Blue plaque unveiled, July 2018, at 40 East Street, Horncastle where Annie once lived.

https://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/society-honours-a-forgotten-royal-favourite-1-8570969 

DB 19 December 2018

Blue Plaque at 40 East Street, Horncastle.

Blue Plaque at 40 East Street, Horncastle.

Annie Dixon (1817-1901) was a 19th-century English miniature portrait painter. She moved from Horncastle to London in 1840 and studied under Sir William Charles Ross.

She returned to Hormcastle briefly between 1844 and 1845 and later spent time in Hull (1852-53) and the Isle of Wight (1854-55). From 1859, she was commissioned for numerous royal portraits by Queen Victoria.

She exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1844 to 1893.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Dixon 

DB 19 December 2018 

Edward Harrison's home and base for his medical practice in West Street, Horncastle.

September 2016

Edward Harrison (1766-1838), born in Lancashire, practised as a physician in Horncastle for 30 years. He founded the Horncastle dispensary and the Lincolnshire Medical Benevolent Society.

He also founded the first infirmary for spinal diseases in London and was a notable advocate for medical reform on the national scene.

September 2016

"Hotel. Early C19, mid C19"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1251753 

"The Revesby Abbey Estate sold The Rodney Inn in 1954. It changed hands many times in the decades that followed, and in 1989 underwent a major rebuilding and renaming to the Admiral Rodney Hotel"

https://www.admiralrodney.com/the-hotel/history/ 

DB 18 July 2019

Listed in Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919

"Parker George, beer retailer, 65 North street"

Now an Italian restaurant  "Montebello Ristorante"

DB 18 July 2019

This pendant was discovered near Horncastle in 2012, and its unorthodox appearance is due to its long history of reuse.

Although the pendant is 6th or 7th Century in date, its life began as a coin in Iron Age Gaul.  The coin was minted in c.70-60BC by the Suessiones tribe.

A male portrait with a strong nose and wavy hair is still clearly visible; on the reverse, the original lion motif is now less so.

We cannot know what happened between the coin's original manufacture and its Anglo Saxon conversion into a pendant, or at what point it entered Lincolnshire, but it was converted through gilding and the addition of a suspension loop and three collets containing inset glass and garnets.

"House. Late C18, early C19, late C19"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1251574 

Now headquarters of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

"The grounds of Banovallum House include a wildlife garden, a walled garden and about 200m of river bank"

https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/banovallum-house 

DB 18 July 2019 

Listed in White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 :-

"Black Swan, Jas. Fras. Green, Boston road"

DB 18 July 2019

Postcard dated 1930.

Bridge over the River Waring otherwise known as Town Bridge.

British School on South Street, Horncastle, dates from 1814.

It was later used as a drill hall and is now one of the many antiques centres in the town.

Children of non-conformist families attended the school which used the Lancaster system of teaching.

Pearl Wheatley, 2010

"Public house with Assembly Rooms and 2 shops C16, late C18, c.1800, late C19, C20"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063776 

Listed in White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 :-

"Bull Hotel, Wilson and Serpell, Corn market"

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"The Red Lion, the Bull and Rodney are the principal hotels, having first-class accommodation for motorists"

and visitors.

DB 18 July 2019

View of the Bull Ring looking northwards from the Town Bridge (over the river Waring).

This was one of the areas of the town taken over by the huge horse fair during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Postcard, 1910

A deceptively quiet street scene near the centre of town. It was here that the hugely successful Horse Fair was held each August.

In the twentieth century it carried both the A153 (Louth-Sleaford) and A158 (Lincoln-Skegness) roads.

 The Red Lion Hotel (white building with arched vehicular entrance) faces down the street but unfortunately it is not possible to identify the shops either side of the Bull Ring.

Postcard probably dating from the early twentieth century.

Both rivers in the town - the Bain and the Waring - supplied water for industry and were also canalised for use by boats of shallow draft.

Industries grew up along the banks of both rivers (canal basins) and there were several warehouses, such as these at off West Street, for wool, grain, timber and leather.

The former children's home on Mareham Road became site of Horncastle Residential College in 1969.

