Little is known of the early history of this parish or of its

proprietors. In a Chancery Inquisition post mortem, 11 Henry VII., No.

123, taken at Partney, after the death of Isabella, wife of Richard

Sapcote, Knight, the said Isabella is declared by the jurors to have died

seized of the Manor of Nether Toynton, and of the advowson; and Joan,

wife of William Nevill, of Rolleston, Notts., and others are declared to

be daughters and heirs of the said Isabella; she herself being kinswoman

and heir of William Plesington, son of Henry Plesington, Knight. {187a}

In a list of Lincolnshire names contained in the visitation of 1665-6, by

William Dugdale, Esq., are Agnes Goodrick, daughter of Robert Goodrick,

of Toynton, and Bridget and Elizabeth Rolston, daughters of Edward

Rolston, of Toynton. {187b}

[Picture: St. Peter's Church, Low Toynton]

By a Chancery Inquisition of 38 Henry VIII. (1546), it was found that

Thomas Dymoke, Esq., was seized of land in Over Toynton, Nether Toynton,

Maring-upon the-Hill, and other parishes; and by an Inquisition of 36

Elizabeth, it was found that Robert Dymock, Esq., was seized of the

Manors of ffuletby and Belchforde, and lands in Horncastle, Nether

Tointon and Upper Tointon, and several other parishes. He died without

issue 13th Sept., 1594, and his only sister, Anne, widow of Charles

Bolle, of Haugh, succeeded to his property in Nether Toynton and

elsewhere; and thus the connection of the Dymokes with Low Toynton

ceased. {187c}

There is rather a curious feature in the following record. By a Chancery

Inquisition post mortem, 24 Henry VII., No. 61, it is found that Humphrey

Conyngsby, Sergeant at Law, and others, instituted a suit on behalf of

William Stavely, and others, by which he recovered to them, among other

properties, "the advowson of Nether Taunton, and the rent of 4.5 quarters

of salt, in Nether Taunton, Over Taunton, and other parishes."

We now find another ancient name connected with this parish. The

Newcomens (originally Le Newcomen, or the newcomer) of Saltfleetby, were

one of our oldest Lincolnshire families. They are named in Yorke's

"Union of Honour," and their pedigrees given in four Lincolnshire

Visitations. The number of branches into which the race spread is

remarkable. {188a} Andrew Newcomen lived in the time of Richard I.,

resident at Saltfleetby, where the headquarters of the family continued

for many generations. Robert Newcomen (1304) married Alice, daughter of

Sir William Somercotes, Knight. His son, also Robert, married Margaret,

daughter of Sir William Hardingshall, Knight. Another Robert (1452)

married Joane, daughter of Robert Craycroft, of Craycroft Hall. A

daughter Katharine, of Brian Newcomen, married (1559) George Bolle, of

Haugh, a family already mentioned as, a few years later, connected with

Low Toynton. In 1540 we find Richard Newcomen residing at Nether

Toynton. By his will, dated 3rd Sept., 1540, he requests that he may be

buried in the church of St. Peter, Nether Toynton. He appoints the right

worshipful Edward Dymoke, supervisor. His grandson, Samuel Newcomen, of

Nether Toynton, married Frances, daughter of Thomas Massingberd, of

Braytoft Hall, M.P. for Calais (1552). This branch of the family seems

to have died out in the person of Thomas Newcomen (1592); {188b} but

other branches spread over the neighbourhood, and were established at Bag

Enderby, East Kirkby, Withern, and other places, and flourished

throughout the 17th century. Another Newcomen early in the 18th century

married a daughter of Sir Robert Barkham, Bart.

A renewal of connection with Low Toynton was made when the widow of

Nicholas Newcomen married, circa 1700, the Honble. Charles Bertie, son of

Robert, 4th Earl of Lindsey, patron of the benefice of Nether Toynton.

Arthur Bocher, Esq., of Low Toynton, was in the Lincolnshire Rebellion of

1536, being brother-in-law of Thomas Moygne, one of the leaders in the

movement.

Thus the parish of Low Toynton has had residents, proprietors, and

rectors, to whom its present inhabitants may look back with some degree

of pride and pleasure, although "their place now knoweth them no more."

ROUGHTON.

This village stands on the west bank of the river Bain, about 4 miles to

the south of Horncastle. It is bounded on the north by Thornton and

Martin, on the east by Haltham and Dalderby, on the south by

Kirkby-on-Bain, and on the west by Kirkstead, Kirkby, and Woodhall. The

area is 1020 acres, rateable value 945 pounds, population 137, entirely

agricultural. The soil is loam, on kimeridge clay, with "Bain terrace"

gravel deposits.

The nearest railway stations are at Horncastle and Woodhall Spa, each

about four miles distant. There is an award and map of Haltham and

Roughton in the parish, and a copy at the County Council office, Lincoln.

Three roads meet in the middle of the village, one from Horncastle, one

to Woodhall Spa and Kirkstead, one to Kirkby-on-Bain, Coningsby and

Tattershall.

Sir Henry Hawley, Bart., of Tumby Lawn, in the adjoining parish of

Kirkby, is Lord of the Manor, but Lady Hartwell (daughter of the late Sir

Henry Dymoke, the King's Champion), and the executors of the Clinton

family (now Clinton Baker) and the Rector own most of the soil; there

being a few small proprietors. Roughton Hall, the property of Lady

Hartwell, is occupied by F. G. Hayward, Esq.

The register dates from 1564. Peculiar entries are those of 43 burials

for the years 1631-2, including those of the Rector and his two

daughters, who died within a few days of each other; this was from the

visitation called "The Plague," or the "Black Death." For some years

before 1657 only civil marriages were valid in law, and Judge Filkin is

named in the register as marrying the Rector of Roughton, John Barcroft,

to Ann Coulen. In 1707 Mary Would is named as overseer of the parish, it

being very unusual at that period for women to hold office. Another

entry, in the overseer's book, needs an explanation. "Simon Grant, for 1

day's work of bages, 2s. 6d.;" and again, "Simon flint, for 1 day's work

of bages, 2s. 6d." "Bage" was the turf, cut for burning; in this case

being cut from the "church moor," for the church fire. It was severe

labour, often producing rupture of the labourer's body, hence the high

pay.

