the words of mutual encouragement, “Come on! come on! all is our own,” thinking that the royalists, by these ambiguous shouts, fearing an ambuscade, would leave to them an easy passage by the sudden confusion of their alarm. In this manner about four companies encountered two thousand cavalry, with the loss of only three men.

Though these warriors, taking the advantage of the darkness of the evening, were enabled by their resolute conduct to overcome these difficulties; yet as the royal army had already advanced onward to Horncastle, in strong and numerous detachments, they were exposed in their retreat thither to fresh and obstinate encounters. Perceiving, as they approached the town, that they had come up to another party of the royalist’s horse, they determined, after saluting them as friends, to hurry onward as if destined for some urgent duty. They had, however, scarce passed them, when flushed with the success of their stratagem, and feeling the pride and bravado of soldiers, who deemed their individual preservation as of little value to their common strength, if purchased without the blood of their enemy, they turned to the attack of the unwary royalists. “For whom are ye?” said they. “For the king.” “We are for the king and parliament.” Scarcely had these declarations been interchanged, when rushing precipitately on the unsuspecting royalists and throwing them into disorder, the assailants fled towards the town, deeming themselves secure in the quarters of their comrades, and considering their valour rewarded in the acclamations that would greet them from their friends. But Horncastle, surprized at the approach of numerous hostile forces, had been evacuated by the detachment of horse which possessed it; and the inhabitants as soon as the town was seized by the troops of the king, having secured the entrances and roads through it, by forming barriers with carts and timber; the cavalry found themselves again obliged to exert their unyielding valor in turning upon their pursuers. Desperately therefore they burst through them with the full energy of their courage, sustaining the loss of some few men, among whom was a cornet; but bringing away prisoners as the evidence of their perils and their triumph. [15a]

At this period of hurried confusion, and the setting in of the night, the Earl of Manchester reached the town. He heard the rejoicings of the troops, thus victorious in the dangers of their retreat; taunting the royalists with their shouts, as they drew off undefeated from their toils. Finding now that the place designed for the assembling of his forces was already possessed by the enemy, he hastily recalled the orders for the general rendezvous at Horncastle, and appointed Bolingbroke in its stead. Thither at night repaired the dispersed soldiery of the parliament, except three or four troops of horse, who, in the difficulties of retreating before superior forces, had been obliged to proceed by the circuit of Tattershall, and did not arrive until the next morning.

At Bolingbroke, Manchester designed to wait for the royalists; but Cromwell, actuated by prudence, urged the delaying of the battle, since the troops, upon whose prowess and exertion success depended, were wearied, and little able to sustain the ardour of the fight. [15b] The royal army were however too eager to secure the promises of a victory, to permit their adversaries to renew their strength by avoiding the contest. As soon as the morning had dawned and the silence of the surrounding country assured them that their enemies were withdrawn from near them, and were assembling together at Bolingbroke, they arrayed themselves for the encounter. Before the middle of the day they marched out, in strength about seventy-five troops of horse, and five thousand foot, to meet the soldiers of the parliament. Foreboding with certainty that this would be their determination, Manchester was constrained to the resolution of giving them battle, and immediately advanced towards them.

The spot upon which the contending armies engaged was a gently rising and broadly extended eminence, at a village called Winceby, midway between Horncastle and Bolingbroke. It commands an extensive prospect of the far stretched fen-lands of the county; whilst to the westward is seen those cliffs, on the summit of one of which magnificently rises the cathedral of Lincoln. This the royal army had contemplated as a district, which by victory was either to be restored to the authority of the king; or by defeat to afford an effectual check to the military operations in the north, and to be ensured as a further resource to the parliament. The noon was already passed when the armies came in sight of each other. The royalists trusting with confidence to their mutual ardor, rejoiced when they beheld the adverse soldiers advancing to meet them, though amid the wild chant of hymns for mercy and for victory. In the fields immediately before them they fixed the order of their battle: formed into closely compacted lines, the cavalry was placed in the advance, and covered the infantry. The left wing of this array, was commanded by the general Sir John Henderson. [16a]

The Earl of Manchester, pressed for ground in the marshalling of his forces, presented alone his cavalry to the fight; the infantry, headed by himself, being stationed so far in the rear that they were unable to second the exertions of their horsemen. [16b] The disadvantages arising from fatigue, with the closeness of ground, and inequality of numbers, were apparent to the warriors of the parliament. In the doubtful promises of the contest, their leaders sought to replenish their strength, and supply their situation by words and by actions, infusing into them an energy and martial ardour rivalling their own. Fairfax, who knew by experience that the undaunted intrepidity of a few was more efficient in its achievements than the impetuosity of those who relied for security on their numbers, pointed to his men the imposing array of his adversaries, exclaiming “Come let us fall on; I never prospered better than when I fought with my enemies three or four to one.” Cromwell, by the apparent bravery with which he was animated, promised them that examples of heroism should not be wanted, whilst life was given him to lead them. [17a]

On the other hand, the commander of the royal forces did not lose the opportunity which was afforded him of reminding his fellow soldiers that vengeance was yet due for the defeat at Gainsborough; and that now was supplied them a time to requite themselves for the blood of the illustrious brother of Newcastle. He set before them the necessity of strenuous exertions and important sacrifices, by pointing to the example of one, who exalted amidst the mighty of the land, lately fighting among them, did not hesitate to devote himself to death for the cause of his sovereign. At the moment therefore when the armies were ready to engage, the royalists raised the cry of “Cavendish! on for Cavendish!” which was as loudly answered by the enthusiastic shout of “Religion!” the zeal which animated those who proclaimed it, by inspiring them with hopes of immortality, rendered death less to be dreaded than the misfortunes of a defeat. [17b]

Scarce had the words of onset been given, when the divisions of cavalry, under the command of Cromwell and Fairfax, were led to the charge by Vermeydun, a soldier of valour, who headed the first detachment as a forlorn hope, aspiring to the honor of directing his comrades on to victory. Already the horsemen of the royalists, with a well directed precision, had vigorously poured into their ranks the second discharge of their fire arms. These did some execution among them; and Cromwell thus early had his horse shot under him. A minute had elapsed before the parties fiercely met in the close encounter, arm to arm. Cromwell for a time was compelled to grapple on foot with his enemies, entangled amid the trappings of his dying charger. Though felled to the ground as he attempted to extricate himself from this perilous situation, he rose uninjured. This singular man, bold and intrepid, animated by zeal, foremost in the fight, struggling with disasters, seemed peculiarly preserved in all his dangers to fill that situation in the page of history, where, though elevated by violence, he powerfully commands our admiration by his success, his prudence, and the daring of his genius. Sir Ingram Hopton, who at this moment had attempted to seize him, was killed. [18] Cromwell, now recovering a horse from a soldier near him, bravely led on his companions to the combat, strengthening their stern courage by the most signal proofs of his personal bravery.

Not with less valor was the conflict sustained on the part of the royalists. Sir John Henderson, the hardy veteran of former battles, firm as a rock amid the rushing of the waves, resisted every impetuous assault. His adversaries were driven back in disorder; but these men, not readily to be repulsed, returned, with a cool bravery and redoubled vigor to the attack. For half an hour, firm and undecided, continued the contest, sword against sword, and fortitude repelling courage. The resolute warriors, who sustained the furious charges of Fairfax and Cromwell, for the whole were not engaged, relinquished not a portion of their ground. At last, a division commanded by Sir William Saville wavering, though reluctant to give way, became routed and completely disordered. Yielding, they struck confusion into the other bodies of their own horse; and these again were hurled with precipitance upon the mass of their infantry. All being alike borne down in this part of the field, none were left to second the broken and disordered, in again advancing to the combat. The division of Sir John Henderson and Lord Ething alone maintained itself unyielding and unsubdued. The exulting army of the parliament, now taking advantage of the discomfiture of the other troops, and the tumult of the infantry, assailed with a desperate charge the yet unrepulsed. In vain did the royalist commander exhort his men to be resolute and undismayed; but no prudence could uphold the advantages which valor must lose. Their fortitude was giving way to despair; and the successful, elated with the promises of victory, found no equal disputants in men dismayed by the certainty of a defeat. Perplexed amid the various and ineffectual efforts of the other bodies of the royal troops, the disheartened defenders of the field yielded beneath the shock of the adverse weapons. The victorious soldiers now fiercely plunging in amidst the routed dragoons, many of whom at this time were on foot and in the most appalling confusion, saw them quickly disappearing beneath the havoc of their swords and the fury of their horses. The infantry were for the most part destroyed; for being intercepted by a body of cavalry, scarce a man survived the carnage. [19a] There was now no safety but in a dishonorable flight. The pursuit continued beyond Horncastle with unremitting fury; and along the road were strewed the horse and the rider, the dead and the dying. [19b]

The soldiers under the command of Manchester, who as yet had partaken in no respect in the glory of the blood-shed, reserved their efforts for securing the prisoners, and assisting the scarce breathing wounded of the royal army, who were scattered about the field in groups. Such partizans as had recently been embodied by the commission of array, were pitiably supplicating the mercy of their conquerors. Cursing with deep execration that little regard which had hurried them to the fight, without a feeling of interest in its issue, they cried out that the commission of array had brought them thither against their wills, and blessing the cause of liberty and religion, added “We die as true servants of the parliament as any in England, and woe be to those who were the cause that Lincoln and York became the prey of such a war.” [19c]