The former family 'cottage' buildings were adapted as bedroom accommodation. A new dining and classroom block was built including this 12-sided lecture hall - later named the David Robinson Hall after the long-serving College Governor and tutor.

February 2010

"Congregational chapel and attached Sunday School. 1821, 1874. C20"

"Chapel interior with gallery of 1821 intact"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1251763 

Located on the east side of Queen Street. 

DB 18 July 2019

Attached Sunday School to the rear of the chapel.

DB 18 July 2019

Date stone on the attached Sunday School reads :-

"INDEPENDENT

SUNDAY SCHOOL 

1825"

and underneath 

"REBUILT 1874" 

DB 18 July 2019

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"The Court House, North street, is a spacious building of brick and stone, containing the usual offices; the meetings of the Commissioners of Taxes and the County Court are held here"

DB 18 July 2019

"Beneath the window on the south-east corner, and above the doorway is a large stone royal coat of arms supported by a rampant lion and unicorn"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1251572 

DB 18 July 2019

Blue plaque giving the date of building 1865.

DB 18 July 2019

Another view of the Court House.

An inscription on the obelisk in front reads :-

"STOCKS HILL

The Courthouse was built on the site of the Parish Stocks"

A further inscription reads :-

"North Street (Old Court House Triangle) This area was enhanced in 2001 as part of the Horncastle Conservation Area Partnership Scheme" 

DB 18 July 2019

"Public house. Early C18, early C19"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1262501 

DB 31 August 2019

Mr W E Bryant, a member of the Cycle Club.  Mr Bryant was later the owner of the boot and shoe shop at the corner of Market Place and High Street.

Photo 1883

A cycle club was set up in Horncastle in 1883 following a meeting at the Greyhound Inn on East Street in June of that year.

Photo 1883

Listed in Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1913

"TERRITORIAL FORCE.

4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment (G Co. ), Drill hall, Boston road; Capt. Herbert Arthur Howes; William Harrick, color-sergeant-instructor"

The Hall's Facebook Page states that :-

"Built in 1901 to replace an earlier Drill Hall with money raised from public donations.

It was used for army training and also as a venue for entertainments for the town.

During WW1 and WW2 it was used as a hospital and treatment centre.

In 1967 it was renamed at The Town Hall.

In 1974 East Liindsey District Council created their local office there along with the Town Council Offices.

In 2009 the hall was boarded up ready for demolition as ELDC decided it was surplus to requirements.

The town's people rallied round and the lease was finally signed on July 30th 2010 and the utilities and services were re-commissioned along with the removal of the boards.

It was re-named The Stanhope Hall after Edward Stanhope who was MP in 1901.

A team of volunteers cleaned all the building and bookings began rolling in"

DB 18 July 2019 

Corner stone laid by the Earl of Yarborough with full Masonic ceremonial 13 June 1901.

DB 18 July 2019

Blue plaque stating "1901 New Drill Hall became the TOWN HALL 1970"

DB 18 July 2019

Horncastle, in the centre of a large mixed farming area, has had a cattle market for centuries.

The fatstock market was held on the Wong adjoining South Street.

Most of the beast bought and sold were Lincoln Red cattle and Lincolnshire Longwool sheep.

Photograph, 1912

At the eastern end of West Street, the Fighting Cooks, a public house with a long history.

Like other old inns in the town it had plenty of stabling for patrons as well as the carriers who travelled to and from villages to the west of Horncastle.

undated postcard

A second view of the Fighting Cocks which appeared to be closed.

DB 19 December 2018

The former grain warehouse of Harrison and Son is almost the last surviving structure connected with the nearby terminus of the Horncastle Railway Station which was closed in 1971.

The warehouse has 3 stories and retains hoists and a wooden canopy.

John Turner, 2002

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, West Street, Horncastle.

In 1908 the school moved to West Street a short while after the first admission of girls.

The facade of the original building alongside the main drive and facing West Street remains unchanged.

Pearl Wheatley

Decorative pediment over the south elevation of the original 1908 Grammar School building at Horncastle.

Two of the images commonly associated with the town are featured: the horn over the castle (as used in their emblems by the school and the town council) and the grid-iron - symbol of St Lawrence.

The famous horse fair in the town was granted to start on his feast day.