There is a charity named the "Chamerlayne Dole," of 10s., given yearly to

the poor, left by Martha Chamerlayn in 1702. It is a charge upon a

cottage and garden owned by Mr. T. Jackson, of Horncastle.

The National School was established about 1860, in a building erected in

1834 as a Wesleyan Chapel. It was enlarged in 1872 and 1879. It is

supported by a voluntary rate.

The Church, St. Margaret's, is of no architectural beauty, being built of

brick and sandstone. It consists of nave and chancel, with castellated

tower, having one bell, also castellated parapets at the north and south

corners of the east chancel wall. The font is Norman, circular, with

circular pediment, having an old oak octagonal cover, cupola shaped,

plain except slight carving round the rim. The fabric was newly roofed

in 1870, when it was fitted with good open benches, the chancel paved

with encaustic tiles, and the windows partly filled with stained glass;

there are fragments of a former carved rood screen, the pulpit being of

plain old oak.

In the chancel is a lengthy inscription, commemorative of Norreys Fynes;

Esq., of Whitehall, in the adjoining parish of Martin. He was grandson

of Sir Henry Clinton, eldest son of Henry, Earl of Lincoln, by his second

wife, daughter of Sir Richard Morrison, and mother of Francis, Lord

Norreys, afterwards Earl of Berkshire. He was a non-juror. He died

January 10th, 1735-6, aged 74. There is a murial tablet to the memory of

the Rev. Arthur Rockliffe, who died in 1798; another to Charles

Pilkington, Esq., who died in 1798, and Abigail, his wife, who died in

1817.

The benefice is a discharged rectory, united to that of Haltham in 1741,

and now held by the Rev. H. Spurrier, the patron being his son the Rev.

H. C. M. Spurrier. The two benefices together are valued at 450 pounds a

year. There is a good rectory house. The church plate is modern. The

village feast was discontinued about 50 years ago.

Peculiar field names are the Low Ings, Bottom Slabs, Carr Bottom, Church

Moor, Honey Hole, Wong, Well-syke, Long Sand, Madam Clay, Sewer Close.

{190a}

As to the early history of Roughton, _Domesday Book_ gives it among the

possessions of William the Conqueror, and also as belonging to Robert

Despenser, his powerful steward, who probably held it under the king. A

Chancery Inquisition post mortem, 22 Richard II., No. 13, A.D. 1399,

shows that Ralph de Cromwell, jointly with his wife Matilda, held the

adjoining Manor of Tumby, with appurtenances in Roughton and elsewhere.

While another Inquisition of 13 Henry VII., No. 34, shows that the said

Matilda died, "seised in fee tail of the same lands." {190b}

In the reign of Elizabeth a family of Eastwoods resided here, since the

name of Andrew Eastwood, of Roughton, appears in the list (published by

T. C. Noble) of those gentry who contributed 25 pounds to the Armada

Fund. Other documents shew that at different periods the hall has been

occupied by members of various county families, as Fynes (already named),

Wichcote, Heneage, Dymoke, Pilkington, and Beaumont.

The register has the following entries, probably written by an illiterate

parish clerk, "An the wife of Will. Hennag, was buered ye 9 of Feberery,

1729." "Madame Elizabeth fines was buered May ye 29, 1730."

Gervase Holles gives the following arms as existing in the church in his

day.

_Fenestra Australis Cancelli_.

G. 3 lyons passant gardant, or . . . England

Verry a fesse G. fretty, or . . . Marmyon

Argent, a plaine crosse B. . . .

Or, a lyon rampant purpure. . . . Lacy

Chequy or and G., a chiefe ermyne . . . Tateshall

_In Campanili_.

Arg. a sword sheathed proper, a buckler appt., with

girdle wrapped, hilte pomel, and neuf or. . . {190c}

HALTHAM.

This village is distant from Horncastle between four and five miles in a

southerly direction, lying on the east side of the river Bain. It is

bounded on the north by Dalderby and Scrivelsby, on the south by Kirkby

and its hamlet of Fulsby, on the east by Scrivelsby, Wood Enderby and

Wilksby, and on the west by Roughton. The area is 2380 acres, rateable

value 1198 pounds. The soil is loam, with kimeridge clay below, and

gravel deposits. Population 121, mainly agricultural.

The main roads lead to Dalderby, Scrivelsby, and Horncastle, to Kirkby,

Mareham-le-Fen, Coningsby, and Tattershall, and to Wood Enderby, Wilksby,

and Revesby. The nearest railway station is at Horncastle.

The Lord of the Manor was formerly the Champion Dymoke of Scrivelsby

Court, but the late Rev. John Dymoke sold his estate in this parish, and

the manor is now the property of Sir H. M. Hawley, Bart., of Tumby Lawn,

in the adjoining parish of Kirkby; W. H. Trafford, Esq., owning the

remainder, except 150 acres of glebe.

The benefice was united to that of Roughton in 1741, the two being now of

the yearly value of 450 pounds, and held by the Rev. H. Spurrier. The

patron is the rector's eldest son, the Rev. H. C. M. Spurrier. There is

an award and map of Haltham and Roughton, of date 1775. A village feast

is held on St. Benedict's Day (March 21), he being the patron saint of

the church.

There are some peculiar field names; as the Far, Middle, and Near

Redlands, arable; the Top and Lower Brock-holes (brock meaning a badger),

arable; the Black Sands, pasture; the Top and Low Malingars, arable; the

East, West, and South High Rimes, arable; the Pingle, meadow; the Croft,

pasture; the Oaks, pasture; Wood Close Meadow, the Old Cow Pasture.

The register dates from 1561, and contains an entry for the year 1684:

"This yeare plague in Haltham." {191} There is a charity, the interest

of 5 pounds, left by John Dymoke, Esq., of Haltham, who in 1634 is named

among the Heralds' List of Gentry, for yearly distribution by the

overseers among the poor. The children attend the school at Roughton.