Though the battle was fought with determined obstinacy; yet, whilst the parties maintained their ground, the loss was comparatively small: the havoc that ensued was among the routed and the flying. There were killed but few on the side of the parliament. Those of rank who were slain of the royal forces, were Sir George Bolles, and Sir Ingram Hopton. The prisoners, about one thousand in number, were the wounded on the field, and those parties of the dispersed fugitives, who to avoid the overwhelming carnage of their pursuers, had secreted themselves amongst the rugged and winding banks of a neighbouring river: many indeed were taken whilst seeking refuge in the very waters, where some had already perished, bleeding and wearied in their armour, overcome in their inability to recover themselves from the deeper parts of the stream. The trophies which the conquerors obtained in the fight of Winceby field, were arms for fifteen hundred men, and thirty-five standards. [20a]

Returning from the pursuit, the exhausted cavalry rested for the night in the villages around Horncastle. The infantry occupied quarters in the town, where they found two hundred horses left by their fugitive enemy. Of the wounded, the Earl of Manchester ordered especial care to be taken, whilst the dead were hastily consigned to the nearest graves. The body of Sir Ingram Hopton was brought to Horncastle and buried in the church: for Cromwell, who did not permit his political resentment to render him callous or insensible to the generous feelings of a soldier, experienced some sympathy for the individual whose ardor in attempting his destruction, for what was deemed the welfare of his country, had cost the sacrifice of his own life: he therefore, upon his arrival in the town, commanded the inhabitants to fetch the body of Sir Ingram Hopton, and inter it with the honors due to his rank; observing, that though an enemy, he was a gentleman and a soldier. [20b]

Of those royalists who escaped the slaughter, there were scarce a thousand efficient for the field; and these were destined to sustain another overthrow at the battle of Lincoln close, which completed the warfare in this county. Bolingbroke castle had already yielded; and this with Tattershall, the principal places of defence in this neighbourhood, were soon after devoted to the dismantling policy of the parliament, which doomed them with the noble edifices of the country, to that destruction which left them but ruins in silent and lingering decay.

Although this victory afforded a cause for so much rejoicing to the friends of the parliament; yet were its consequences mightier for the interests which it strengthened, by the defeat, on the same day, [20c] of the Marquis of Newcastle before the fortress of Hull. The Lord Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum, making a desperate sortie, had completely overthrown the royalists with much slaughter; forcing them, though protected behind strong entrenchments, to abandon the siege with the loss of all their cannon. The impolicy of the royalist commander was now perceptible too late. This ruin of the affairs of the king seemed at once to have obliterated all the generous services which the faithful Newcastle had made in the cause of his sovereign; and shortly after these disasters, he retired to the continent, [21] where he spent a life of indigence, until the restoration gave again the royal authority to Britain. These actions, though inconsiderable in themselves, were yet great in their effects. The expectations of the royalists in Yorkshire were now nearly blasted: Lincolnshire, after the occupation of its city, escaped the further deluge of blood; and the defeats served to assist in hastening the fight of Marston Moor, where the hopes of Charles were reduced to that one gleam, which was finally extinguished at the battle of Naseby.

ANTIQUITIES.

Amongst the remains of antiquity at this place, the vestiges of the Roman fortress are the most worthy of attention; and although they are too small to give an adequate idea of the original structure, are yet sufficient to show the form and extent of the space enclosed, which appears to have been nearly a parallelogram, of about six hundred feet in length, and in breadth three hundred and fifty on the east, and three hundred on the west. [22] The wall by which this area was surrounded was fifteen or sixteen feet in thickness, and composed of small blocks of a loosely aggregated sand stone, dug from the neighbouring hills. It was formed with casing stones on the outside, the internal parts being filled up with courses laid diagonally, which according to the customary and substantial mode of building among the Romans, were run together by mortar disseminated through the interstices in a fluid state, forming a cement which has acquired by time an imperishable induration. Of the casing stones none are now to be seen, except in cellars which have been formed by the side of the wall. Where the fragments are sufficiently high, those portions of the Roman masonry, which remained after the destruction of the fortress, may be perceived rising to about six or seven feet above the ground, the diagonal courses of stone then ceasing. Above this the construction is marked by masses of larger dimensions than the lower parts; a circumstance evincing that another structure of a different period has been erected on the original foundation: this was probably a reparation which was made in the time of the Anglo-Saxons. At the north-east corner of the enclosure the remains of a circular turret are still visible; but of the towers or gateways no traces are left.

Near the junction of the two rivers, on the south-west of the town, was formerly one of those mazes common to Roman stations, called the Julian Bower. In these the youth were exercised in a martial game, called Troy Town, which in after years, though divested of its martial character, continued to be amongst the healthy pastimes of the young, in their evening assemblies of pleasure and sport. [23] Cultivation has long since effaced every vestige of the maze; but the piece of land on which it stood still retains the name of the Julian Bower Close.

A peculiar rustic ceremony, which used annually to be observed at this place, doubtless derived its origin from the Floral games of antiquity. On the morning of May-day, when the young of the neighbourhood assembled to partake in the amusements which ushered in the festivals of the month of flowers, a train of youths collected themselves at a place to this day called the May Bank. From thence, with wands enwreathed with cowslips, they walked in procession to the may-pole, situated at the west end of the town, and adorned on that morning with every variety in the gifts of Flora. Here, uniting in the wild joy of young enthusiasm, they struck together their wands, and scattering around the cowslips, testified their thankfulness for that bounty, which widely diffusing its riches, enabled them to return home rejoicing at the promises of the opening year. That innovation in the manners and customs of the country, which has swept away the ancient pastimes of rustic simplicity, obliterated about the year 1780 this peculiar vestige of the Roman Floralia.

In the fields on the south side of the town, the ground abounds with fragments of cinerary urns, and several perfect ones have also there been discovered. From these circumstances, together with the appearance of the soil, it seems certain that in this part the Romans used to burn their dead on the funeral pile. Of the urns found, only two are known to exist in the neighbourhood; one being in the collection of the late Right Honorable Sir Joseph Banks, at Revesby Abbey, the other in the possession of Mr. Crowder, an inhabitant of the town.

It is much to be regretted for the advancement of researches into local antiquities that the chief part of the urns, coins, fibulæ, and other Roman vestiges discovered at Horncastle, have been sold to strangers who have visited the town, or to dealers elsewhere. The coins which have been found here are numerous, and though chiefly of small brass and denarii ærei of the lower empire, yet they include many extremely fine and varied specimens of the earlier imperial coins, both of a larger size and of other metals, several of which are in the possession of different individuals of the town. Amongst these may be particularized the silver coins of Vespasian, L. Septimius Severus, Alexander Severus, and Volusianus; the large brass of Trajan; and the middle brass of Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Trajan, Hadrian, Domitian, Antoninus Pius, Faustina the elder, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, and Faustina the younger. The small brass and denarii ærei form nearly a complete series of the emperors from Gallienus to Valentinianus the second, and include also within that period, coins of some of the tyrants of Britain and Gaul. Beside these are some others in the collection of the late Reverend Charles L’Oste, now possessed by his son, but unfortunately no memoranda exist by which they are to be distinguished from those obtained at other places. This gentleman also had in his collection several fibulæ and stiles which had been discovered here.

A British coin found at this place has on its concave side the horse and symbolic circles; on the convex is the representation of an animal apparently intended for a stag, with similar ornaments around it, to those the other side possesses. Many of the early English silver currency have been found here, and also a specimen of the Scottish coinage of David the second.

In deepening the bed of the river Bane, to complete the navigation, in 1802, an ornamental brass spur, part of a brass crucifix, and a dagger, were found together at a short distance from the north bason of the navigation. The spur is now lost; the part of the crucifix and the dagger are in the possession of the author.

THE CHURCH.

From the silence of the Domesday Book respecting a church at this place, it may be concluded that there was not one erected when that survey was made; there however appears to have been one in the reign of Richard the first. [26a]

The present structure, which is dedicated to Saint Mary, stands in the centre of the town, and possesses but few attractions for the antiquary or the architect. It consists of a square tower, a nave and chancel, with north and south aisles. Being for the most part built with the soft and imperfectly aggregated sand-stone of the neighbourhood, which yields easily to the moisture of the atmosphere, it has suffered much from the effects of time; and the decayed parts being repaired with brick, gives to the building a motley and unprepossessing appearance.

The few portions of the original architecture which have escaped the silent ravages of years and the hands of the innovator, bespeak the building of no higher antiquity than the period of Henry the seventh. The aisle on the north side of the chancel is ornamented with embattlements, on which quatrefoils and blank shields are sculptured. It was probably used as a chantry, one of the windows having formerly contained an inscription justifying such a supposition. [26b] This aisle does not extend the whole length of the chancel, and in the space so left, the remains of an oratory and confessional are still visible; this space formerly appropriated as a depository for coals to distribute among the poor, is now occupied by a building to contain the fire engines; a corresponding part of the south aisle being used as a vestry. The aisle on the south side of the chancel was rebuilt in 1820; but the original windows were restored and again inserted. Part of the aisle on the south of the nave was rebuilt in the following year.

The interior of the church is remarkably neat and well pewed. A gallery at the west end of the nave contains an organ which was purchased by subscription in 1810. Galleries are also erected in each aisle of the nave.

In the wall of the north aisle is a stone, containing the figure in brass of Sir Lionel Dymoke, in armour, kneeling on a cushion, and holding in his hand a label, on which is written, in black letter,

“Sc’ta trinitas unus deus miserere nob.”

On each side of him are two shields containing arms, at one of the lower corners are the figures of his two sons, and at the other those of his three daughters, and under him this inscription in black letter:

“In honore sc’te et individue trinitatis Orate p’ a’ia Leonis Dymoke milit’ q’ obijt xvij die me’se augusti aº D’ni mº ccccc xix cuj’ a’ie p’piciet’ de’ Amen.”

