Former public house now the Anchor House B&B.

Listed in White's Directory 1856 "Anchor, Wm. & Saml. Stephenson" and in 1872 "Anchor, Emanuel Gant 1 East end".

Also in Kelly's Directory 1930 "Lee Horace Dales, Anchor P.H. East st".

DB 21 September 2024

Alford is a market town lying at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

It has a working five-sailed windmill and a thatched manor house open to the public.

This photograph is taken from St Wilfrid's churchyard looking ahead to West Street close to the centre of the town.

Undated postcard

This red brick church on Chauntry Road was in active use by the Congregationalists from 1876 (when it was built at a cost of £1200) to 2010.

undated postcard

The former Congregational Chapel on the corner of Chauntry Road and West Street is currently a place of worship for Alford Community Church.

September 2018

The local Millwright, Oxley, built this mill in the late 1830s and it is still in working order. It is owned by Lincolnshire County Council.

Location of mill: TF 457 765

This elegant five-sailed windmill (TF 457766), Hoyle's Mill, was built by Oxley's, millwrights in Alford, in 1837 with later gearing and ironwork supplied by Tuxford of Boston.

With supplementary diesel engine power it worked until 1955.

The mill, fully restored in 2000, is now owned by Lincolnshire County Council and is once more operated commercially.

It is open to the public.

Frank Robinson, 2010

Closer view of the five sails and the automaic shuttering mechanism to control the effective area of the sails.

Rod Callow, 2007

Ivy House stands to the south of St Wilfrid’s church. Originally a two-storey early 18th century house another floor was added later in the century. The line of the original gable can be seen on the west end. The house is listed Grade II see: 

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1359978?section=official-list-entry

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Alford Manor House was built in 1611 in a traditional H-plan with thatched roof and timber frame.

Unusually, the walls were encased with brick to form an integral part of the structure, making it a rare example of its kind and it is possibly the largest thatched manor house in England.

This substantial property became the home of Sir Robert Christopher who was knighted in 1660 for his support of the King in the English Civil War.

Today, the house is fully restored and open to the public.

Chris Lester, 2010

Timber framework survives from the original building of c.1540.

Sir Robert Christopher, who bought nearby Tothby and Rigsby manors, rebuilt Alford Manor House in 1661. The brick front was added in c.1700.

Through marriage the house passed successively to the Sherrard and Manners families until c.1900 when it became part of Walter Rawnsley's Well estate.

The last occupant was Miss D Higgins, who donated the building to Alford Civic Trust in 1967.

Photo by H D Martineau c.1980

The Manor House has Tudor origins, seen for example in its timber frame and roof timbers. However, the south facade facing the street (seen here) was rebuilt in whole or part in both eigthteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Rod Callow, 2007

The market place lies immediately south of the parish church of St Wilfrid. The brick building to the right of the photograph was built as the Boston, Spalding and Stamford Bank in 1913 and was taken over by Barclays

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

The school standing on the corner of Parsons Lane and West Street was built as a Girls' National School in 1851. The cost of £200 was donated by John Rear.

September 2018

This building on South Street was opened by the Primitive Methodists in 1837. It was enlarged in 1856 and a schoolroom added in 1873.

In the early 1940s the congregation joined with the former Wesleyans in the West Street chapel.

November 2018

The original school building on West Street,

 Undated postcard

The John Spendluffe School is named after its late sixteenth-century benefactor who left land at Farlesthorpe to support a school in the town.

This was originally a senior school to take older children from previously all-age schools in the area. It was the first in Lindsey to serve a small town and rural area in this way.

November 2018

View from the north-east.

September 2018

St. Wilfrid's church in Alford has many features from the Decorated period along with a Perpendicular screen, Jacobean pulpit and a fine alabaster tomb.

St Wilfrid's was heavily restored in the Victorian period.

Mark Acton, 2008

View of St Wilfrid's church from the south.

undated postcard

This view of St Wilfrid's from the north-east shows the Decorated chancel with its 5-light east window.

The outer north aisle (to the right) was added by Sir G G Scott in 1865-81.

A post card published by Parker of Alford (undated).