The church is one of the most interesting in the neighbourhood. The

chancel was restored and an open roof put up in 1881, at a cost of 250

pounds. The nave was restored in 1891, at a cost of 300 pounds. The

sanctuary was paved with Minton tiles by the late Lady Dymoke. The most

remarkable feature is a semi-circular tympanum over the door in the south

porch, which is of early Norman, or possibly Saxon date. It has

sculptured on it in somewhat rude fashion a Maltese cross within a

circle, a second circle running through the limbs of the cross, a square

with three-quarter circles at its corners, and semicircles midway of each

side, which form the extremities of another cross, and between the limbs

are roundels. Below is a figure resembling a fish, also four rows of

triangles, and other complicated devices. The east window is a very fine

flamboyant one, of date about 1350. Some of the sittings have very old

rudely-carved poppy heads of oak. There are very fine carved oak

canopies over two long pews in the north aisle, for the Champion Dymokes

and their servants. There is a piscina with two fronts in the south wall

of the chancel, and a series of three stone sedilia, in the north wall is

an aumbrey. There is an incised slab to one of the Dymokes. The tower

has three bells, and the bell chamber is closed by ancient boarding, on

which are the ten commandments in old characters, and very curious Royal

Arms of Charles I. The church plate consists of pewter paten, silver

flagon and chalice, with date 1764, given by Mr. John Dickinson.

In the village there is an old hostel, partly of the Tudor style, with

pointed gable ends, projecting upper storey, and constructed externally

of brick and woodwork.

As to the early history of this parish little is definitely known.

According to _Domesday Book_ it was among the possessions of the

Conqueror, and his steward, Robert Dispenser, held it under him.

Probably like other parishes in the soke of Horncastle, the manor was

held by Gerbald d' Escald, his grandson Gerard de Rhodes, his son Ralph

de Rhodes, sold by him to the Bishop of Carlisle, &c. Of the ownership

of Ralph de Rhodes we have evidence in a Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 9 Henry

III., No. 52, containing an agreement between Henry del Ortiary and

Sabina his wife, on the one hand, and Ralph de Rhodes, on the other hand,

in which the former parties recognise the right of the said Ralph to

certain lands in Haltham, Wood Enderby, Moorby, and other parishes in the

soke. {192a}

Of other families of distinction once connected with this parish we have

indications in the arms which Gervase Holles found in the church windows

in his time (circa 1630, temp. Chas. I.), which we give here.

_In Fenestris Cancelli_.

Verry a fesse G. fretty, d'or . . . Marmyon

G. a cross sarcely, arg. . . . Beke

Sa. 2 lyons passant, arg. crowned, or . . . Dymoke

Or, a lyon rampant, double queue, sa . . . Welles

Sa. 3 flowres de lize betw. 6 crosse crosslets,

fitchy, arg. . . .

G. 3 bars ermyne . . . Kirketon

Barry of 6, or and sa. . . .

_Fenestrae Boreales_.

B. a lyon's head erased betw. 6 crosses, botony, Touthby

arg. . . .

Arg. 2 bars G. a border, sa. . . .

Dymoke, each lyon charged sur l' espale with an Dymoke

annulet . . .

Ermyne on a bend G. a cinquefoil, or . . .

G. crosse crucilly fitchy, a lyon rampant, arg . . La Warre

.

Or, a lyon rampant, double queue, sa. . . . Welles

_Fenestrae Australes_.

G. 3 water-bougets, arg. . . . Ros

Or on fesse G. 3 plates . . . Huntingfield

Quarterly or and G. a border sa. bezanty . . . Rochfort

Rochfort with a garbe in the 2nd quarter, arg. . . Rochfort

.

Rochfort with an annulet in the 2nd quarter, arg. Rochfort

. . .

Or, a manche G. . . . Hastings

G. a bend ermyne . . . Ry

Rochfort with an eagle displayed in the 2nd Rochfort

quarter, arg. . . .

Arg. fretty of 6 pieces G. a canton ermyne . . .

_In Fenestra Borealis Navis_.

G. crosse crucilly fitchy, a lyon rampant, arg. . La Warre

. .

Arg. on a bend, G. 3 gryphons heads erased, or . .

.

_In Campanili_.

Joh'es Staines W. Jo. {192b}

MAREHAM-LE-FEN.

Mareham-le-Fen lies about six miles south from Horncastle, and five miles

eastward of Tattershall station, with a population of more than 800.

Letters _via_ Boston arrive by mail cart at 7.30 a.m. This is the seat

of a considerable industry, carried on by Mr. Titus Kime, as a grower of

greatly improved varities of potatoes, agricultural seed, and, latterly

on a large scale, of bulbs of different kinds, in which he seems likely

to compete with the Dutch trade.

The church, which is dedicated to St. Helen, is a fine structure of

oolite stone, probably one of the largest in the neighbourhood, except

the collegiate church of Tattershall. It consists of tower, nave, north

and south aisles, south porch and chancel. The body of the church was

restored in 1873, and re-opened on June 13th of that year, at a cost of

more than 2,000 pounds, by J. Banks Stanhope, Esq., Lord of the Manor;

the then rector, the Rev. W. Sharpe restoring the chancel, and the

parishioners and other friends the tower. The latter consists of three

tiers, having a small square window in the south and north walls below,

with a two-light floriated window on the west. In the tier above are

two-light windows on all four faces. At the summit it has battlements

and four tall pinnacles. There are three bells, the date of the largest

being 1627. The body of the church is also battlemented, and has

pinnacles, the westernmost of these having the figures, within a niche,

of St. George and the dragon.

The south porch has an early English doorway within, the outer one being

modern. In the moulding above the inner doorway is a curiously crowned

head, probably representing the Empress Helena, the patron saint; other

curious devices running down the moulding on each side. To the right of

the inner doorway are initials M.S., date 1681. The font has a large

octagonal bowl, with heads at the angles, and elaborate trefoil devices

on the faces; the shaft is plain, octagonal, the pediment a stone cross.

[Picture: St. Helen's Church, Mareham-Le-Fen]

Both aisles have four lofty bays, with early English columns. In the

north aisle is one three-light perpendicular trefoiled window, in its

western wall; in the north wall, on each side of the north door, is a

three-light perpendicular window, with mullions interlacing; and to the

east a four-light round-headed trefoiled window. Over the north door is

a tablet, with a Latin inscription, commemorative of the Rev. H.

