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.