Alford St Wilfrid from N

A church hall was built to the north of St Wilfrid’s in 1905 but recent regrading and resurfacing of the ground between the two buildings has provided easier access via the north door.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Alford St Wilfrid from S

The church is Grade I listed – see: 

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

DB 21 September 2024

DB 21 September 2024

The screen although much restored includes late 14th century elements. The recess immediately to the right is the low side window. The position of the Christopher monument can be seen on the right.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Looking east towards the altar.

The Church Guide states that "The appearance of the chancel today largely dates from the 1867 restoration when Scott rebuilt the end gable and restored the roof to its original pitch"

DB 21 September 2024

DB 21 September 2024

Rood Screen which probably dates from late C14. Much altered and restored.

DB 21 September 2024

The Church Guide states "The modern Rood Group in English oak was designed by Lawrence Bond of Grantham and erected in 1960. The rear of the base of the cross is inscribed:

"In memory of Dora Gladys, wife of Thomas Herbert Lovett, who died 21st October 1957.""

DB 21 September 2024

This monument in the chancel is to Sir Robert Christopher (died 1668) and his wife.

December 2014

This monument of Derbyshire alabaster is a dominant feature in the chancel. Sir Robert Christopher and his wife lie on a black marble slab atop a tomb chest surrounded by original spiked railings that are shaped like irises. Both wear splendid footwear; he lies on a paliasse and their heads are supported on plump cushions.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Lady Elizabeth Christopher wears a hood tied beneath her chin.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Sir Robert died in 1667 leaving a bequest which founded the town’s almshouses. He is shown wearing a fashionable periwig.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

The side panels of the altar style monument are richly decorated and retain much of the original colour and gilding. There are swags at the corners and this (west) end has a coat of arms.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

The coat of arms includes this helmet.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

The tablet on the wall above is framed by swags of fruit suspended on gilded ribbons.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

The reticulated five light east window dates from the early 14th century. The stained glass is by Sir Ninian Comper.

The carved reredos is in memory of Edward King, Bishop of Lincoln, 1885 – 1910: the four figures of bishops represent from left to right, St Wilfrid the church’s patron saint and three famous Bishops of Lincoln, St Hugh of Avalon; Robert Grosseteste; and Edward King.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

"IN MEMORY OF THOMAS WRIGHT TONGE, ESQUIRE, A NATIVE OF GAINSBOROUGHI, AND FOR UPWARDS OF TWENTY YEARS AN EMINENT MEDICAL PRACTITIONER AT THIS PLACE. HE DIED ON THE 7TH OF JANUARY 1854 IN THE 81ST YEAR OF HIS AGE. DEEPLY REGRETTED, AND MUCH RESPECTED BY A LARGE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS.

"BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE THEE A CROWN OF LIFE" REV. 11 CHAP. VERSE 10"

DB 21 September 2024

Two more recent memorials :-

"Remember before God FRANK  GRAVES. Organist and Choirmaster from 1897 to 1964"

"Remember before God Frank Riley organist here between 1983 - 2013"

DB 21 September 2024

DB 21 September 2024

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

This window depicts St John’s Gospel, ch 21, v 15-17, and reads: Jesus saith to Simon Peter ‘Feed my lambs.’ It remembers Revd Sebastian Elijah Nichols who died 1910.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

The window was designed by Heaton, Butler & Bayne as the signature shows.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

The outline of the sedilia indicates that the altar may have stood forward of its present position, leaving a screened-off space behind used as a sacristy. This is borne out by the existence of a large aumbry set into the east wall, but now hidden behind the pannelling.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

On the south side of the chancel is a 14th century low side window with an image of St Wilfrid. The glass was the gift of Revd J S Tyack, assistant curate in 1880s.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

"In the chancel and north chapel north windows are panels of C14 stained glass decorated with foliage"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 September 2024

To the south of the Annunciation window is this richly coloured depiction of three knightly figures by Burlison & Grylls. It shows St George and the dragon and  the Archangel Michael defeating evil, either side of the mythical Sir Galahad. It is a memorial to Flight Sub-lieutenant Maurice Nelson Baron, son of the then vicar, who was killed in action in Belgium in1917 aged 18.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Looking east towards the C19 chancel arch.

"Nave arcades, C14, 4 bays, octagonal shafts with floriate capitals, double chamfered arches. The north western pier has plain octagonal moulded capital."

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry

DB 21 September 2024

Looking west towards the tower arch.