The shields contain these arms:—1. Dymoke, sable, two lions passant argent in pale, ducally crowned or; empaling Waterton, Barry of six ermine and gules, three crescents sable; a crescent for difference. 2. Dymoke; empaling Marmyon, Vairè, on a fesse gules frettè or; in chief, Hebden, Ermine, five fusils in fess; a crescent for difference. 3. Argent, a sword erect azure, hilt and pomel gules. [27a] 4. Dymoke; empaling Haydon, Quarterly gules and argent, a cross engrailed counterchanged; a crescent for difference.

On the floor beneath this monument is a brass, on which is the following inscription in black letter, nearly obliterated:

“Leonis fossa nunc haec Dymoke capit ossa
Miles erat Regis cui parce Deus prece matris
Es testis Christe quod non jacet hic lapis iste
Corpus ut ornetur sed spiritus ut memoretur
Hinc tu qui transis senex medius puer an sis
Pro me funde preces quia sic mihi fit venie spes.” [27b]

On the floor of the vestry is a stone, with this inscription, in black letter, around the verge:

“Here lyeth the Boyddes of Thomas Raithbeck & Ame his wyf y^e founders of the Beidhous Departed thys world in y^e fayth of Christ y^e last day of October in y^e yere or lord mdlxxv.”

On the wall over the door of the vestry is a shield containing three storks proper, on an azure field; the crest a stork; and under the arms this inscription:

“Sacred to the Memory of the Rev. Mr. THO: GIBSON, A.M. Forty four years Vicar of this Parish. He liv’d in such times when Truth to the Church, and Loyalty to the King, met with Punishment due only to the Worst of Crimes. He was by the Rebellious Powers carried away Prisoner, four times, from his congregation, once exchanged into the Garrison of Newark, for a Dissenting Teacher: afterwards Sequester’d, and his family driven out by the then Earl of Manchester. He survived the Restoration, and was brought back at the head of several hundreds of his Friends, and made a Prebendary in the Cathedral Church of Lincoln. As his Enemies never forgave his Zeal to the Church and Crown: so nothing but the height of Christian Charity could forgive the insults he met with from them. He Died April the 22d, 1678.”

Against the wall on the south side of the chancel is a lozenge shaped piece of canvas, on which are painted these arms: Argent, two bars sable, each charged with three mullets of six points or, pierced gules; and under them the following inscription:

“Here lieth the worthy and memorable Kt. Sir INGRAM HOPTON, who paid his debt to nature and duty to his King and Country in the attempt of seizing the Arch-rebel in the bloody skirmish near Winceby, October the 6th, A.D. 1643. [29]

“—nec tumultum
Nec mori per vim metuit, tenente
Cæsare terras.

“Paulum sepultæ distat inertiæ
Celata virtus.”

On a stone in the floor of the chancel is this inscription, in capital letters:

“M. S.
THOMÆ LODINGTON, LL. D.
Qui Vicarii jure usus
Sacra apud Paganos de Horncastle
De More Ecclesiæ Anglicanæ
Annos perpetuos XLV peregit
Annorumque LXXIII Curriculo
Confecto Morti cessit
Mar. XXI A.D. MDCCXXIII.
Posuit Pientissima Conjux
Prudentia Lodington.”

Beside the sepulchral memorials already detailed, are a number of others on the floor, and a few of recent date, on marble tablets, against the walls.

At the end of the north aisle of the chancel, is the following table:

The BENEFACTORS to the CHURCH and POOR of this Town, the Clauses of whose Wills may be seen at large in a Book in the Town Chest. Note these Tables were erected 1724.

William Everitt and Joseph Brown Churchwardens.

Anno 1611, October. Mr. Robert Clark of Woodhall gave to the Poor of this town . . . Shillings a year, to be paid to vicar on St Thomas’s, and by him to be distributed every Christmas-day for ever, out of his lands in Thimbleby, now belonging to John Hutchinson, Gent.

Mrs Ann Smith gave to the poor of Horncastle twenty shillings a year out of her lands there, now in the possession of Mr. Thomas Coats: it is given in brown bread every Good Friday.

George Acham of Asterby, Gent. gave also one hundred and forty pounds, to purchase lands, the rents thereof to be disposed off yearly to the poor of Horncastle, at the discretion of the governors of the free-school (for the time being,) which lands are in the parish of Burgh in the Marsh.

Anno 1629 May the 2d. Mr. William Hurtscroft gave one house the yearly rent of fifty-two shillings; to be given weekly (viz.) twelve pence in bread every Lord’s day to poor fatherless and motherless children in Horncastle, by the Overseers for the poor; the said house now in the possession of widow Scamon.

The same year. Andrew Kent, gent. gave six pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence, to be a stock for the poor of Horncastle, which is applied accordingly in coals for their use.

Anno 1661, June the 6th. Thomas Bromley of Conesby gent, left to the poor of this town forty shillings per annum (viz.) twenty shillings every good Friday, and twenty every St. Thomas’s day, to be paid out of his lands in Haltham super Bane; now the said lands belong to Thomas Hammerton gent.

Rutland Snowden, gent. gave to the poor of Horncastle one house of the yearly rent of twenty-six shillings; but being decayed is now reduced to thirteen, paid in bread sixpence every other Sunday: the said house belongs now to Mr. William Dawson.

Anno 1673, December the 5th. Thomas James, gent. gave to the poor of Horncastle twenty shillings yearly in white bread on every Christmas day for ever payable out of his lands there, which lands are now the estate of Thomas Howgrave, Esquire.

Anno 1702, December the 20th. Captain John Francis gave two chaldern of coals yearly to be given to the poor, appointed by the governors of the school, out of lands in this town now the Rev. Mr. John Francis’s of Sibsey.

Anno 1703, December the 14th. Mrs Douglass Tyrwhitt of Gaiton on the would gave ten shillings yearly to the poor of Horncastle on St. Thomas’s day, out of her lands in Belshford, now the lands of Joseph Sutton of the same.

Anno 1696, May the 26th. Nicholas Shipley, gent. gave to this church one brass candlestick of twenty-four sockets, and Fox’s three books of martyrs. He gave also to the poor five pounds, which was immediately given amongst them, and thirty shillings yearly for ever, (viz.) twenty on St. Thomas’s day, and ten every good Friday, in brown bread, to be paid out of his lands adjoining to this church yard, now purchased by Mr. Thomas Hammerton. He gave also to the governors of the school one hundred pounds the interest thereof to put out poor boys apprentices to trades; but their then treasurer dying insolvent, that money was lost. We mention this here because this misfortune doth not lessen the charity of that well disposed gentleman.

Anno 1719. Mrs. Mary Hussey, widdow, gave one silver plate to the communion table for ever.

Anno 1721. Mrs. Dorothy Parker of Boston, gave to this church one brass candlestick of sixteen sockits, and to the poor widdows and widdowers of this town she gave sixty pounds, the interest or rents thereof to be given amongst them on St. John’s day, in Christmas, and St. James’s in July, yearly for ever.

Anno 1724. Mrs Mary Waters, widdow, gave to the overseers of the poor, five pounds, to be by them put out at interest, and the said interest to be given to the poor yearly on Christmas day for ever.

Against the wall over the north entrance are several scythes and hay knives, some of which are yet remaining in the shafts to which they have been affixed, in order to render them instruments of warfare. The occasion for which they were so prepared is unknown, the traditionary accounts of them being both vague and contradictory.

In the steeple are six bells, bearing the following inscriptions in capital letters:

1. Lectum fuge discute somnum. G. S. I. W. H. Penn Fusor 1717.

2. In templo venerare Deum. Hen. Penn nos fudit Cornucastri.

3. Supplicem Deusi audit. Daniel Hedderly cast me 1727.

4. Tho. Osborn fecit Downham Norfolk 1801. Tho. Bryan and D. Brown Churchwardens.

5. Dum spiras spera. H. Penn Fusor 1717. Tho. et Sam. Hamerton Æditivi.

6. Exeate busto auspice Christo. Tho Lodington LL.D. Vic. H. P. 1717.

The fourth bell previous to being recast bore this inscription:

Fac et spe. Henri Penn Fusor Peterburgensis.

The benefice is a vicarage, in the presentation of the Bishop of Carlisle, valued in the King’s books at £14. 4s. 2d.

The registers commence in the year 1559. In them are contained the following singular entries:

“On the vth daie of October one thousand six hundrete & three, in the first yere of our Souvraine Lord King James was holden in Horncastle Church a solemnn fast from eight in the morning until foure a clock in the afternoone by five preachers vidz. Mr Hollinhedge vicar of Horncastle, Mr Turner of Edlington, Mr Downes of Lusbye, Mr Phillipe of Salmonbye, Mr Tanzey of Hagworthingha’, occasioned by a general and most feareful plague yt yeare in sundrie places of this Land, but especially upon the Cytie of London.

Pr. me Clementem Whitelock.”

“Thomas Gibson Clerk Master of the Free Schoole of Newcastle uppon Tine one of the Chapleines of the Right Reverend Father in God Barnabas by Divine P’vidence Lo. Bpp. of Carliol, presented by the said Lo. Bpp. was inducted into the Vicarage of Horncastle, April the xiiij 1643.”

“The said Mr. Thomas Gibson being outed of Horncastle by Cromwell Commissiner removed to Nether Toynton, lived ther one yeare. After returne again taught some gentlemen sonnes in his owne house, was afterwards called to ye schoole at Newark where he continued one yeare, then was importuned to Sleeford whether he went the week after Easter 1650, continued there until May ye first 1661 then the King being restored he returned to his vicaridge and was by Doctor Robet Sandeson Bishop of Linkcoln made Preban of Sant Marie Crake Poule in the Church of Linkcoln,”

“Septr. 28, 1662.

