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. {39} 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 extension and improvement.
[Picture: Plan of Horncastle in 1722, from “Stukeley’s Itinerarium”]
From a plan of the town drawn by Dr. Stukeley, in the year 1722, it
appears at that period of time, now nearly 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.
[Picture: Plan of Horncastle in 1819]
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 the
lessee of the manor. {41} 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.
A building, situated on the south side of the church yard, is
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 as are recommended by subscribers; and the many to whom
assistance has been afforded, evince its utility in a striking degree.
The number of patients admitted from the commencement of the institution
in September 1789, to September 1818, was 9253. It is attended two days
in the week by two physicians, whose services are gratuitous, and by an
apothecary, who receives a salary. A female accoucheur has also been
lately added to the establishment.
A Literary Society, which was established here in the year 1790, has
formed a permanent library, which is kept at the Dispensary. It contains
about one thousand 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 ten
shillings and sixpence 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, as well as at the other towns specified in the act, 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, and a
newly formed society of primitive Methodists.