Sheppard, a former rector, who died 24th Jan., 1764, aged 62. Beneath it

is a cherub with outspread wings. In the wall, east of the north door,

is a tablet bearing the inscription: "This church was relighted in memory

of Francis Thorpe, who lost his life, by an accident, while working in

the church near this spot, 22nd Sept., 1892." The south aisle, at the

west end, has a three-light broad interlaced window. In the south wall,

west of the porch, is a low doorway, now filled in, with step at its

base, probably formerly leading to a parvis, or priest's chamber. East

of the porch are two round-headed three-light trefoiled perpendicular

windows. In the chancel the east window, of coloured glass, is lofty,

with three lights, and six trefoils above. The subjects are divided into

upper and lower rows; the upper are the Ascension in the centre, with the

Resurrection to the left, and to the right the disciples grouped round

the virgin; the lower are the Crucifixion in the centre, Christ bearing

His cross to the left, and the entombment to the right. This window was

by Lavers, Barrand and Westlake; it was given in memory of the late Mr.

Joseph Corbett, by his son, C. J. Corbett, Architect, of Imber Court,

Surrey.

The reredos has three compartments; the central device is a cross, with

rays of glory, and the monogram I.H.S.; on the right and left are doubly

pointed, crocheted, arches; the device in the northernmost being a crown

of thorns, with the three nails, surrounded by a circle; next to it three

interlaced circles; on the south side interlaced triangles, and a plain

cross. The east wall, up to the height of the reredos, is faced with

alabaster.

In the south wall of the chancel is a wide stone seat, and above it a

two-light trefoiled window. In the north chancel wall is a trefoiled

credence table. There is a tablet to the memory of William Goodenough,

formerly rector, Archdeacon of Carlisle (the benefice formerly being in

the patronage of the Bishops of Carlisle), who died 13th Dec., 1854; and

commemorating his wife Mary Anne, daughter of Dr. Samuel Goodenough,

Bishop of Carlisle; she dying 3rd Jan., 1847, aged 75. The memorial was

erected by their only surviving child, Mrs. Hawkins.

The choir sittings are of carved modern oak; the pulpit is also of the

same, on a stone base, and the lectern. The chancel arch is lofty, the

modern side columns having richly carved capitals. Some of the stones of

the original arch were found built into the chimney of a cottage near at

hand. The sittings in the nave, and the roof timbers, are of pitch pine.

The base of the tower forms a roomy vestry.

In the churchyard is the lower part of the shaft of a cross, standing on

an octagonal base. Opposite the east end of the south aisle is a

tombstone in memory of James Roberts, "who sailed round the world in

company with Sir Joseph Banks, in the years 1768-71, on board H.M.S. the

Endeavour, Lieut. James Cook, Commander," attending him "also on other

voyages." {194a} The tomb of Archdeacon Goodenough is on the north-east

side of the church. Within a few feet of the south buttress of the tower

is a fragment of an old tombstone, shewing part of a foliated cross on

both sides, and the monogram I.H.S., in old characters, probably Saxon;

Mareham being one of the 222 parishes in the county which had a church in

Saxon times {194b}

Gervase Holles (temp. Chas. I.) gives the following arms and

inscriptions, as existing in the church in his time. In the east window:

Empaled Arg' a crosse sa.

Arg. on a crosse G. a bezant.

Arg, a crosse sa.

Empaled Quarterly arg. and G., on the 1st and 4th quarters a

popinjay vert. membred and beked G.

In the western window on the left of the tower:

Orate pro a'ia Joh'is Tott, Agnet, et Helene, uxorum ejus, &

specialiter pro Andrea Tott, Artium Baccalaureo, qui istam fenestram

lapidari, necnon vitreari fecit.

Over the buttress, on the east side:

Quarterly Ufford and Beke . . . Willoughby

3 crosses portate . . .

2 chevrons between 3 roses . . .

A crosse . . .

A lyon passant . . .

"Domus mea domus orationis vocabitur, 1591."

{195a}

The register dates from 1558. An entry records that on 22nd Nov., 1685,

a "Briefe was read and published, for Saresden in Oxfordshire, for loss

valued at 1,449 pounds. Granted June 14th, 1686." Another entry, under

date 23rd Nov., 1685, is as follows: "Thomas Eresby of Revvesby maketh

oath yt Theodosie, his daughter, who was buried in the churchyard upon

Sunday last, was wound and wrapped up in woollen only, according to the

late Act of Parliament, in yt case made." In explanation of this it may

be stated that in 1677 British and Irish woollens were prohibited in

France, which injured the woollen trade very much; and in the next year

(1678) in order to encourage the trade at home, it was enacted by 29

Charles II., c. 3, that all persons, except those who died of the plague,

should be buried in wool, under a penalty of 5 pounds. {195b} Another

entry states that a collection was made, the amount not known, to afford

relief, after the great fire in London, Sept., 1666.

The rectory, adjoining the church, stands in a large, well wooded garden.

It is a good substantial residence, rebuilt by Archdeacon Goodenough in

1818-19, and much improved in 1855. In the entrance hall are two old

prints of the church and rectory before their restoration, dated 1785.

They were presented to the late rector, Rev. W. Sharpe, by Alfred

Cobbett, Esq., and they are preserved as heirlooms by the rectors for the

time being. The Rev. F. J. Williamson is the present rector, late of

Lydgate. The Bishop of Manchester is patron of the benefice; the

patronage of this, and several other benefices in this neighbourhood,

formerly held by the Bishops of Carlisle, being transferred to the See of

Manchester some years after its creation, in 1848.

The national school, built in 1840, is endowed with nearly an acre of

land, given by Archdeacon Goodenough; it was considerably enlarged by J.

Banks Stanhope, Esq., in 1877. Some of the inhabitants are entitled to

the benefits of the almshouses at Revesby. There is a navigable drain

from the Witham, passing near the village, affording communication with

New Bolingbroke and Boston. A former part of the parish is now included

in the district of Wildmoor Fen.

In Liber Regis this parish is named "Marrow, alias Marym, alias Mareham

in le Fen." It is called in _Domesday Book_ Meringe (or the sea-ing,

_i.e._ sea-meadow). Another form was Marum; the Revesby Charters, Nos.

