The parish of Tattershall contains about 1555 acres of land, and the
hamlet of Tattershall Thorpe about 2589 acres, the principal part of
which is the property of the lord of the manor.
The town has derived considerable benefit from the navigable canal, which
passes through it from the river Witham to the town of Horncastle. A
fine bridge of three arches having been thrown over the Witham, in the
place of the ferry, with a turnpike road to Sleaford, has also
contributed to the improvement of the place.
From a manuscript account of the diocese of Lincoln, taken in the year
1588, it appears that at that period Tattershall contained 236 families,
and the hamlet of Tattershall Thorpe 68. By the returns made in the year
1821, it appears that the number of houses in Tattershall was 120, and of
inhabitants 627: Tattershall Thorpe, at the same time, contained 39
houses, and 269 inhabitants.
There are two fairs holden annually at this place; one on the fifteenth
of May, the other on the twenty-fifth of September. The market is now
held on Friday weekly.
In the market place stands an octagonal column or shaft, which was once
surmounted by a cross. The cross has however long since been removed and
an urn substituted in its place. On three of the shields with which this
column is ornamented these arms are sculptured, viz. CROMWELL, CROMWELL
and TATESHALL quarterly, and CROMWELL and TATESHALL impaling DEINCOURT.
The arms on the fourth shield are obliterated.