The structure on the roof is part of the original ventilation system.

Ken Redmore, 2010

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, West Street, Horncastle.

In 1908 the school moved to West Street a short while after the first admission of girls.

February 2010

This Edwardian photograph gives a view westwards along High Street towards the Market Place.

On the left in the forground is the Corn Exchange, later converted into the Victory cinema.

On the right before the Market Place is Joseph Banks's house, with the "drum clock" attached at first floor level.

One of five windmills in the town, milling began here on the Spilsby Road in 1843.

Jon Sass Collection, undated photograph

The five sails on Holmes's Mill were removed in 1916 and it continued to work by steam power until the 1940s.

Location of mill: TF 266 696

Mill machinery - including the iron cross for the five sails - which originated from Spital Hill Mill, Gainsborough,

Peter Kirk Collection, 1998

Holy Trinity was built as a chapel of ease to St Mary by Stephen Lewin in 1847.

It is a large church built in yellow brick laid in English bond and in Early English style. The building has chancel, tall clerestoried nave, aisles and a western bellcote.

Declared redundant in 1979, it is currently in use as an antique centre.

May 2015

The chancel arch is supported by large ornate corbels carved with coats of arms, fruit and foliage.

May 2015

The impressive east end has three tall thin lancet windows each flanked by shafts with carved foliage above.

May 2015

A second view of the East Window.

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"The chapel of ease of the Holy Trinity, erected in 1847-8, partly from a legacy of £500, bequeathed for that purpose by Dr. Clement Madely, vicar from 1802, is a building in the Early English style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, south porch and an open western belfry containing one bell:

a new organ was placed in the church in 1887 and considerable improvements were effected at the same time :

three memorial windows and a reredos of Caen stone were erected in 1895:

the church affords 300 sittings"

DB 19 December 2018

"Chapel of Ease, now redundant. 1847. Stephen Lewin"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1262706

Became redundant in 1972 and was Initially converted into a community and tourist information centre.

From 2002 it became an antiques shop.

https://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/antiques-shop-go-ahead-for-trinity-centre-1-846799

DB 19 December 2018

Holy Trinity Church became redundant in 1972 and has now been converted into the Trinity Centre selling antiques and collectables.

Image shows the font still hiding among the antiques.  

"Font with 8 squat shafts with ornate capitals which support 8 elongated trefoil headed arches with chip star decoratioin, spandrels rise up and merge with round bowl"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1262706 

DB 19 December 2018

Holy Trinity Church was declared redundant in 1972 and was initially converted into a community and tourist information centre.

Plaque which is located at the west end of the nave refers to this phase in the building's use 

Building subsequently converted into the Trinity Centre selling antiques and collectables 2002.

https://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/antiques-shop-go-ahead-for-trinity-centre-1-846799

DB 19 December 2018

"Church interior with west window decorated with chip star bands, nook shafts, hood mould and head label stops"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1262706 

DB 19 December 2018

The club's website states :-

"Horncastle Town Football Club have a long and illustrious history which dates way back to when they were founded in 1873. Joining in the 96/97 season, the 1st team currently play in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League.

The 1st team currently compete in the Lincolnshire Football League and have done so for the past 18 seasons.

Before this Town played in the Boston & District League Premier division"

http://www.horncastletownfc.co.uk/a/history-31149.html?page=2

DB 18 July 2019

Horncastle's August Horse Fair was said to be the largest in Europe.

It is thought to originate in the 13th century; the last was held in 1948.

During the nineteenth century the fair lasted for a fortnight and hudred of horses of all types were sold.

from an engraving of 1865 by Sheldon Williams

Modern artwork, initiated by Horncastle History & Heritage Society at the corner of Jubilee Way and South Street.

"HORSE FAIR 1231 -1948

The Fair was originally a market named after St. Lawrence. The Charter for the Fair was granted by King Henry III in 1231.

By the 19C the horse Fair was the greatest horse fair in Europe. It was held for two weeks in August each year. Buyers came from many countries.

Even the Army purchased horses for the Cavalry. Some were used in the Charge of the Light Brigade.