47 and 48, mention a piece of land, near the boundary of Marum, called

"Mare Furlong," and the grass (Psamma arenaria) which now grows on the

sea banks is commonly called Marrum grass. All these names probably

refer to the marish (Latin, mariscum), or marsh, character of the

locality, caused by its proximity to the sea (le mer), which then came

much nearer than it does now, and frequently flooded the land.

The manor was given by the Conqueror to the powerful Norman, Robert

Despenser, who, as his name implies, was the King's High Steward. He was

the ancestor of the Despensers, Earls of Gloucester, and he held 15

manors in Lincolnshire alone, besides 17 in Leicestershire, and several

in other counties. Much of the land of this parish was at a later period

given to Revesby Abbey, and at the dissolution of the monasteries some of

this was granted by Henry VIII, to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk.

{196a} In later times it became, by purchase, the property of Mr. Joseph

Banks, M.P. for Grimsby, born in 1681, and eventually came to his

distinguished descendant, Sir Joseph Banks; and on his death some of the

Mareham land passed to the ancestors of the present Sir Henry M. Hawley.

Other proprietors are now Major Gape, Messrs. J. R. Chapman, Joseph Lake,

and other smaller owners.

Among the Lincolnshire gentry called upon (with the Massingberds,

Heneages, and many others) to furnish "launces and light horse," in the

16th century, when the Spanish armada was expected, was one "John May of

Mairing," who failed to present himself at the muster in 1584, but in

1586 supplied "one light horse." {196b}

In Notes on Low Toynton mention is made of the old family of Newcomen,

originally "of Salaby," _i.e._ Saltfleetby, where many generations of

them were buried, from the time of Richard I. They married into

influential and titled families, in various parts of the county. Charles

Newcomen lived at Hagnaby in 1634, and bought land in Revesby. A

Newcomen lived in Mareham in the 17th century. They were connected, by

marriage, with the family of Sir Joseph Banks, as Mr. Banks, grandfather

of Sir Joseph, had a house in Lincoln, the adjoining one being occupied

by Newcomen Wallis, Esq., and Mr. Banks married Catherine the widow of

Mr. Wallis (see the Banks monument in Revesby church, north aisle), whose

mother was daughter and co-heir of Nicholas Newcomen, Esq. {196c}

We here give a few old records in connection with this parish in the

past. The Court Roll of Mareham-le-Fen (preserved among the documents of

the Listers of Burwell) for 2 Elizabeth, shows that, at that date (A.D.

1559), Thomas Glenham, Esq. (variously written Glemham), had the Manor of

Mareham. In the 23rd Elizabeth it is recorded that Charles Glenham,

Esq., by his lawful attorney, Francis Colby, of Glenham Parva, Esq.,

granted leases for seven years to divers tenants in Mareham. Thomas

owned also the Manors of Calceby, Belchford, Oxcomb, and Burwell; these

he sold to Sir Matthew Lister, afterwards of Burwell. He married Amye,

daughter of Sir Henry Parker. {196d}

In a suit, instituted 29th May, 1239, between William de Bavent,

plaintiff, and Walter, Bishop of Carlisle, defendant, regarding the

advowson of the church of "Merum," the said William "quit claimed" all

his right to the said advowson, to the bishop and his heirs for ever; and

in return for this the bishop gave him 10 marks. In the old record,

Testa de Nevill, folio 556 (circa 1326), Walter de Bavent held certain

lands in Marum, "by service of falconry," _i.e._ by providing yearly, in

lieu of rent, one "gay goss-hawk," or more, for the use of the Lord of

the Manor. {196e}

Robert de Weston, Rector of Marum, by his will, dated 3rd March, 1389,

requested that he might be buried in Marum Church. He bequeathed to the

Mendicant Friars of Boston 6s. 8d. "to remember me in their masses," to

Lady Margaret Hawteyn, Nun of Ormsby, 10s.; to Trinity College,

Cambridge, a book called "Johannes in Collectario," to every fellow there

2s., and every scholar 1s. Among other bequests are to Mgr. Eudo la

Zouch "12 cocliaria nova de argento" (_i.e._ 12 new spoons of silver); to

"John Geune my clerk a missal of the new use of sarum", and "masses for

souls of Walter ffelsted, William Stel, and James de Medringham.

Executors, Eudo la Zouch, John ffoston my chaplin, &c., the residue of my

goods to be sold, as quickly as possible, communi pretio, so that the

purchasers may be bound to pray for my soul."

William Leych, parson of Mareham, by will dated 11th Aug, 1556, requests

that he may be buried "in the quire of St. Helen." "To my brother Robert

Leych 12 silver spoons, to Sir John Richardson 6 great books, containing

the holle course of the bybyll, and a repetorii, and a concordance"; to

Sir John Morland "Opera Chrisostomi & Sancti Thomas, & Haymo super

epistolas sauli"; to Mr. Lancelot Sawkeld "Deane of Carlyle 20s., praying

him to cause a dirige and masses to be said for me . . . I make Mr.

Arthur Dymok and Mr. Robert Dymok supervisors."

[Picture: Wesleyan Chapel, Mareham-le-Fen]

Henry Ayscough, of Blyborough, by will dated 19 Oct., 1611, left lands in

Mareham-le-Fen, and the Manor of Tumby, and other lands, to his

grandsons. In connection with this we may mention that the late Sir

Henry James Hawley married, as his first wife, Elizabeth Askew, a

descendant of the same family. The Ayscoughs (or Askews) were a

distinguished Lincolnshire and Yorkshire family, and have still numerous

representatives. {198a}

Here is another record of the same family. By will, dated 15th April,

1612, Walter Ayscoughe, of Mareham-le-Fen, left to his wife Bridget 20

pounds annuity, and other property, for her life; then to his sons Henry

and Walter, and two daughters Margaret and Elizabeth; also 12d. to the

same; and 5s. to Nicholas Cressey, gent, supervisor, witness Clynton

Ayscoughe; proved at Horncastle, 2nd May, 1613. To this family belonged

Anne Askew the martyr, who was the younger daughter of Sir William

Ayscough, Bart., of Stallingborough. Their property eventually came to

the late Ascoghe Boucherett, of South Willingham.