DB 21 September 2024

The font is 19th century.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

DB 21 September 2024

A brass plate in the floor :- 

"HERE AND NIGH UNTO THIS PLACE LIETH THE BODY OF MR WILLM KEY WHO DIED MAY YE 7 1753 AGED 61. ALSO MRS ELIZH, KEY HIS WIFE WHO DIED DECR 20 1761AGED 67. ALSO MR THOS KEY SON OF THE ABOVE WILLM AND ELIZ KEY, WHO DIED FEB 27 1764 AGED, 47. ALSO MARY KEY DAUGHTER OF THOS AND DOROTHY KEY WHO DIED MAY YE 30 1765, AGED 2 YEARS"

DB 21 September 2024

The Jacobean pulpit in St Wilfrid's is of uncommon pattern.  There are low blank arches and odd, barbaric figures.

December 2014

The pulpit dates from about 1610 and is richly carved with arabesque figures, pilasters, cornices and patterned panelling. The stairs and base were renewed during 19th century. The whole stood on the other side of the church until 1900 when it was moved here. Behind the steps can be seen the small door leading to the rood stairs.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Looking west along the original north aisle.

"The north aisle arcade is of 4 bays, added by Sir G. G. Scott in 1867, matching the nave"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 September 2024

Looking east.

"At the east end of the original north aisle is a C16 4 centred continuously moulded doorway to north chapel with above a 3 light panel traceried window"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 September 2024

Looking across the chancel towards the north chapel which is beyond the screen.

The North Chapel was built by Scott in 1867 to provide vestry accommodation and an organ chamber.

DB 21 September 2024

"In Memory of SAMUEL DUCKERING, Who was Lay-Rector of this Parish 39 Years; And departed this Life The 9th day of March 1800, in the 55th Year of his Age"

DB 21 September 2024

"In the chancel and north chapel north windows are panels of C14 stained glass decorated with foliage"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 September 2024

The organ was made by the Hull firm Foster & Andrews.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

DB 21 September 2024

Looking west along the outer north aisle.

DB 21 September 2024

NW corner N aisle.

This is the westernmost of a series of carved beasts that overhang the path along the north side of the church.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Corbel above north door. 

The bust of an angel supports a shelf which may have held a saint’s image.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

E window St Laurence chapel (N aisle)

This vivid glass is a design by Sir Ninian Comper depicting the Nativity. It dates from 1947 and is a memorial to Kate Maria Steele, 1874-1941.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Close to the altar in the north aisle St Laurence chapel is this tablet giving a detailed family tree of the Carnley family whose later members are buried at nearby Bilsby.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Dewsnop tablet.

This reads: In Memory of/ EMMANL DEWSNOP, Clerk,/ who was Vicar of this Church 48 Years/ And Departed this Life April ye 11th 1753/ Aged 87 Years./ Also of/ MERCY his Wife, who died May ye 17th 1747/ Aged 79 Years./ They had seven Children, two of which, viz./ JOHN and MERCY, lie interr’d with them/ near this Place; And the only surviving Ones,/ CHARLES, JOSHUA and MARTHA,/ out of Due Regard to their Memory,/ have erected this monument./ Blessed are the dead which die In the Lord;/ for they rest from their Labours: Rev:14:13:Verse. 

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

"NEAR unto this place Lyeth amongft Her Ancefters, the Body of ELIZABETH LAKE, who Departed this Life May the 19th 1752. Aged 21 Years and 5 Months.

Preferve me, O God : for in thee have I put my Truft ... "

DB 21 September 2024

"SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF MRS MARY PORTAS, OF THIS TOWN;  WHO DIED OCTOBER 6TH 1869, AGED 84 YEARS. HER REMAINS ARE INTERRED IN A VAULT IN BILSBY CHURCHYARD, NEAR THIS TOWN.

IN AFFECTIONATE AND RESPECTFUL REMEMBRANCE OF A HUMBLE CHRISTIAN, WHO WAS A DEVOTEDLY FAITHFUL AND ATTACHED SERVANT AND FRIEND TO FOUR GENERATIONS OF THE FAMILY OF SIBTHORP, OF CANWICK. HALL, IN THIS COUNTY. THIS TABLET IS PLACED BY MARIA WALDO SIBTHORP, AND HENRY A.M. WALDO SIBTHORP, THE WIDOW AND YOUNGEST SON OF COLONEL CHARLES DE LAET WALDO SIBTHORP.