When the Horse Fair stopped in 1948, the Age of the Horse had ended" 

DB 18 July 2019

"Public house. C16, late C18. Mud and stud, colourwashed"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1168242 

Listed in White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 :-

"King's Head, Rd. Leggit, Corn market"

DB 18 July 2019 

Dedication on the stone reads :- 

"In memory of those who gave their lives in the Korean War

British Korean Veterans

1950-1953

Not one of them is forgotten before God.

Dedicated by Lincolnshire No. 1 Branch 25th July 1999" 

DB 18 July 2019 

"House. C17, c.1770, mid C19"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1262687 

White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 states :-

"The manor continued in the possession of the Bishops of Carlisle until the reign of Edward VI., when, under the authority of a license from the Crown, it was sold by Bishop Aldrich to Edward Lord Clinton, who, during the time be held it, compounded with the copyhold tenants and enfranchised their estates; but, after Mary bad ascended the throne, he was compelled to re-convey his purchase to the see of Carlisle, to which, after that period, the manor belonged until the death of the late Bishop of Carlisle in 1856, when it was transferred to the Bishop of Lincoln, with the patronage of the church livings within the Soke of Horncastle.

Bishop Aldrich died at Horncastle in March, 1555.

The house where the Bishops of Carlisle occasionally resided was a plain but substantial and extensive building, which was demolished in 1770, when the present Manor House was erected on its site"

DB 18 July 2019

"MANOR HOUSE owned by BISHOPS OF CARLISLE Lords of the manor and lay rectors 1229 - 1856 partly rebuilt C. 1750 after fire damage"

DB 18 July 2019

This undated (pre-1866) painting by E Roberts shows the Old Vicarage at the end of the Market Place with edge of the Punch House showing on the extreme left.

The Market Place contained a series of small shops and shacks, shown here on the right, which were cleared away in 1862.

This view shows (on the extreme right foreground) the north side of the High Street frontage leading into the Market Place.

Courtesy Pearl Wheatley

View at the turn of the century of the Market Place looking east towards High Street.

The main area of the Market Place is laid to granite setts, many of which remain today, a tribute to their durability.

postcard, 1905

Postcard dated 1906.

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1909 states "The market, held on Saturday, is well supplied with fish, poultry and other provisions; and five annual fairs are held"

"Posting Inn, now Farmers' Club. c.1860, C20"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1262628 

Thurday Market  ongoing in the foreground.

DB 18 July 2019 

The church website states :-

"The first Wesleyan Methodist chapel was built in 1786 in the district known as The Wong or Cagthorpe. It was replaced by a new chapel on the same site in 1806.

In 1837 a new chapel was built on Queen Street, which was in turn replaced by a new chapel on the same site in 1870. This chapel was found to be unsafe and closed in 1962.

It was replaced on the same site by the present chapel which opened in 1965. (During the re-building of the Queen Street premises, 1962-1965, the congregation worshipped at Holy Trinity Anglican Church)"

A commemoration stone was laid 9th January 1965.

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 lists the previous chapel on this site:-

"the Wesleyan chapel, Queen street, is of red brick with stone dressings, erected in 1870, and seating 1,000 ; a fine organ was added in 1885"

DB 18 July 2019

Looking towards the front of the church.

DB 31 August 2019

The screen at the back of the church can be opened to include the church hall.

DB 31 August 2019

Detailed view of the sanctuary.

DB 31 August 2019

Chalice displayed on the communion table.

DB 31 August 2019

Church was opened on 25th September 1965.

DB 31 August 2019

The National School in Manor House Street, Horncastle, was founded in 1814 and is now the Community Centre for the town.

This was a Church of England establishment, close to the parish church and with the head teacher's house attached.

The original building was enlarged and a separate classroom built for boys.

Pearl Wheatley, 2010

"Coaching inn, now wine bar. Late C18, mid C19, C20"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1251578 

DB 18 July 2019

This Dispensary was opened in 1789 and offered 'Medical aid to the Poor'.

It was one of the first such establishments in Lincolnshire and was sponsored by Sir Joseph Banks. It was in use until 1866.

O.S. Grid Ref. TF25851 69508

Kathy Holland, 2013

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Horncastle, is known to have existed in the 14th century when, no doubt, it would be in the church of St. Mary.

At its refounding in 1571 a new school was built south of the church.