“Memorandum the Day and yeere above written that the Booke of Common Prayer lately set forth by the Authority of the King’s Majestie and his court was read in the Parish Church of Horncastle by me Thomas Gibson Vicar there, and freely and willingly assented unto according to an act of Parliament in that case made and provided. In witness whereof the said Mr. Gibson with other of the inhabitants whose names are hereunto subscribed have sette their hands.

Tho: Gibson, Vicar.
John Harding, Parrish Clerk”

THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

The Grammar School is situated at the south-east corner of the church yard, and is a spacious and well-constructed edifice of brick. It was founded and endowed by Edward Lord Clinton and Saye, the Lord High Admiral of England, under the authority of letters patent, dated the 25th of June, 1652. By these letters it was ordained, that this institution should be denominated “The Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth, in the Town or Soke of Horncastle, of the foundation of Edward Lord Clinton and Saye,” for the education, training, and instruction of boys and youths in grammar, and to be appropriated to this object for ever.

The school was to be conducted by a master, and a sub-master, or usher: ten governors were also appointed and incorporated, with perpetual succession, and a common seal. These governors were empowered on the death of any of their body, to elect others in their places; also to nominate the master and usher on any vacancy; and to make such statutes concerning the preservation and disposal of the revenues, as circumstances at any time might dictate. Besides holding the endowments, they were authorized to purchase and receive lands and other possessions, not exceeding £40. per annum.

The estates by which the establishment is maintained, consist of houses and land situated at Horncastle, Hemingby, Sutton, Huttoft, and Winthorpe. The lands in the last three named parishes being subject to inundations from the sea, the annual revenue is rendered precarious; but in the more favorable years it amounts to about £200.

The salaries for a long time were £40. per annum to the master, and £30. to the sub-master or usher: but on the appointment of the present master, in 1818, the salary was advanced to £80. per annum, to which was also added a house for his residence; the salary of the sub-master remaining as heretofore, at £30. The sum of £2. 2s. per annum is charged for those scholars who are instructed in writing and arithmetic. There are at this period about twenty boys on the foundation.

The governors of this School have also the management of another school in the town, for the instruction of poor children in reading, sewing, and knitting. A house, with a salary to the teacher of £17. per annum, charged upon certain estates in Horncastle, having been bequeathed to them in trust, for that purpose, by Mr. Richard Watson, a native of this place, who died in 1784.

THE RIVER BANE AND NAVIGABLE CANAL.

The river Bane, rising at the village of Ludford, takes its course in a direction nearly south to join its waters with those of the Witham. After meandering through an extent of country about fourteen miles, it receives at Horncastle, the tributary stream of the Waring, and abundantly supplies the town, conveniently situated at the confluence of the two rivers. From hence continuing a gently winding course, it washes Tattershall and its moorlands, before it falls into the larger river to increase its waters to the sea.

In the year 1792, an act of parliament was obtained for making the Bane navigable from the river Witham, through Tattershall to Horncastle. [35] The act, after reciting the names of the original subscribers, incorporates them by the name of “The Company of Proprietors of the Horncastle Navigation in the County of Lincoln,” giving them perpetual succession and a common seal, and empowering them to raise £15,000. in three hundred shares of £50. each. The interest of these was not to exceed £8. per cent. No person was to be the possessor of less than one share, nor to hold more than twenty. As circumstances might require, they were authorized to raise £1,000. more, by shares or mortgages of the tolls.

The tollage allowed by this act was, for goods passing the whole length of the navigation, 2s. per ton; from the Witham to the seventh lock, 1s. 9d. per ton; and from the Witham to the fourth lock, 1s. 3d. per ton; excepting lime, lime-stone, manure, or materials for roads, for which, only half the already mentioned tolls were to be taken.

The works were commenced in the year 1793; but, when about two thirds were completed, the whole of the funds to be appropriated to their execution were already expended. After suffering the canal to remain several years in this unfinished state, the company applied again to Parliament, and in the year 1800 another act was obtained, enabling them to raise £20,000. more by subscription amongst themselves, by admission of new subscribers in shares of £50. each, by mortgage, or by granting annuities. The limitation of shares and interest were repealed by this act; and the tonnage rates advanced to 3s. 3d. per ton for the whole length of the navigation, 2s. 7d. to the seventh lock, and 1s. 8d. to the fourth; lime, lime-stone, manure, and materials for roads excepted as before from the payment of full rates.

Shortly after the works were recommenced, the plan of completing them by an entirely new canal was adopted in preference to that which they had before pursued of rendering the Bane navigable. It was therefore at the village of Dalderby diverted from the course of the natural stream, and carried on in a less varied track to the point of junction between the waters of the Bane and Waring: from hence it was continued in the divergent courses of these two rivers, to the more extreme parts of the town of Horncastle. It was completed in September, 1802, and on Friday the seventeenth of that month the vessels entered the town. The canal is sufficiently deep to navigate vessels of fifty tons burthen.

From this town to the river Witham the distance is about eleven miles, in which the stream has a fall of eighty-four feet.

THE PRESENT STATE OF THE TOWN, FAIRS, MARKETS, &c.

Although this place was favored at an early period with a charter for a market, which in the time of Henry the eighth appears to have been well frequented, yet it remained for many years little more than a considerable village. [37] From the earliest accounts it seems to have been gradually encreasing; but it was not until later years, when a new impulse was given to the agricultural interests of the country, that it began to exhibit material evidences of extention and improvement.

From a plan of the town drawn by Dr. Stukeley, in the year 1722, it appears at that period of time, now the lapse of a century, to have been little more than half its present extent. This plan, not having been made from actual survey, cannot be considered as an accurate representation: nevertheless it is calculated to give a tolerable idea of the state of the town at the time it was executed. It is traditionally asserted that at that period scarcely a brick house was to be found in the parish; the early erected dwellings being all constructed with clay walls and covered with thatch; thus evidencing that common character which Leland the antiquary assigns to the towns of this part. The clay buildings have for the most part disappeared, and brick structures are now erected in their stead; and from the spirit of improvement which has lately been evinced, they will doubtless in a few years be entirely removed. The rebuilding of many houses in the principal streets in a handsome manner, within the last twenty years, has given to the town an air of respectability; but the effect which would be produced by these buildings in its general appearance, is materially diminished by the narrowness and irregularity of the streets. At this time the number of houses may be computed at about seven hundred, and of inhabitants, about three thousand five hundred.

The entrances to the town, as well as its general aspect, have also been improved by the inclosure of the fields by which it is surrounded. To accomplish this an act of parliament was obtained in 1803, and carried into effect the following year.

In no respect has the town changed more than in its trade; a large proportion of its inhabitants having formerly been employed in the tanning of leather, in which manufacture the yards on the south side of the Far-street were almost exclusively occupied. About fifty years ago the number of these establishments began rapidly to decline, and are at this time reduced to two. Since the completion of the canal in 1801, a considerable trade in corn and wool has been carried on here; about thirty thousand quarters of the former, and three thousand sheets of the latter being annually sent from this place. The town also from its situation in a well inhabited district enjoys a large retail trade.

There are now three fairs for horses, cattle and sheep, held here annually. The first, which concludes on the twenty-second of June, has of late years declined very much, and though chartered for eight days seldom continues more than three. The second, which terminates on the twenty-first of August, has long been celebrated as the largest fair for horses in the kingdom, perhaps it may be said in the world; it continues about ten days, being three days more than the time expressed in the charter. To this fair are brought for sale horses of all descriptions from every part of the kingdom, to the number of many thousands; and beside the most extensive dealers of this country, there are to be found in the fair purchasers and dealers from different parts of the continent of Europe, and even from America. The third fair, which is held on the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth days of October, was removed to this place in 1768, from Market-Stainton, a decayed market town, about eight miles distant, two hundred pounds being given to the lord of the manor of that place, to permit the removal, one half of this sum was raised by subscription amongst the inhabitants of this town, the other by William Banks, Esquire, the then lessee of the manor. The market is now held every Saturday, to which it was changed from Wednesday, the day mentioned in the charter, probably in consequence of the markets at Boston and Louth being also on that day; but the time at which the alteration took place cannot now be ascertained.

On the south side of the church-yard is a building appropriated for the purposes of a Dispensary, which is supported by public subscription. Those to whom medical aid is administered are such of the sick poor, in the town and neighbourhood of Horncastle, as are recommended by subscribers; and the many to whom assistance has been afforded, evince its utility in a striking degree. The Dispensary is attended every Tuesday and Saturday morning by a physician, whose service is gratuitous, and by an apothecary who receives a salary. These gentlemen visit such patients as are unable to attend at the Dispensary. A female accoucheur also belongs to the establishment. The number of patients admitted from the commencement of the institution in September 1789, to September 1821, was 9389.

In the year 1790 a Literary Society was established in this town, and which since its commencement has occupied a room at the Dispensary as a library. The property of this society is permanent and unalienable; excepting that books considered unworthy of being preserved are disposed of at the next anniversary but one after their purchase. The library contains about eleven hundred volumes, and is open to the members two days in the week. For several years the subscription was only ten shillings and sixpence per annum; it was afterwards advanced to fourteen shillings, and subsequently to one pound. Subscribers are now also required to pay one pound on their admission. The society at present consists of about forty members.

In the year 1807 the inhabitants of this town in conjunction with several other towns and villages, in the county of Lincoln, made application to parliament, and obtained an act for the recovery of debts not exceeding the sum of five pounds. The commissioners hold their courts at this place every fourth Thursday.