"WHAT DOTH THE LORD REQUIRE OF THEE, BUT TO DO JUSTLY, AND TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD?" MICAH, VI_8.

"THAT I MAY WIN CHRIST, AND BE FOUND IN HIM, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHICH IS OF THE LAW, BUT THAT WHICH IS THROUGH THE FAITH OF CHRIST. PHILIPNS III_8.9."

DB 21 September 2024

"To the Memory of THOMAS WILLIAMSON Gent: who Died on the 28th Day of March 1766, in the 74th Year of his Age.

This Monument is erected by his Widow.

SHE died on the 26th Day of June 1778, In the 86. Year of her Age."

DB 21 September 2024

This window is by L C Evetts and dates from 1969/70. It is in memory of John and Elizabeth Wakelin.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

The Church Guide notes "St Laurence's Altar dates from the inter-war period and the oak reredos contains two panels depicting the Nativity and Resurrection of Christ. There are also carvings of the gridiron on which traditionally St Laurence was martyred"

DB 21 September 2024

DB 21 September 2024

The two storey south porch dates from the 16th century. The parvise room above may have been first used as a lodging for a priest as it is provided with a fireplace. However it was later the first home of the Grammar School founded by Francis Spanning in 1566. A later teacher here was the Revd Francis Marbury whose daughter Ann married William Hutchinson, emigrated to New England and is considered one of the founding mothers of the United States. Ann was well-educated for a woman of her time and is thought to have gained that education from her father here in Alford. 

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

"The C16 gabled south porch is surmounted by a parvise room. It has moulded plinth, stepped corner buttresses, moulded parapet with pinnacles"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 September 2024

"The continuously moulded outer arch is 4 centred with moulded hood"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry 

Tiled floor within. 

DB 21 September 2024

The south door has a wicket door with an early lockplate and latch.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

This shield is displayed in the south porch. It bears a brass plaque which reads: Presented by/ the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty/ to Alford/ Urban District Council/ to commemorate the adoption of/ B M M L 107/ during Warship Week March 1942.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Roll of Honour WWII.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

DB 21 September 2024

Looking east towards the Lady Chapel.

DB 21 September 2024

Looking west.

DB 21 September 2024

The tracery of this window dates from the late 13th century. The glass is early 20th century by Heaton, Butler & Bayne and shows the Annunciation.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Lady Chapel at the east end of the south aisle.

The Church Guide reports that "Prior to 1547 it would seem that this site was given over to the chantry of "the precious Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ and of the Virgin Mary" which had been founded in 1475"

DB 21 September 2024

"This Altar Frontal for the Lady Chapel was a Millennium Project by the Stitches Craft Group, Alford.

It was designed by Gina White and worked by some members and friends of the Group.

It also celebrated the 100th Birthday of George Arthur White on 25th February 2000"

DB 21 September 2024

The aumbry has a modern wooden door with a carving of the "Pelican in Her Piety".

A notice states that "The Blessed Sacrament is Reserved Here".

"Reservation was prohibited in many Protestant churches in the 16th century. In England it was permitted in the First Book of Common Prayer of 1549, but disallowed in 1552. The Thirty-Nine Articles stated, "The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped." In 1662, the prayer book rubric was altered to the effect that after the Communion any remains were to be reverently consumed. The practice of reservation died out among Anglicans until the 19th century when, under the influence of the Tractarians, members of the Oxford Movement, it was restored"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserved_sacrament#Anglican_Communion 

DB 21 September 2024

"In the south aisle is a trefoil headed piscina"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 September 2024

In the south aisle this illegible scrolled tablet with a female bust is thought to date from the 17th century and to be for a member of the Tiptoft family.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

"SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF RICHARD HARBY. ESQUIRE, WHO DIED ON THE IST DAY OF JULY. 1822: IN THE 66TH YEAR OF HIS AGE.

ALSO OF MARTHA, HIS WIFE. WHO DIED ON THE 18TH DAY OF JULY 1812: AGED 62.)

DB 21 September 2024

John Rear was born at Kirkby Laythorpe c1781. He lived and worked in Alford as a builder and joiner. On the Poll Book list for 1852 he called himself a gentleman.