Next we find one of the old family of Newcomen, already referred to,

"Edward Newcomen of Mareham-le-Fenne, by will, proved at Horncastle, 1st

July, 1614," leaving to his daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, 10 pounds

each, the same to his son Robert, and the residue to his wife; the

personality being 120 pounds 3s. 8d., a vastly larger sum in those days

than now.

Another will is that of Annie Elie, widow, of Mareham-le-Fen, dated 13th

July, 1616, in which she desires "to be buried in the church," so that

she was probably some one of importance. She leaves everything to her

son-in-law John Wymberley, and her daughter Susan Wymberley. {198b}

Among the deeds and charters of Revesby Abbey, privately printed by the

Right Hon. E. Stanhope a few years ago, No. 24 gives, among the witnesses

to a deed of gift, the name of Eda, wife of Richard, Priest of Mareham

(temp. Henry II., or Richard I). Hence it is evident that celibacy was

not strictly enforced on the clergy at that period. {198c} Among the

witnesses to other deeds are Robert, Priest of Marum, and Richard, Priest

of Marum, A.D. 1172. The deed of gift of certain lands to Revesby Abbey

(No. 29), by a certain John, is stamped with a round seal, having an

equestrian figure, and the legend Sigillum Johannis de Maringe. By

another deed William, son of John of Maring, gives certain lands; the

seal bearing a lion and dog, or fox "contourne regardant," {198d} the

legend of this is Sigill. Will. de Marige.

With these records and associations with the past, the parish of Mareham

may surely be said to have a history on which its people may well look

back with interest and satisfaction.

MOORBY.

Moorby lies about 4.5 miles from Horncastle, and about 1.5 miles beyond

Scrivelsby, in a south-easterly direction. Letters _via_ Boston arrive

at 9.30.

The registers date from 1561, but contain no entries of any particular

interest. The church, dedicated to All Saints, has undergone several

transformations. This was one of the 222 parishes which possessed a

church before the Norman conquest, and it still contains a fragment (to

be noticed later on) which is apparently of Saxon origin. Both Weir in

his History (1828), and Saunders (1834) agree in stating that in the

early part of the 19th century the church was "totally destitute of

interest." _The Gazetteer_ of 1863 describes it vaguely as a "Gothic

structure." It was rebuilt in 1864, from designs by Mr. James Fowler,

Architect, of Louth, at a cost of 1,100 pounds, defrayed by J. Banks

Stanhope, Esq., Lord of the Manor; and was further repaired in 1891, by

public subscription. It consists of nave, chancel, vestry, north porch,

and small square tower at the north-west angle, with low spire containing

one bell. It is built chiefly of brick with facings of Ancaster stone.

In the north wall of the nave are a couple of two-light windows, in the

Perpendicular style; in the south wall are three two-light windows; all

these having bands of red and black brick alternately. In the west wall

are two single-light lancet windows, with an ox-eye window above. In the

chancel there is a small lancet window in the north wall, and a square

aumbrey. The east end has a three-light plain lancet window; beneath

which is a stone reredos, having three compartments filled with encaustic

tiles, having, as their designs, in the centre a cross in gilt, and Alpha

and Omega, within ox-eyes, on either side. In the south wall in front of

the vestry is a lancet-shaped doorway, and, west of it, an arcade of two

lancet apertures, supported by four columns of serpentine. Within the

vestry is a two-light lancet window; and let into the eastern wall is a

small slab, having four grotesque figures, one blowing a kind of bagpipe,

the others dancing. This is said to have been a portion of a "minstrel

pillar," it is apparently Saxon, and is probably a relic from the

original fabric. The chancel arch is of red and black bricks, in

alternate bands, the capitals nicely carved in stone, supported by small

serpentine columns. The pulpit is of Caen stone, having a cross within a

circle on the front panel, and one serpentine column. The chancel choir

stalls are of good modern oak; the sittings in the nave and the roof

being of pitch pine.

The font is the most remarkable feature of the church. It has a large

square bowl; the device on the east side is a skeleton being drawn from

the tomb by two angels, doubtless emblematic of the "death unto sin and

new birth unto righteousness," accomplished in baptism. On the north

face is the virgin and child, with the sun and moon in the corners above.

On the south side is a figure in long vestment, apparently sitting on an

altar, much defaced. On the west are six figures, much defaced, in the

attitude of prayer. At the four angles are quatrefoiled niches, having

at their bases, alternately, a crowned head and a mitre. This may have

been of the 14th century. The shaft is square and modern, with columns

at the angles.

The communion plate is modern, except the paten, which bears the

inscription "Matthew Sympson, M.A., instituted Rector of Moorby, Feb. 28,

1705, collated Prebendary of Lincoln, June 25, 1718, Rector of Wenington,

May 29, 1728." The present Rector is the Rev. R. C. Oake, late Vicar of

Broughton, Manchester. The rectory of Moorby is consolidated with the

vicarage of Wood Enderby.

By deed dated Nov. 24th, 1855, the guardians of the poor, by consent of

the ratepayers, gave certain land in Moorby for the site of a parish

school to the minister, churchwardens, and overseers, and their

successors; and more recently a school district has been formed for the

parishes of Moorby, Wood Enderby, Claxby, and Wilksby; the school, which

was built in 1855, being enlarged in 1872, to provide the accommodation

required by this union.

Moorby was one of the "thousand four hundred and forty-two manors" which

William the Conqueror took as his own portion, when he divided the lands

of England among his Norman followers. Being in the Soke of Horncastle,

it was doubtless granted, along with that manor, and those of West Ashby,

High Toynton, and several others, to Adelias or Alice de Cundi, daughter

of William de Cheney, Lord of Caenby ann Glentham, and wife of Roger de

Cundi. As she took part against King Stephen, in favour of the Empress

Maud, he took the property from her; but eventually restored it to her,

on condition that she should demolish her castle at Horncastle; this

however was only for life, the estates again reverting to the crown.