In 1778 this was replaced close by with a new building which still survives.

Ken Redmore, 2010

Wesleyan Methodist School, 1859, Foundry Street, Horncastle. It is now a garage.

Methodists supported the British School until they decided to educate their own children.

The premises were formerly a foundry and they were adapted for a general classroom, an infants' room and a playground.

Pearl Wheatley, 2010

Advert appearing in Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1896.

The Phoenix Brewey was next to the Hopton Iron Works off Hammerton Lane.

White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 lists a total of 13 brewers :-

"BREWERS (* Maltsters also.)

Amstrong Robt. C., Brd

*Boulton Wm., Mst

*Brothwell and Frith, Water side

*Cristison Wm. Crow, Langton road

*Gilliat George, Wharf

*Johnson Thomas, Ckt

Malkinson James, Hst

*Meredith Thomas, Est

Priestley Edward, Pst

Settle Joseph Grundy, High street

Sparling George, Pst

Wilkinson Wm .. Est

Wilson & Serpell, Ckt"

"Post office. 1929-30 by H T Rees for the GPO ...

original plasterwork in the main sales hall with original wooden counters doors and doorways"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1387723 

DB 18 July 2019 

The former Primitive Methodist chapel at the end of Prospect Street close to West Street was opened in 1854 and closed in 1961.

It was the third Primitive Methodist chapel to be built in the town.

April 2014

Still just possible to read the date stone :-

"PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL 1853"

DB 18 July 2019

"Posting house, now hotel. Late C17, late C18, early C19, C20"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063777 

Mentioned in White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 :-

"Here is also an Agricultural Labourers' and Ploughing Society, which meets at the Red Lion Hotel"

DB 18 July 2019

Advert appearing in Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1896.

"Posting house, now hotel. Late C17, late C18, early C19, C20"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063777 

The River Waring rises a few miles to the north-east in Fulletby parish.

It was canalised along this stretch to form a limb of the Horncastle-Tattershall canal, known as the South Basin.

On the left-hand side (north) is Wharf Road, once the location of several warehouses and other businesses using water transport for the movement of goods.

Postcard, 1911

"Part of west curtilage wall in Roman castrum.

Late C3-mid C4.

Spilsby sandstone rubble.

Section of rubble core, approximately 2 metres high and 3 metres long"

DB 18 July 2019

Blue plaque fixed to the nearby clinic wall.

DB 18 July 2019

This finely detailed ceramic head, discovered near Horncastle, may once have been part of a statuette, though sadly we now cannot tell who it depicts - whether mortal or goddess.

The angle of the neck suggests that the figure was moving, perhaps in the process of performing in some way, though the expression on her face is serene.

Traces of paint and plaster still survive, giving an impression of how vibrant and lifelike the statuette originally was.

Courtesy of Lincolnshire County Council, The Collection

Shown as a school on the OS 25 inch map published 1906 possibly associated with the small New Jerusalem or Swedenborgian church just round the corner in Croft Street.

DB 18 July 2019

"Posting house, now hotel. Early C19, C20"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1307080

Listed in White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 :-

"Ship, Wm. Spratt, Ckt" (Ckt = Corn Market)

Unfortunately the hotel had closed when this image was taken. 

DB 18 July 2019

"House, now 3 shops with accommodation above. Mid C18, early C19, C20"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1272385 

DB 18 July 2019

"1775 Town house of SIR JOSEPH BANKS Botanist and President of the Royal Society"

DB 18 July 2019

Town Clock 1889 fixed to the wall of Sir Joseph Banks's Town House.

DB 18 July 2019 

"TOWN CLOCK Purchased by Public Subscription 1889 Centenary 1989"

DB 18 July 2019

Known as the oldest standing building in Horncastle, the Church dates back to the 13th century.

The Church illustrates three architectural styles, Early English, Perpendicular and Victorian when it underwent extensive restoration in the nineteenth century.

O.S Grid Ref. TF 25855 69555

Kathy Holland, 2013

View of St Mary's from the north-east.

The chancel was rebuilt by Ewan Christian in about 1860 in which he is said to have modelled the east window on the one at Haltham.