The education of the poor which has lately excited so much attention in various parts of the kingdom, has not been neglected here. A school on the Lancasterian or British system was established at a public meeting held in October, 1813; and but a few days subsequently a meeting was held at the church, when it was resolved to establish also a school on the plan of Dr. Bell. Early in the ensuing year, buildings were erected, and each system began to be acted upon. Both schools are supported by voluntary contributions, and each contains about two hundred children.

Beside the established church, there are in this town a society of Wesleyan Methodists; a small congregation of Calvinistic Baptists; a society of Primitive Methodists, or ranters; and a congregation of Independents.

THE SOKE OF HORNCASTLE.

At the time of compiling the Domesday record, there appears to have been included other parishes, in addition to those now comprised in this soke; but it cannot now be ascertained at what time the alteration took place. [41] Beside the parish of Horncastle it at present contains the following townships:—Thimbleby, West Ashby, Low Tointon, High Tointon, Mareham on the Hill, Roughton, Haltham, Wood Enderby, Moorby, Wilksby, Mareham le Fen, and Coningsby. To these have lately been added Langriville and Thornton le Fen, portions of the fen district, which had been sold by the commissioners appointed under an act of enclosure, and rendered parochial by act of parliament in 1812. On the enclosure of these fens, under the act which was obtained in 1801, the whole of the parishes in this soke, excepting the two newly formed ones, had portions of land allotted to them, in lieu of their right of common.

West Ashby, High Tointon, Mareham on the Hill, and Wood Enderby, were formerly hamlets of the parish of Horncastle; but have for several years been considered as distinct parishes, and have appointed their own churchwardens and overseers of the poor.

THIMBLEBY,

In Domesday Book Stimelbi, and in old writings Thimelby, is about a mile north-west from Horncastle, the parishes adjoining each other. The manor which in the reign of Charles the second was the property of Sir Robert Bolles of Scampton, is now possessed by Thomas Hotchkin, Esquire, of Tixover, in the county of Rutland, in the possession of whose ancestors it has been for many years. In this parish is also the manor of Hallgarth, which formerly belonged to a family named Bolton; but is now the joint property of Richard Elmhirst, Esquire, of Uzzleby, and Mr. Kemp of Thimbleby. The church rebuilt in the year 1744, is a small stone edifice, possessing a considerable share of architectural merit: a stone over the door points out the year in which it was rebuilt, but besides this it exhibits no other inscription. [42a] The advowson of the rectory belongs to the lord of the manor.

WEST ASHBY,

In Domesday called Aschebi, and in old writings Askeby, is a parish adjoining to the north boundaries of that of Horncastle, from which town the village is about two miles distant. In this parish is the manor of Ashby Thorpe, now belonging to the devisees of the late Mr. Joseph Rinder; but the possessor of that of Horncastle claims manorial rights over the other parts of the parish. Previous to the dissolution of monasteries in the reign of Henry the eighth, the abbey of Kirkstead had a grange in this parish, which, in the fifth year of Edward the sixth, was granted amongst other estates to William Cecil Lord Burghley, Lord High Treasurer of England; and now forms part of the Ashby Thorpe estate. The church consists of a tower, a nave with a north aisle, and a chancel. [42b] The benefice is a curacy, in the presentation of the Bishop of Carlisle.

LOW TOINTON,

In Domesday Todingtune, and in old writings Nether Tointon, is about a mile eastward from the town of Horncastle, the parishes adjoining. The manorial estates, which comprise nearly the whole parish, are the property of Lancelot Rolleston, Esquire, of Watnall, in the county of Nottingham, by whose ancestors it has been possessed for several generations. The church, which is a small modern erection, being rebuilt in 1811, contains a very curiously sculptured font, and the following inscription on a plate of copper in the north wall:

“Heare lyeth the Body of EDWARD ROLLESTON Esquir who departed this Life the twenty-third of July in the thirtey-fourth year of his age interr’d underneath this place the fourth of August Anno Domini 1687.”

The patrons of the rectory are Lord Gwydir, and the Baroness Willoughby of Eresby, his mother.

HIGH TOINTON,

In old writings Over Tointon, is about a mile and a half eastward from Horncastle, to which parish and also that of Low Tointon it adjoins. From only one place of this name being mentioned in the Domesday record, it is probable that at the time of making that survey both High and Low Tointon were included in one parish. The manorial estates, which have descended with those of Horncastle, belong to the Bishop of Carlisle, and are leased to different individuals. The church is a small uninteresting building. The Bishop of Carlisle is patron of the curacy.

MAREHAM ON THE HILL,

Anciently written Maringe and Mayring, is about a mile and a half south-east from Horncastle, the parishes adjoining each other. The manor once belonged to Edward Marsh, Esquire, of Hundle House, in the county of Lincoln, by a descendant of whom it was sold to William Hudson, Esquire, of Gray’s Inn. In 1659 it was sold to a person named Duncombe, of whom it was purchased, in 1688, by Sir Edmund Turnor, of Stoke Rochford, Knight, and is now possessed by his descendant of the same names. [43] The chapel is completely destitute of interest. On repairing it, about fifteen years ago, two nobles of Edward the fourth, two angels of Henry the seventh, and several silver coins of different reigns, contained in a leathern purse, were discovered concealed in the wall. The patron of the curacy is the Bishop of Carlisle.

ROUGHTON,

In Domesday Rocstune, and in old writings Ructon, is about four miles from Horncastle. The manorial estates belong to Lady Banks. The church, which is a small building, consisting of a tower, nave and chancel, contains a marble tablet, on which is the following inscription:

“Here lies the Body of NORREYS FYNES, Esq. Grandson to Sir Henry Clinton, commonly called Fynes, eldest Son of Henry Earl of Lincoln, by his Second Wife, Daughter of Sir Richard Morrison, and Mother of Francis Lord Norreys, afterwards Earl of Berkshire. He had by his much beloved and only Wife Elizabeth, who lies by him, Twelve Children, of which Four Sons and Two Daughters were living at his decease, which happened on the 10th of January 1735–6 in the 75th year of his age. From the Revolution he always liv’d a Nonjuror, which rendered him incapable of any other Publick Employment (tho’ by his Great Abilitys and Known Courage equal to the most Difficult and Dangerous) than that of being Steward to two great Familys, wherein he distinguish’d himself during his Service of 40 years a most Faithful and Prudent Manager, of a most Virtuous and Religious Life. His paternal Estate he left without any addition to his Son Kendal his next heir. His eldest Son Charles was buried here the 26th of August 1722, aged 36 years, whose Pleasant Disposition adorn’d by many virtues which he acquir’d by his Studys in Oxford made his death much lamented by all his Acquaintance.”

There also occur two other tablets; one to the memory of the Rev. Arthur Rockcliffe, who died in 1798, aged 71; the other to the memory of Charles Pilkington, Esq. who died in 1798, aged 75, and of Abigail his wife, who died in 1817, aged 80. [44] The rectory, united to that of Haltham in 1741, is in the presentation of the Honorable and Reverend Champion Dymoke.

HALTHAM,

Called in the Domesday survey Holtham, is about five miles distant from Horncastle. The manorial estates, which comprise almost the whole of the parish, once belonged to the Marmyons of Scrivelsby, and are now possessed by the Champion Dymoke, a descendant of the female branch of that family. The church, which appears to have suffered much from time, has in its pristine state possessed a considerable share of architectural merit. A large window at the eastern end contains very fine tracery, and at one time, together with some of the other windows, exhibited a large portion of stained glass, of which only one piece, containing the arms of La Warre, is now remaining. [45] The rectory, united to that of Roughton in 1741, is in the presentation of the lord of the manor.

WOOD ENDERBY,

In the Domesday record written Endrebi, is about five miles distant from Horncastle. The manor is the property of Lady Banks. The church is a small uninteresting building. The Bishop of Carlisle is patron of the curacy.

MOORBY,

In Domesday Morebi, is about five miles distant from Horncastle. The manorial estates, comprising the principal part of the parish, are the property of Lady Banks. The church is totally destitute of interest. The Bishop of Carlisle is patron of the rectory.

WILKSBY,

In Domesday Wilchesbi, is about six miles distant from Horncastle. The manor is the property of Lady Banks. The church is a small modern erection. The Champion Dymoke is patron of the rectory.

MAREHAM LE FEN,

In the Domesday book called Marun, and in old writings Marum, is about seven miles distant from Horncastle, and situated on the verge of the recently enclosed fenny district, from whence it has received its appellation. The manor is the property of Lady Banks; it having been purchased, together with the three before mentioned manors, by an ancestor of the late Sir Joseph Banks, above a century ago. The manor house, which has for several years been occupied by Mr. James Roberts, possesses from its adjoining gardens, a considerable share of interest. Having accompanied Sir Joseph Banks, in the first voyage of Captain Cook round the world, Mr. Roberts has sought to associate with the rural simplicities of an English garden, such objects of curiosity as a pleasurable recollection of those scenes had furnished. In addition to numerous rustic and ornamental seats, the gardens are embellished with huts resembling those of Terra del Fuego and New Holland; and also a small museum of curiosities, principally from the South Sea islands. A visit to this spot is always an agreeable recreation. The following lines were written after a visit here, by a native of Jamaica.

SONNET,
WRITTEN AFTER A VISIT TO THE GARDENS AT MAREHAM.

Dear is the rural scene that Fancy loves,
Where tuneful Rapture chants th’ enliv’ning song,
In wildest warblings to the darkling groves,
Pouring in wildest mood the strains along;
While Echo, from the leafy bowers among,
Gives a soft cadence to the songster’s tale,
A mingled sweetness to the warbling throng,
That comes in whispers on the balmy gale.
These, Mareham, with thy spreading greenwood shade,
Thy silent waters, and thy mossy cell,
Breathe such a charm, that oft Delight has strayed,
With ling’ring steps, ’mid scenes she lov’d so well;
And when fond Mem’ry shall thy joys renew,
She’ll tell with musing voice her sweet, her last adieu.