Henry II. made a grant of them to Gerbald le Escald, a Fleming noble, who

was succeeded by his grandson and heir, Gerard de Rhodes. His son, Ralph

de Rhodes, in the reign of Henry III., sold the manors to Walter

Mauclerke, Bishop of Carlisle, and until recently the patronage of Moorby

benefice belonged to the Bishops of Carlisle. After the creation of the

See of Manchester, the patronage, with that of High Toynton,

Mareham-le-Fen, &c., was transferred to the Bishops of Manchester.

_Domesday Book_, describing the soke of the Manor of Horncastle, says "In

Morebi there are 3 carucates of land (or about 360 acres). There are 6

soc-men, and 10 bordars, who have 4 carucates (or 480 acres). There is a

church and a priest (evidently a resident; of whom, according to Sir

Henry Ellis, there were only 130 in the country), and 240 acres of meadow

and 6 acres of underwood." In the old record, Testa de Nevill (circa

1326-1328), the benefice of "Morby" is said to be "of the gift of the

lord the king," _i.e._ Edward II. or III. The original charters of Henry

III., granting these manors to the Bishops of Carlisle, were confirmed by

Henry VI.; but in course of time they passed to the Brandons, and to

various other proprietors, until the ancestor of Sir Joseph Banks became

lessee of the Manor of Horncastle, and also acquired the Manor of Moorby;

to which James Banks Stanhope, Esq., and the late Right Hon. Edward

Stanhope succeeded; although T. Elsey, the Artindale family, and the

trustees of Bardney school, own portions of the parish.

In the year 1554 (Aug. 6th) Thomas Bewley, Clerk, was admitted to this

benefice by Robert, Bishop of Carlisle, it being "vacant by deprivation."

This was the 2nd year of the reign of Queen Mary, of ill memory.

Doubtless the offence of the ejected predecessor was that he was married,

which was contrary to the papistic ideas, revived in that brief reign.

Numbers of beneficed clergy were deprived at that time for this offence.

A few old records of some interest are preserved connected with Moorby,

of which we give two or three samples here. First we have a family of

the name of Moreby, of whom more than one mention is made. Roger Moreby,

by will dated Saturday after the Feast of St. Botolph, 1394, commends his

soul to St. Mary and all the saints; he requests that his body may be

buried in Croyland parish church; he leaves 40s. to be given to the poor

on the day of his burial, and money to provide torches and wax for the

church, and the altars of St. Katharine, St. John the Baptist, and Holy

Trinity; he bequeaths 10 pounds of silver to his wife, and other items.

Again, by will dated the Feast of St. Thomas the apostle, 1368, Gervase

de Wylleford bequeaths 100s. to John Moreby his cousin.

The family of Ayscough, formerly so widely represented in the county,

were connected with Moorby. By will, dated 16th Nov., 1601, Henry

Ascoughe, Gent., desires to be buried in the parish church of "Morebie,"

leaving to his sister "Elizabeth Aiscoughe (his) hereditaments in Morebie

for life, then to go to his brother Matthew." His sister is also to have

lands which he had leased to Sir Henry Glenham, Knight. {201a} He

further leaves to her, as executrix, "10 pounds to be good and to my poor

sister Margarette." To his brother Simon he bequeaths "the best

apparrell of my bodie, with riding furniture, and my baie gelding,

rapier, dagger, and pistol," and further bequests. The testator was son

of Christopher Ayscough, of Bliborough, and married, apparently without

issue, Margaret, daughter of Symon Battell, of Denham, Suffolk.

Like the not very distant Wildmore Fen, in which it now has a modern

allotment of 14 acres of glebe land. The name of Moorby tells of its

condition at the time when it acquired that designation, which means the

"by," _i.e._ "byre," or farmstead on the moor. {201b} The moorland has

now entirely disappeared under the plough, and only young plantations

represent its former wild, woodland character.

WOOD ENDERBY.

Wood Enderby lies about four miles south by east from Horncastle.

Letters _via_ Boston arrive at 10.30 a.m.

The church, dedicated to St. Benedict, consists of nave, north aisle, and

chancel, a low tower, with graceful broach spire, containing one bell,

and small vestry. It is built of a warm-tinted green sandstone, with

free stone dressings; the style of its architecture is a combination of

the early English and Decorated periods. It was almost entirely rebuilt

in 1860, at a cost of about 1,000 pounds. The south door, which is in

the tower, has an Early English arch of five mouldings. There is a plain

trefoiled window above in the tower; the lower part of the spire having

two lancet windows, with a circle above them, and a small single-light

window on each side, half way up. In the west wall of the tower is a

three-light window, with two trefoils and a quatrefoil above. This is

filled with coloured glass, having the texts "I am the way, the truth,

and the life," "Where two or three are gathered together in My name,

there am I in the midst of them," and "No man cometh unto the Father but

by Me." There are similar windows, but without coloured glass, in all

four faces of the tower. At the north-west angle of the tower is a

staircase turret. Within the south door, against the west wall, is an

old stone coffin, with broken lid, ornamented with an incised floriated

cross; this was discovered at the time of the restoration.

The arcade of the north aisle is of three bays, being part of the old

church, in Early English style, with plain arches, supported on one

octagonal pier and one shafted pier, with dog-tooth ornament, the former

having foliage on the capital. In the north wall of the nave are three

square-headed windows of three lights, with trefoils above, the glass

being plain, except a border of red, purple, and yellow. In the south

wall are three two-light windows, with trefoil and circle above; the

glass being modern, with various coloured scripture texts.

The sittings are of deal, with plain poppy-heads. The pulpit is of

modern oak, of five panels, each panel being divided into two trefoiled

arched partitions; the central panel having a trefoil above, and below it

a square piece of carved old oak, representing Elijah blessing the cruse

of oil for the widow of Zarephath. The vestry, at the east end of the

north aisle, has one small trefoiled window. The tower and the spire

were added at the restoration. The chancel has a decorated east window

of three lights, with three quatrefoils above. It is filled with modern

coloured glass, the subjects being, in the centre the Saviour risen from

the tomb, on the left an angel seated at the tomb, and on the right the

Magdalen. There is an inscription, "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not,

for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say

unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and

your God. John xx, 17."