The north chapel seen here is Perpendicular in style, with fine four-light windows and ornate battlements.

postcard, c.1920

St Mary's Sqaure leading to the churchyard to the sourh-west of the church, is much photographed.

postcard based on painting by David Cuppleditch, c.1980

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states 

"The church of St. Mary is a building of stone, chiefly in the Decorated and Perpendicular styles, consisting of large chancel with aisles, nave of four bays, aisles, north and south porches, vestry and an exceedingly massive embattled western tower, with spire, containing 6 bells and a clock:

the nave appears to belong to the earlier half of the 14th century, with a clerestory added in the 15th century; the chancel  is of about the same age as the nave, but the north aisle or chantry is later; the earliest remaining portion of the "Edifice is comprised in the arches and piers supporting the tower, which date from the latter part of the 13th century:

the organ was rebuilt, at a cost of £2,000, through the munificence of Henry J. Fielding esq. and contains three manuals, a fine pedal organ, 45 stops and upwards of 2,500 pipes:

the reredos is of Caen stone, elegantly carved :

the eagle lectern was the gift of the Misses Walter, in memory of their father, who was churchwarden; the ancient carved screens have been re-erected in the chancel, which retains a piscina and a barred hagioscope :

the east window is a memorial to the late Rev. H. Milner, some time vicar of Horncastle; and there are others to the Rev. Robert Giles, a former vicar, to Mr. F. Harwood, Mrs. Fox, the Rev. Arthur Scrivenor M.A. vicar 1872-82, the Rev. Edwin Fowler Quarrington M.A. vicar here I882-1900, Mr. Robert Clitherow, and the Hon. Mrs. Stanhope:

in the north aisle is a mural brass, on a slab of Purbeck marble, to Sir Lionel Dymoke kt. ob. 1519, with kneeling figures of himself, two sons (now lost) and three daughters:

the lower portion of the plate with the figures of the sons was palimpsest, and a rubbing of this fragment is in the collection of the Soc. Antiq. Lond. :

on the pavement is another brass representing the body of Sir Lionel in a shroud, with two scrolls and an inscribed brass below:

in the north chancel aisle is a hatchment with arms to Sir Ingram Hopton kt. killed at Winceby, Oct. 11, 1643:

in the south aisle is a memorial, reproduced with much care from the original painting on the south arcade wall( to Thomas Gibson A.M. 44 years vicar of this parish, ob. 1678, with a shield of arms:

the north aisle was rebuilt in 1820 and the south in 1821:

the church was thoroughly restored in 1860, under the direction of the late Mr. Ewan Christian, architect; the chancel, at the cost of the late James Banks Stanhope esq. of Revesby Abbey, and the rest by subscription; the work included the refitting of the interior with open oak benches -and the fixing of a new oak roof the total cost being about £4,000:

there are nearly 700 sittings"

DB 19 December 2018

"large, pointed 5 light window of 1861 with flowing tracery based on the east window of Haltam on Bain"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1168259 

DB 19 December 2018

Looking east.

DB 19 December 2018

View looking east towards the chancel.

"The building is dominated by three architectural styles:

*Early English as seen in the five-bay nave arcade (the upper sections of which were re-built in 1859-61), internal tower arch with pointed head and western-facing lancet windows, with their moulded string courses.

*Perpendicular as evident in the north and south chancel chapels and nave clerestory, with its five 15th century windows.

*Victorian restoration seen especially in the east window, chancel arch, nave aisles, porches and vestry office. The floor level at the east end of the church was raised in height by two feet during the 1859-61 restoration, in order to accommodate the central heating system"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary%27s_Church,_Horncastle 

DB 19 December 2018

View looking west towards the tower arch.

"tower arch of c.1200 with triple chamfered, pointed head which dies into roll moulded jambs, central jamb on each side with fillet"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1168259 

DB 19 December 2018

"Roofs of 1861 supported on stone angle corbels in chancel and wooden angel corbels in nave"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1168259

DB 19 December 2018

C19 octagonal stone font.

DB 19 December 2018

"Hatchment recently repainted, to Sir Ingram Hopton, who was killed at Battle of Winceby, 1643"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1168259

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Winceby

Hanging below the west tower arch. 

DB 19 December 2018

C19 pulpit.