The church consists of a tower, a nave with north and south aisles, and a chancel. [47] In the chancel is a tablet to the memory of the Rev. Henry Shepherd, who was rector of this parish thirty-four years, and died in January 1764, aged 62. The advowson of the rectory belongs to the Bishop of Carlisle.

CONINGSBY,

In Domesday Cuningesbi, is a considerable village on the banks of the river Bane, about eight miles from Horncastle. The manor, which was once possessed by the Marmions of Wintringham, has for many years belonged to the Heathcote family, and is now the property of Sir Gilbert Heathcote, Baronet, of Normanton in Rutlandshire. The church consists of a tower of excellent masonry, a nave, two aisles, and a chancel. [48] The rectory, which is in the presentation of the lord of the manor, was for several years held by the Reverend John Dyer, the poet. It was here that he finished his didactic poem of “The Fleece.” He died at this place in 1758, and lies buried in the church; but there is no inscription to perpetuate his memory. A congregation of General Baptists was formed at this place, during the government of Cromwell: the society still exists, with an endowment for the minister.

LANGRIVILLE AND THORNTON LE FEN.

The lands composing these parishes were chiefly those sold by the commissioners appointed under the act for draining and enclosing Wildmore Fen; Langriville also contains the portion allotted to the Earl of Stamford and Warrington, in lieu of his manorial rights over Armtree and Wildmore. In 1812, an act of parliament was passed, rendering these lands, with others, parochial, and approximating these two parishes to the soke of Horncastle.

POPULATION.

BAUMBER.

The village of Baumber or Bamburgh is situated in the hundred of Gartree, about four miles northward of Horncastle, on the turnpike road leading from that place to Lincoln. In the Domesday survey it is called Badeburgh, which perhaps may signify Bane-burgh, or a town on the Bane, that river forming the eastern boundary of the parish. At the period of making that survey, Ulf and Gilbert de Gand are mentioned as proprietors. [53a]

The manor, together with the adjoining hamlet of Stourton parva, once belonged to Thomas Dighton, Esquire, whose daughter and heiress was married to Edward Clinton, second son of the first Earl of Lincoln. On failure of male issue in the elder branch, the earldom devolved to the son of this Edward, whose successors afterwards had the Dukedom of Newcastle conferred on them. These estates continued in the possession of this family until the latter part of the last century, when they were sold to Thomas Livesey, Esquire, of Blackbourn, in the county of Lancaster, whose son, Joseph Livesey, Esquire, the present proprietor, resides thereon, in an elegant mansion, which was completed in 1810. Part of the residence of the Earls of Lincoln is still standing.

The church at Baumber with all its appurtenances, and eight oxgangs of land, were given by Gilbert de Gaunt to the monks at Bridlington, which grant Pope Innocent the fourth, and the Bishop of Lincoln confirmed. [53b] It is now a donative, extrajudicial. It was rebuilt about sixty years ago, and is a very neat brick structure, consisting of a tower, a nave with side aisles, and a chancel. [54] Under the chancel is the vault of the Newcastle family, which was their place of sepulture previous to disposing of their estates in this parish. Over the vault are the following inscriptions:

“Here lieth the Body of Francis Clinton al’s Fynes Esq. Grandson of Henry Lord Clinton Earl of Lincoln who departed this life Feb. 5 Anno Dom. 1681.”

“Here lieth the Body of Priscilla the Wife of Francis Clinton al’s Fynes Esq. who departed this life Febr. 15 Anno Dom. 1679.”

In the north aisle is a stone with this inscription in black letters around the verge:

“Orate p’ a’iabus Joh’es Eland armig’i Alicie et Elisabeth uxor ejusde’ qui Joh’es obijt xix die marcii aº d’ni millo cccclxxiii cuj’ q’rs a’iabs p’pciet’ de.”

In 1821, the population of this parish amounted to 319, and the number of houses to 51.

EDLINGTON.

At the time of forming the Domesday survey, this place, then called Tedlintune formed part of the soke of Horncastle; [55] but is now comprised in the hundred of Gartree. It is very pleasantly situated about two miles northward of Horncastle, near to the road leading from that place to Lincoln.

The manorial estates comprising the chief part of the parish, are the property of Richard Samuel Short, Esquire, a descendant of a female branch of the family of that name, which he adopted on coming into possession of the estates. The manor house, the seat of the proprietor, though not of regular architecture, acquires an agreeable effect from the grove in which it is situated. From the house the prospect to the south-west, over the adjacent level country, is both extensive and pleasing.

The church is a small building possessing no claim to attention. The vicarage is in the gift of the Duchy of Lancaster. The rectorial tythes belong to the grammar school at Oakham, in the county of Rutland.

On under-draining a field in this parish, in the latter part of the year 1819, several heaps of ox bones were dug up, and with each heap an urn of baked clay, apparently of Roman manufacture; but unfortunately none of the urns were taken up whole. To account for these relics being found here, it is probable that on this spot a Roman sacrifice had been celebrated, in honor of some deity, on the occasion of a victory, or in the exercise of other pagan rites.

Annexed to this parish is the hamlet or manor of Poolham, anciently called Polum. It formed part of the barony of Gilbert de Gaunt until about the thirty-fifth year of Edward the first, when Robert de Barkeworthe died seized of it; [56a] and it appears to have been the residence of Walterus de Barkeworthe, who died in 1347, and was buried in the cloister of Lincoln cathedral. Afterwards it was the residence of the family of Thimbleby, a branch of the Thimblebys of Irnham, [56b] who probably built the mansion house within the ancient moat, about the time of Henry the eighth. The Savilles of Howley in the County of York, enjoyed the estate in the reign of Elizabeth, and in 1600, Sir John Saville, Knight, sold it to George Bolles, Esquire, citizen of London, whose descendant Sir John Bolles, Baronet, conveyed the same to Sir Edmund Turnor, of Stoke Rochford, Knight, and it is now the inheritance of Edmund Turnor, Esquire. [56c]

Within the moat, beside the mansion house, are the remains of a chapel, built of stone, a font, and a grave-stone with the date 1527.

In 1821, the parish of Edlington contained 37 houses, and 263 inhabitants.

TUPHOLME.

The village of Tupholme stands nearly a mile from the north bank of the river Witham, at the distance of seven miles west by north from Horncastle; and is contained in the hundred of Wraggoe. [57a]

In the time of Henry the second, an Abbey of premonstratensian canons, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was founded here, by Allan de Nevill and Gilbert his brother, and endowed by them with their possessions in this place, together with estates in other parts of the county. This abbey also had numerous benefactions in lands and churches, from other persons; and the king gave a canal, so large, that ships might pass between the Witham and Tupholme. These gifts were confirmed to the abbot and canons, by charter, from Henry the third, in the twentieth year of his reign. [57b] At the dissolution of monasteries, this abbey contained nine religious: and in the thirtieth year of Henry the eighth, the scite was granted to Sir Thomas Henneage.

Of the abbey, a wall only is now remaining, the upper part of which appears to have formed a side of the refectory or dining hall. It contains lancet windows, and a small gallery, in which the person sat who read to the brethren during their meals: a practice which was common in all monasteries, and anciently in colleges. The story beneath the refectory appears to have been vaulted, and was probably used as a cellar. Adjoining to the ruins is a farm house, which has been built out of part of the materials. The gate house, now gone, was standing when Dr. Stukeley visited this place in 1716. A view of it is engraved in the Itinerarium Curiosum.

The manorial estate, comprising the whole parish, is the property of Robert Vyner, Esquire, of Gautby, by an ancestor of whom it was purchased in the early part of the last century.

The church has been long since demolished. The benefice is a vicarage in the patronage of the Bishop of Lincoln.

SOMERSBY.

The village of Somersby is pleasantly situated on the wolds, in the hundred of Hill, at about the distance of six miles east from Horncastle.

The manorial estates, which comprise the whole parish, have for many years been the property of a family named Burton. The present proprietor is William Raynor Burton, Esquire, which latter name he assumed on coming into possession of the estates on the death of his uncle, Robert Burton, Esquire, of Lincoln.

On the south side of the church, near to the porch, is an elegant stone cross, which having escaped both the ravages of time, and the destruction of the Puritans, remains in so perfect a state as to be justly esteemed of unrivalled excellence and beauty. The extreme height of it, including the subcourse, is fifteen feet. The shaft is octagonal, and decorated with a capital, surmounted by a coronal of small embattlements. The cross, with its pediment, which rises from this, is ornamented on the south face with the representation of the crucified founder of the christian faith, and on the opposite side with that of the virgin and child.

The church is a small building, consisting of a tower, nave, and chancel, and is void of architectural interest. [59] In the wall at the end of the chancel is a plate of brass, on which is sculptured the representation of a person full robed, kneeling on a cushion, before a reading desk, in the sinister upper corner is a shield containing arms, and under the figure this inscription:

“Here lyeth GEORGE LITTLEBVRY of Somersby seventh Sonne of Thomas Littlebvry of Stainsbie Esq. who died the 13 daye of Octob. in y^e yeare of our Lord 1612 being abovt the age of 73 yeares.”

The shield contains these arms:—1. Two lioncels statant guardant in pale. 2. Quarterly, 1 and 4, Barry of six; 2 and 3 A bend. 3. Three shackle bolts. 4. A mullet between three crescents, a dexter canton. On the fesse point a rose for difference.

