At so early a period as the time of forming the Domesday survey, this
town appears to have arisen into some consideration as a place of trade,
being possessed of a market, which however is in that record denominated
a new one. {74}
For a many years it was considered one of the principal market towns of
the county of Lincoln; but its trade, for some time previous to the
destruction of the castle, had been gradually withdrawing to other places
more conveniently situated; and afterwards the town fell rapidly into
decay, and its market became wholly unfrequented.
Although it may be at present identified as a mere village; yet its
widely detached houses, partially paved streets, and grass grown market
place, connected with the mounds of the castle which once adorned the
spot, evince sufficiently that there has been a time when destitution was
not the characteristic of the town of Bolingbroke.
An unsuccessful attempt has lately been made to revive the market, on a
portion of land allotted to this parish on the enclosure of the fens, in
lieu of right of common thereon. An annual fair on the tenth of July, is
held both at this town and on the fen allotment.
There is a free school at this place, founded and endowed in 1588, by a
Mr. Chamberlain.
In 1811 this parish contained 75 houses, and 361 inhabitants.
Bolingbroke gives the title of viscount to the family of St. John, of
Lydiard Tregoze, in Wiltshire.