DB 19 December 2018

View looking west. 

"North aisle of 1820-21 with windows and porch of 1859-61"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1168259 

DB 19 December 2018

View looking west.

"South aisle of 1820-21 with windows of 1859-61"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1168259 

DB 19 December 2018

"Triangular headed C19 south aisle archway leading into south aisle of chancel"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1168259 

DB 19 December 2018

"Brass to Lionel Dymoke, died 1519, with kneeling soldier, and 2 sons and 3 daughters each on small plaque and 3 coats of arms"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1168259 

DB 19 December 2018

The memorial to Edward Stanhope, MP, was erected in the Market Place in Horncastle in 1894.

It is composed of a mixture of materials: limestone ashlar, red sandstone, pink and grey streaked marble and metal. It was designed by E H Lingen Barker.

May 2012

Edward Stanhope (1840-93) was Conservative MP for Mid-Lincolnshire and then Horncastle between 1974 and his death in 1893.

He had a distinguished parliamentary career, serving as President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for War.

His Lincolnshire home was Revesby Abbey and he was well regarded for his charitable work in Horncastle and local area.

May 2012

A key element of water control for drainage and navigation in Horncastle is the staunch (or stanch) at the confluence of rivers Bain and Waring and the beginning of the Horncastle-Tattershall Canal.

Installed in 1802 when the canal opened, it maintained the water level in both of the town's canal basins and released excess water down the Bain at times of flood.

The staunch keeper's cottage can be seen to the right.

1914

Water level in the town's two rivers is controlled at the staunch - or, as it was known locally, stanch.

It is situated off Coronation Walk close to the confluence of rivers Bain and Waring and at the beginning of the Horncastle to Tattershall Canal.

At a time of potential flood in the town water is discharged through the staunch into the original bed of the Bain. A modern sluice has replaced the staunch shown here.

Ken Redmore, 1957

This building on the west side of Foundry Street on the corner of Laundry Lane was built as a foundry, occupied first by Thomas Tupholme in the 1830s and later by Arthur Barrett between 1846 and 1851.

In the late 1850s it was converted into the Wesleyan Day School and from 1907 it housed the Horncastle & Woodhall Spa Steam Laundry.

"Public dispensary with attached railings and gate, converted to cottage hospital. 1866 converted 1924.

Designed by Bellamy & Hardy of Lincoln. White brick with ashlar and red brick dressings"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1386198

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1937 states :-

"Horncastle War Memorial Hospital & Dispensary, 52 North street ; G. H. Sanderson M.B., M.R.C.S. L.R.C.P., A. C. Greenwood M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., G. W. Armour M.B., Ch.B. & J. V. Buchanan M.B., Ch.B. medical officers; Miss A. Hughes, matron; Edward Byron, sec"

DB 18 July 2019 

"PUBLIC DISPENSARY ESTABLISHED 1789 BY EDWD HARRISON MD

PATRON SIR JOSEPH BANKS KT THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED 1866 IN MEMORY OF SIR HY DYMOKE BART A GENEROUS SUPPORTER OF THIS INSTITUTION"

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states 

"The Dispensary, first established in 1789 by the late Drs. Harrison and Fawssett, and now opposite the Court House in North street, is a structure of white brick, with stone dressings, built in 1866 as a memorial to the late Sir Henry Dymoke bart.

It is supported by donations and subscriptions, and by collections made at places of worship in the town and surrounding district; the average number of patients is about 450.

There is a small Hospital for Infectious Diseases on the Spilsby road, under the control of the Urban District Council"

Also

"Horncastle Public Dispensary, 52 North street, A. Guy Hunter esq. treasurer; Herbert Arthur Howes L.R.C.P. & S.Edin. & Arthur Boulton M.R.C.S.Eng. medical officers; Wm, Betts, resident dispenser & sec"

DB 18 July 2019 

Became a War Memorial Hospital following its conversion from a public dispensary in 1924.