Against the skreen between the nave and chancel is a marble tablet surmounted by a shield containing the arms of Burton, Sable, a chevron argent, between three owls argent, ducally crowned or; the crest, an owl argent, crowned as before. Under the arms is this inscription:

“Here lieth Mrs. KATH. BURTON Daughter of Richard Langhorne Esq. She died Aug. 25 A.D. 1742. Also ROBERT BURTON, Esq. Citizen of London, Husband of the said Mrs. Katherine Burton. He died Nov. 30 1753.”

The advowson of the rectory belongs to the lord of the manor.

In a woody dell in this parish is a spring, gently bursting from the rock, called Holy-well, but the name of the saint to whom it was dedicated is not preserved.

According to the returns of 1821, this village at that time contained 12 houses and 96 inhabitants.

“The Topcliffes were an ancient family at Somersby, of which family Richard Topcliffe was the representative in 1592. He was the eldest son of Robert Topcliffe, by Margaret, one of the daughters of Thomas Lord Borough, and married Jane, daughter of Sir Edward Willoughby, of Wollaton, Nottinghamshire, and had issue Charles his heir, and three other sons who died infants, and a daughter Susannah. He was a most implacable persecutor of the Roman Catholics, so much so, that the use of the rack and other tortures were called Topcliffian customs.” [60]

SCRIVELSBY.

About two miles south of Horncastle, on the road leading from that place to Boston, stands the village of Scrivelsby, which is included in the Hundred of Gartree.

At the time of compiling the Domesday survey, it appears that part of this parish, then called Scrivelesbi, was annexed to the Soke of Horncastle, which was then retained by the conqueror. [61a] By the same record, the manor appears to have been then holden by Robert de Spenser, but by what service is not said. How it passed from De Spenser to the family of Marmyon; whether by inheritance, or escheat of the crown, and subsequent grant, cannot now be ascertained. It was however shortly after in the tenure of Robert Marmyon, whose male descendants enjoyed the same until the twentieth year of Edward the first, 1292, when Philip the last Lord Marmyon died seized of this manor, holden by barony, and the service of champion to the kings of England on their coronation day; and seized also of the castle of Tamworth in Warwickshire, held therewith as parcel of his barony, but by the service of knight’s fees, to attend the king in his wars in Wales. [61b] This Philip had only female issue, and between them his great estates here, in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and elsewhere, were divided. By this partition, the manor and barony of Scrivelsby were allotted to Joan, the youngest daughter, by whose grand-daughter and heir the same passed in marriage to Sir John Dymoke, who, with Margaret his wife, had livery thereof in the twenty-third year of Edward the third.

At the coronation of Richard the second, Sir John Dymoke claimed in right of his wife, to perform the office of champion: this right was counterclaimed by Baldwin Freville, who, as lord of Tamworth, also claimed to perform that service; but the commissioners of the court of claims deciding in favor of Sir John Dymoke, he performed that office; and from that period to the present time, nearly five hundred years, their male issue have continued in possession of the same inheritance. The present champion, the Reverend John Dymoke, is the seventeenth of his family, from Sir John Dymoke, who has inherited that high and singular office. [62]

The chief part of Scrivelsby Court, the ancient baronial seat, was destroyed by fire, between fifty and sixty years ago. In the part consumed was a very large hall, on the pannels of the wainscottings of which were depicted the various arms and alliances of the family, through all its numerous and far traced descents. The loss has been in some degree compensated for, by the addition which the late proprietor recently made to those parts which escaped the ravages of the fire.

The church is a small building, consisting of a nave, with a north aisle, and a chancel. At the eastern end of the aisle are two tombs, on one of which is the figure of a knight, in chain armour, cross-legged; on the other that of a lady, with a lion at her feet. By the side of these is the tomb of Sir Robert Dymoke, who was champion at the coronations of Richard the third, Henry the seventh, and Henry the eighth; by the last of whom he was made a knight banneret. On the top of the tomb is a plate of brass, on which is sculptured his figure in full armour, in a recumbent posture, with his helmet under his head, and a lion at his feet. Above him is a shield, containing arms, and under him is the following inscription, in black letter:

“Here liethe the Body of sir Robert Demoke of Screvelsby knight & baronet who departed owt of this present lyfe the xv day of Apryl in y^e yere of our lord god mdlxv upon whose sowle almighte god have m’ci Amen.” [63]

The shield contains these arms:

1. Dymoke. Sable, two lions passant in pale argent, ducally crowned or.

2. Marmyon. Vairè, a fesse gules, frettè or.

3. Hebden. Ermine, five fusils in fesse gules.

4. Rye. Gules, on a bend argent three ears of rye proper.

5. Welles. Or, a lion rampant double tailed sable.

6. Engaine. Gules, a fesse dauncette between six crosselets or.

7. Waterton. Barry of six ermine and gules, three crescents sable.

8. Hastings. Or, a manche gules.

9. Ludlow. Azure, three lions passant guardant in pale, argent.

10. Sparrow. Argent, six martlets sable, three, two, and one; on a chief indented gules, two swords in saltire, points upwards, proper, between two lions heads erased.

Beside these arms, the sides and ends of the tomb were ornamented with others contained in eight shields of brass, none of which are now remaining.

On the floor of the aisle is a stone which has once contained a brass figure, with corner shields and an inscription, all which are now gone.

On the floor at the south side of the communion table is a plate of copper, on which is this inscription:

“Under this Stone lyes Sir Charles Dymoke, Knight, who was Champion at the Coronation of King James the 2d. On his left hand lyes the Lady Dymoke; next to her, the Honourable Lewis Dymoke, their youngest son; next to him lies Capt. Dymoke, the eldest son of Sir Charles, who died in France; next to him, Mrs. Dymoke, Daughter of Sir Charles; at the head of Sir Charles lyes Mrs. Eliz. Dymoke, the youngest daughter of Sir Charles Dymoke.”

On the floor at the north side of the communion table, is a stone, containing this inscription:

“Here lyeth the Body of the Honourable CHARLES DYMOKE Esq. of Scrielsby, Champion of England, who departed this life the 17th day of January, and in the year of our Lord, 1702.

“This Gravestone was laid at the proper cost and charge of His widow, Jane Dymoke, and in the year 1726.”

Against the south wall of the chancel is a very handsome marble monument, ornamented with a bust of the individual whose memory it perpetuates, at the top is a shield containing the arms of Dymoke, with the crest, a sword erect; and underneath is the following inscription:

“Near this place lieth Interr’d the Body of the Honourable LEWIS DYMOKE, Esq. late Champion of England, who performed that service at the Coronation of King George the 1st and King George the 2d. He was the youngest Son of Sir Charles Dymoke and Eleanor his wife, eldest Daughter of the first Lord Rockingham. He departed this Life on the 5th of February 1760, in the 91st Year of his Age.”

On the north side of the chancel is a mural tablet containing this inscription:

“Sacred to the Memory of the Honourable JOHN DYMOKE of Scrivelsby, in this county, Champion of England, who performed that service at the Coronation of His Majesty George 3d, and whose body lieth interred in a Vault near this place: He departed this life, March 6th. 1784. Aged 52 years.”

Against the south wall is the following inscription on a small marble tablet:

“Sacred to the Memory of LEWIS JONES, Esquire, of Great Hale in this County, who departed this Life May 1st 1786. Aged 71 Years.”

The rectory, united in 1741 to that of the adjoining village of Dalderby, is in the presentation of the lord of the manor.

On the inclosure of Wildmore Fen, pursuant to an act of parliament obtained for that purpose in 1801, a portion thereof was allotted to this parish, in lieu of right of common.

By the returns of 1821, this parish at that period contained 24 houses, and 153 inhabitants.

BOLINGBROKE.

SITUATION.

Bolingbroke, a decayed market town, is distant about eight miles south east from Horncastle, and gives name to the soke wherein it is situated. The town is seated on a clear, rapid brook, from which the name is derived, and which runs along a peculiar deep recess of rugged sand-stone hills, which suddenly terminate at the northern border of the adjacent fen district. Embayed amid these deep declivities, and having but one narrow outlet into the level land, it is a matter of no surprize that its importance as a place of security was not overlooked in the feodal times, when it became further strengthened by a castle.

THE MANOR.

The manor appears to have been, from an early period, connected with the dignity of the Earldom of Lincoln. Ranulph, an illustrious nobleman, marrying Lucia, widow of Roger de Romara, sister, and heiress of Morcar, the Saxon Earl of Northumberland and Lincoln, delivered the estates, amongst which was this lordship, to Henry the first, for the dignity of the Earldom of Chester. Against this, William de Romara, son of Lucia by her former husband, appealed to the king, but in vain. William however strengthening by his interest the rebellion in Normandy which had been raised by Robert, the eldest son of the conqueror and brother of the king; Henry, to appease his wrath, and obtain his favor, was in the twenty-second year of his reign, induced to restore to him the estates of his mother Lucia, and invest him with the Earldom of Lincoln. After this, exchanging certain lands in Normandy with Robert de Tillol for the lordships of Hareby, Enderby, and Hundleby, parts of this soke, William was invited by the security of the situation, to erect his castle at Bolingbroke. About the same time asserting the rights of the Empress Maud, in her contentions with Stephen for the throne, he greatly contributed to her early successes, particularly at the siege of Lincoln.

By his wife Maud, the daughter of Richard de Redvers, he had issue a son named William, who married Hawise daughter of Stephen Earl of Albemarle; but dying in the life time of his father, the estates descended to his son, also called William. This William, the third of that name, to further improve his fortress, and add to the advantages of its situation, procured from Simon Briton, who also held lands in these parts, remission of all his claims in the whole marsh of Bolingbroke, and from Jeffrey Fitz Stephens, the superior of the Knights Templar, a full release of their interest in all the fens belonging to this manor, and its soke, which William de Romara his grandfather had given to them.