ERECTED IN MEMORY OF/ JOHN REAR/ WHO DIED AT ALFORD 3RD NOVEMBER1854./ THE DECEASED BUILT A SCHOOL HOUSE FOR THE/ SOLE PURPOSE OF EDUCATING THE POOR GIRLS/ OF ALFORD AND THE ADJOINING PARISHES./ IN ADDITION TO ERECTING THE ABOVE SCHOOL/ HE ENDOWED IT WITH EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS/ WHICH SUM WAS PLACED/ IN THE HANDS OF THE GOVERNORS/ OF THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, TO BE BY THEM/ AND THEIR SUCCESSORS, APPLIED FOR THE BENEFIT/ OF THE SAID SCHOOL FOREVER.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Daubney plaque and Wayet tablet.

The metal plaque explains the dedication of the window to the right; the marble tablet details a charitable bequest. The wording is as follows:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF/ MARY MARTIN DAUBNEY,/ ELDEST DAUGHTER OF CHARLES COLLYER DAUBNEY/ AND MARY MARTIN ALLENBY HIS WIFE BOTH OF ALFORD/ AND RELICT OF THE LATE/ RICHARD WAUGH WRIGHT OF LONDON/ BORN IN ALFORD OCT 7 1811 DIED MANCHESTER FEB 9 1864./ THIS WINDOW IS ERECTED BY THEIR DEVOTED DAUGHTER. ‘So He gave His beloved sleep.’

Mrs Mary Wayet of Stamford in the County of Lincoln/ Widow, by Will dated 3rd October 1831 bequeathed to/ the Minister and Churchwardens of the Parish of/ Alford in the said County of Lincoln the sum of/ Four (?) hundred pounds to be by them & their successors/ Minister and Churchwardens for the time being of the/ said Parish placed out and continued at interest in/ their Names in such Security as they shall think pro-/ per and the Interest thereof to be paid or applied at/ their discretion or for the benefit of the Poor of/ the said Parish of Alford on Saint Paul’s day in/ every Year.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

Looking north across the nave and the two north aisles.

DB 21 September 2024

The four-stage west tower was built in 1529-30 in Perpendicular style. Like most of the building it is constructed in greenstone with limestone dressings.

December 2014

DB 21 September 2024

"The C16 tower arch has octagonal responds and triple chamfered arch"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1063026?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 September 2024

The bell stage and parapet were rebuilt by Scott in 1860s. The tower houses a ring of six bells, four of them cast by Tobie Norris of Stamford in 1676.

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

A busy scene on the opening day for the tramway between Alford and Sutton on Sea, 2 April 1884.

The tramway ran along the current A1111 but was closed in 1889 in the face of competition from the Willoughby to Sutton railway line.

This mill on Station Road was built in 1790 and worked until 1932. It originally had four storeys and four sails.

Jon Sass Collection, undated photograph

The cap and sails on Wallace's Mill in Station Road were removed in the 1930s and the interior fittings in piecemeal fashion afterwards.

It was reduced in height to a two-storey stump in the late 1960s.

Location of mill: TF 444 755

Erected in 1919 the War Memorial was designed by Sir Ninian Comper. It stands outside the south porch of St Wilfrid’s church. It records those who died in both World Wars and Richard Sinclair who was killed in Northern Ireland in 1972. The memorial is Grade II listed – see:  

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1359977?section=official-list-entry

Jean Howard 30 March 2024

This impressive Methodist Chapel on West Street was opened in 1865 following the closure of the chapel in Chapel Street. The architect was William Botterill* of Hull.

Structural problems in the 1980s brought about the sale of the chapel for commercial use. The Alford Methodist comunity use the Sunday school rooms to the rear.

September 2018

* William Botterill (1820-1903) was a prominent architect. He and his son were responsible for several public buildings in Hull and elsewhere in the country. He was the architect for the much admired Centenary Methodist Chapel in Market Rasen.

The first permanent chapel for the Wesleyans in Alford was built in what became Chapel Street in 1819.

In 1839 a schoolroom was added and given the name 'Centenary' (after John Wesley's seminal religious experience of 1739).

The chapel and Sunday school closed in 1865. This date stone is in the Alford Manor House Museum collection.

November 2018