Two dedicatory plaques located just inside the entrance.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/20409 

DB 18 July 2019

One of two dedicatory plaques located just inside the entrance :-

"IN MEMORY OF THE GLORIOUS DEAD BELONGING TO THE PARISH OF HORNCASTLE WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918"

The other plaque reads :-

"IN MEMORY OF THE GLORIOUS DEAD BELONGING TO HORNCASTLE WHO FELL IN THE 1939/45 WAR"

DB 18 July 2019 

Horncastle's water mill was on the Bain where it entered the northern side of the town.

postcard, c.1970

Watson's Free Infant School was founded by Richard Watson, son of a wealthy tanner, in 1786.

The school is in West Street (formerly Tanner Street), Horncastle.

It is now the headquarters of the Horncastle Photographic Society.

February 2010

This chapel on Queen Street opened in 1870 was the fourth Wesleyan chapel in the town and the second on this site. It was demolished in 1963 when the roof became unsafe.

The building to the south, first the Sunday school and then a youth centre was added in 1877,

Wesleyan Methodist School, Cagthorpe, was built in 1905 after the Foundry Street premises were condemned.

It became the secondary modern school for the town after the second world war until it was replaced in the 1960s by the Banovallum School on Boston Road.

(It now houses the town youth club.)

Pearl Wheatley, 2010

"House, now estate agents. Early C19, C20"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1252002 

Flood mark visible in the south front. 

DB 18 July 2019

Flood mark showing the height of water in 1960.

"The town is susceptible to flooding, notably in 1920 and 1960 - and with three floods occurring between 1981 and 1984"

"On 7 October 1960 Horncastle entered the UK Weather Records with a "highest 180-minute total" rainfall of 178 mm. As of March 2013 it still holds the record. The water levels are said to have risen 8 feet (2.4 m) as a consequence"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horncastle 

See also

http://www.visitoruk.com/Horncastle/problem-of-floods-C1207-HL1090.html 

DB 18 July 2019

The wheelwright's furnace or oven at 45 Foundry Street is a rare survival.

Metal tyres, standing vertically, were heated on the hearth of the oven before fitting over cart or wagon wheels in the wheelwright's yard alongside.

Matthew Scaman (father and then son) were the first wheelwrights here; Charles Twell followed in the 1920s.

Chris Lester, 2010

Reported in the Horncastle News 8 October 2003 that :-

"PILLS made George Whelpton his fortune, and the legacy of this Horncastle philanthropist continues to provide comfort in the town to this day.

Born in Thimbleby in 1797, Whelpton started in business as a boot and shoe maker in Louth and preached at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.

But it was the ill-health of his wife Elizabeth which set him on the road to study medical works and formulate Whelpton's Vegetable Pills, a remedy for 'disorders of the chest, bowels, liver and kidneys'.

Legend has it Whelpton found the recipe in a piece of furniture he bought at an auction in Horncastle. Whatever the truth of the matter, the Victorians brought the pills by the case-load making him extremely wealthy.

Although he eventually moved to London, Whelpton endowed the almhouses in Queen Street in 1859 after the death of his wife and today they are run by a group of trustees"

https://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/almshouses-provide-a-lasting-legacy-to-town-businessman-s-kindness-1-853215 

The porches seen in this image are a recent addition and were added in 1983. 

DB 18 July 2019

"THESE SIX ALMS HOUSES WERE ERECTED BY GEORGE WHELPTON No 1 ALBERT ROAD REGENTS PARK LONDON AD 1861 IN MEMORY OF HIS LATE WIFE ELIZABETH WHO DIED DECEMBER 11 1859" 

Other more recent plaques state that the Almshouses were restored in 1982 and that the porches were erected in 1983. 

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"In Queen street are six almshouses, erected in 1861 by George Whelpton, a native of Horncastle, in memory of his wife, for poor persons of the town, each of whom has an allowance of 3s. a week:

the endowment is derived from a sum of £1,500 invested in the funds, and the inmates are nominated by the vicar and churchwardens"

DB 18 July 2019

The tiny workshop occupied by William Marwood in Church Lane, Horncastle. The door to his premises, to the right of the frontage, has been bricked in.

William Marwood (1818-1883) was the official hangman or principal exectioner from 1874.

He developed the 'long drop' technique of hanging, a relatively speedy and humane process.

Marwood lived in Church Lane Horncastle where he had a cobbler's workshop. This plaque is mounted on the building.

Jean Howard, 19 April 2022