This last mentioned individual of the family of Romara died without issue, and in him the male line of the family ceased; which appears from Gilbert de Gaunt, after being a suppliant prisoner when fighting on the side of Stephen at the siege of Lincoln, and compelled by the first William de Romara to marry his daughter Hawise, becoming in her right possessor of this manor, and receiving also the Earldom of Lincoln.

Gilbert de Gaunt, died in the second year of the reign of Henry the second, and left issue, two daughters, Alice and Gunnora; the former of whom was married to Simon de St. Liz, Earl of Huntingdon, who is said to have enjoyed, during her life time, the Earldom of Lincoln, and with it this lordship. Alice as well as her sister Gunnora dying without issue, their uncle Robert de Gaunt, though unallied by blood, became their heir, and possessed himself of these estates. Gilbert his son succeeded him; but joining the cause of the barons against King John, and afterwards against his son and successor, Henry the third, he was defeated at Lincoln, taken prisoner, and these estates conferred upon Ranulph de Meschines, surnamed de Blundeville, Earl of Chester, who being third in descent from Ranulph Earl of Chester, by his wife Lucia, the widow of Roger de Romara, had, independent of the claims on his sovereign for aiding in firmly establishing his family on the throne, a natural right, superior to that of the family of de Gaunt. Ranulph de Blundeville dying without issue, his sisters became his co-heiresses; but he had during his life time assigned by charter to one of them, named Hawise, the Earldom of Lincoln, and with it this manor and castle.

Robert, son and heir of Sayer de Quincy, Earl of Winchester, marrying Hawise, left issue, a daughter, Margaret, who was married to John de Laci, a descendant of the Barons of Pontefract. John de Laci received from Henry the third a charter of confirmation of the Earldom of Lincoln, and the inheritances which he possessed by his wife Margaret de Quincy.

Edmund his son dying before his mother, did not inherit the Earldom, though he received the tertium denarium of the county. He left issue, Henry, John, and Margaret, the former of whom succeeded to this manor and the Earldom of Lincoln; and is said to have been the most exalted nobleman of his time. He is stated to have been illustrious in counsel, undaunted in the fight, chief among the warriors of his country, and in fine, the brightest ornament of the reign. [68] His sons dying young, he bequeathed by will all his possessions to the heirs of Edmund Plantagenet, in case of failure of issue by his daughter Alice. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, son of Edmund Plantagenet, marrying Alice, held in her right, the estates of her father Henry de Laci, who, on his death bed, desirous that his son in law should be ennobled not only by the attendant riches, but also by the influence of his example, enjoined him to devote his power to secure the liberties of his country. But the proud and resolute spirit of the Earl of Lancaster needed no such injunctions to spur him on to action. Indignant that Hugh de Spenser should enjoy the favor of his sovereign, Edward the second, he after effecting the destruction of Piers Gaveston, broke out into open rebellion: defeated however at Boroughbridge, he was ignominiously put to death at his castle of Pontefract, and his estates forfeited to the crown. The inheritances which were, as has been before noticed, the right of his wife, were still reserved to her: but having borne an indifferent reputation for chastity; following the impulses of her amours in the life time of her late husband, and after his death marrying without the consent of the king to Eubold le Estrange; the king, with whom but trivial pretences were sufficient for abridging the powers of any individual allied to his haughty relatives of the house of Lancaster, seized for this breach of fealty, or homage, all the inheritance which she held of the crown in chief, among which were this manor, and that of Denbigh, and conferred the whole on his favorite Hugh de Spenser.

Henry, brother of Thomas the late Earl of Lancaster, procured in the first parliament after the accession of Edward the third, a remission of the forfeited estates of the family; and upon the death of the countess Alice, the wife of his late brother, her honors and splendid inheritances devolved to him, partly by the will of her father Henry de Laci, and partly by reason of a render made by him to Edward the first, and a re-grant by charter from that monarch to the heirs of Henry de Laci, with remainder to the heirs of Edmund Plantagenet.

Henry Earl of Lancaster died without male issue, but left two daughters Maud and Blanche; the former of whom married William of Bavaria, and left no issue; but Blanche became the sole heir of her father, and married John of Gaunt, who, by reason of the inheritances, was created Duke of Lancaster. By her he had issue, at the castle at this place, the celebrated Henry of Bolingbroke; upon whose accession to the throne, the whole patrimony, through the line of Lancaster, became invested in the crown; and in his reign was counted one of the manorial possessions of the king, denominated honors.

THE CASTLE.

On the south side of the town is the scite of the castle, which is now only to be distinguished by the traces of its foundations, encompassed by a moat.

The seclusion of this spot amongst steep hills, with only an opening to the level country, southward, rendered it in the early mode of warfare a desirable situation for a place of defence, since it was at all times secure from the emergencies of a sudden surprise. The advantages of such a situation were not overlooked by William de Romara, who about the early part of the reign of king Stephen, erected his castle at this place.

From the testimony of Mr. Gervase Holles, who is the only person that has left us a description of this castle, it appears to have been a very spacious square edifice, characterized in its construction by strength and uniformity, and containing beside numerous apartments, all the conveniences of warfare. [70] By queen Elizabeth it was improved by elegant and extensive erections, and though afterwards neglected, yet it remained a place of importance down to the time of the civil wars in the reign of Charles the first, when for some time it withstood a siege by the parliamentary forces.

After the defeat of the royal army at Winceby, this castle was compelled to yield to the army of the parliament, who, after dismantling it, left it silently to decay. For a many years part of a circular building, said to be the gate-house, continued standing; but in May 1815, the last remaining fragment of this once formidable structure fell to the ground.

To the east of the enclosure may be seen the entrenchments, behind which the assailants, in 1643, protected themselves in their attack on this castle.

THE CHURCH.

The church being occupied by the parliamentary forces when they stormed the castle, was almost entirely demolished by the cannon of that fortress.

The part now remaining, is situated a short distance north of the scite of the castle, and consists of a tower, and a part appropriated for public worship, which was once the southern aisle of the original edifice. It is built of sand stone, and if the delicate tracery of its windows be excepted, it contains but little architectural beauty. These windows were once ornamented with richly stained glass, of which not a fragment is now remaining. [71]

There is yet preserved in this church the mutilated remains of an embroidered cloth for the communion table, said to have been wrought by one of the Duchesses of Lancaster.

Two chantries, which formerly were attached to this church, were suppressed at the dissolution of religious houses, in the twenty-sixth year of the reign of Henry the eighth.

The rectory is in the presentation of Lady Eyre of Mortlake, in Surrey.

THE TOWN.

At so early a period as the time of forming the Domesday survey, this town appears to have arisen into some consideration as a place of trade, being possessed of a market, which however is in that record denominated a new one. [72]

For a many years it was considered one of the principal market towns of the county of Lincoln; but its trade, for some time previous to the destruction of the castle, had been gradually withdrawing to other places more conveniently situated; and afterwards the town fell rapidly into decay, and its market became wholly unfrequented.

Although it may be at present identified as a mere village; yet its widely detached houses, partially paved streets, and grass grown market place, connected with the mounds of the castle which once adorned the spot, evince sufficiently that there has been a time when destitution was not the characteristic of the town of Bolingbroke.

An attempt has lately been made to revive the market, on a portion of land allotted to this parish on the enclosure of the fens, in lieu of right of common thereon. An annual fair on the tenth of July, is held both at this town and on the fen allotment.

There is a free school at this place, founded and endowed in 1588, by a Mr. Chamberlain.

In 1821, this parish contained 158 houses, and 753 inhabitants.

Bolingbroke gives the title of viscount to the family of St. John, of Lydiard Tregoze, in Wiltshire.

REVESBY.

Revesby is situated at the distance of six miles south from Horncastle, on the road from that place to Boston, and is included in the soke of Bolingbroke.

What now constitutes the parish of Revesby, appears formerly to have been three distinct manors, Revesby, Thoresby, and Seithesby; the greater part of which was the property of William de Romara, Earl of Lincoln. In the year 1142 he founded a Cistertian monastery at this place, and previous to endowing it with the whole of his possessions here, he negotiated exchanges with the other proprietors, by which he was enabled to give the entirety of the three manors to his new monastery. [74]

To add to the solemnity of the ceremony of foundation, the Earl on this occasion manumitted several slaves, who had petitioned for their liberty. One of them, called Wilhelmus Medicus, was doubtless a physician; another, Rogerus Barkarius, probably a shepherd: the surnames of persons at that time being derived from their professions. A person named Roger Barker resided until lately at a place called Stickney Wydale. This place belongs to the parish of Revesby, though about four miles distant, and is supposed to have been given to the monks, on condition of their keeping Nordyke Causeway, formerly a dangerous pass, in repair.

Beside the endowment of William de Romara, the monastery was enriched by numerous other benefactions. At the dissolution of religious houses, its possessions with all its rights were granted to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk; and on the death of his two infant sons, who survived him only a short time, their extensive possessions were divided among the heirs general. On this division, Revesby fell to the lot of the Carsey family, who resided here several years, and afterwards sold it to the Lord Treasurer Burleigh, from whom it descended to the first and second Earls of Exeter; the latter of whom settled it on his grandson, Henry Howard, the third son of the Earl of Berkshire. About a century ago it was sold by the descendants of Henry Howard, to Joseph Banks, Esquire, the great grandfather of the late Right Honorable Sir Joseph Banks, Baronet, whose widow is the present possessor.

The seat of the proprietor was built by Craven Howard, nephew and heir of Henry Howard; but has been much enlarged by the family of Banks. Part of an ancient mansion, formerly the residence of the abbots, now forms the offices. The monastery, which stood at a considerable distance, has long been entirely demolished.