The north and south chancel walls have each one two-light trefoiled

window, with quatrefoil above; plain glass, except the coloured band. In

the south wall is a curious square projecting Norman piscina, with fluted

basin, and fluted sides. In the north wall is an arched sepulchral

recess. The chancel arch is plain Early English. The roof, like the

sittings, is of pitch pine. The font has a plain octagonal large bowl of

Barnack stone, its upper rim being modern, the shaft plain quadrilateral,

with plain square columns at the angles; base and pediment octagonal.

The register dates from 1561. It begins with the note "The Register

booke of Woodenderbye, containing herein ye names of all such as have

been married, burried, and christened, from Michaelmas 1561, to

Michaelmas 1562." The first five or six entries are illegible, and the

others contain nothing of special interest. The benefice, a vicarage, is

consolidated with the rectory of Moorby, and is now held by the Rev. R.

C. Oake.

As the name of Moorby indicated the character of the locality in former

times, when that name was first acquired, so Wood Enderby means the

"bye," _i.e._ "byre," or farmstead "at the end of the wood," as it

borders on what was once the forest tract of "Tumby Chase"; Haltham wood,

near at hand, being a relic of that former wild region. {202}

W. H. Trafford, Esq., is Lord of the Manor. The Hon. Mr. Stanhope owns a

large part of the land; and portions belong to the Rev. G. Ward, and

other smaller owners. The late Miss Trafford Southwell founded an infant

school in the village; the older children attending the Moorby school.

The poor parishioners receive 6d. each at Christmas, left by an unknown

donor, out of the farm now owned by Rev. G. Ward, of Mavis Enderby.

The ancient history of Wood Enderby is much the same as that of Moorby.

It was one of the minor demesnes, within the Soke of Horncastle, and

attached to that manor; as were also West Ashby, High Toynton,

Mareham-on-the-Hill, and other parishes. It would thus also be among the

estates of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, and when his main line

became extinct, and the property was divided among collateral branches,

Wood Enderby, with Wilksby and Revesby, fell to the share of Mr. John

Carsey, or Kersey; his wife, the daughter of Sir Thomas Lovell, Knight,

being grand-daughter of Margaret, sister and co-heir of the Duke of

Suffolk. He owned the property from 1552 to 1575, and he and his son

Francis jointly sold it to Thomas Cecil, Lord Treasurer Burleigh. He

held it from 1575 to 1598, when it passed in succession to the 1st and

2nd Earls of Exeter, and to Elizabeth, Lady Howard, wife of the Earl of

Berkshire, in 1640, and so in 1658 to Henry Howard; in 1663 to his cousin

Craven Howard, who built the former residence at Revesby; and, after his

death, the property was sold by the daughters of Henry Howard to the

Banks family; whence the manor has descended to the present proprietors

of Revesby.

The manor, like that of Moorby and other parishes already named, would at

one time belong to the Bishops of Carlisle, and they were till recently

patrons of the benefice; the patronage, within late years, being

transferred to the Bishops of Manchester, after the creation of that See

in 1848.

At an earlier date, being an appendage to the Manor of Horncastle, this

demesne would be owned at one period by Gerard and Ralph de Rhodes; and

this is shewn by the following records among the Final Concords, date 3rd

Feb., 1224-5, whereby an agreement was arrived at between Henry del

Ortiay and Sabina his wife, on the one part, and Ralph de Rhodes on the

other part, as to certain lands in Moorby, Enderby, Horncastle, and other

parishes, that the said Henry and Sabina should recognise the said lands

as belonging to the said Ralph; he, on his part, granting to them other

lands there, specially designated, they rendering to him "therefor by the

year, one pair of gilt spurs, at Easter, for all service and exaction."

{203a} This agreement was settled "at the court of the Lord the King at

Westminster on the morrow of the purification of the blessed Mary, in the

9th year of King Henry III. {203b}

In the old records, Testa de Nevill (circa 1326-28), it is stated that

"the churches of Horncastre, Askeby (West Ashby), Upper Thinton (High

Toynton), of Meringes (Mareham-on-the-Hill), and of Hinderby (Wood

Enderby), are of the gift of the lord; and Osbert, the parson, holds them

of King Richard."

In _Domesday Book_ it is stated that at the time of the Conqueror, there

were "400 acres of wood pasturage" in the parish, a sufficient reason for

its designation. Like Moorby, it was among the manors seized by the

Conqueror, for his portion of the plunder taken from our Saxon

forefathers. In Saxon times the Thane, Siward, had land here; which was

given by the Conqueror to his steward, Robert Despenser, brother of the

Earl Montgomery. {203c}

CONINGSBY.

This is a large village, about 8 miles from Horncastle, in a southerly

direction. It is bounded on the north by Tattershall Thorpe, on the west

by Tattershall, on the south by Wildmore, and on the east by Tumby and

Mareham-le-Fen. Its area is 3,442 acres, including the hamlet of

Hawthorn Hill; rateable value 5,160 pounds; population 1,192. Apart from

a limited number of shops and three inns, the people are engaged mainly

in agriculture. The soil is mostly a light sand, with a subsoil of

gravel deposits and clay. The nearest railway station is at Tattershall,

distant about 1.5 miles.

The owners of over 50 acres are Lord Willoughby de Eresby, M.P., Lord of

the Manor; Sir H. M. Hawley, Bart., J.P.; F. Sherwin; J. Rodgers; J.

Burcham Rogers, J.P.; Mrs. Evison; the rector, Rev. Canon A. Wright,

M.A., J.P., Rural Dean and Canon of Lincoln. Smaller owners, about 50.

The only gentleman's seat now existing is the hall, the residence of J.

B. Rogers, Esq., J.P.

The old custom of ringing the pancake bell on Shrove Tuesday is still

kept up. The annual feast is held in the week after St. Michael's Day,

the patron saint. The "Ignitegium," or curfew, was rung within the last

35 years, but has been discontinued, the parish being now lighted by gas.

There are a few field names, indicating the former "woodland and waste"

{204} character of the locality. The Ings, or meadows, so common

throughout the district; Oatlands; Scrub Hill, scrub being an old

Lincolnshire word for a small wood; Reedham, referring to the morass;

Toothill, probably a "look-out" over the waste; Langworth, probably a

corruption of lang-wath, the long ford; Troy Wood, may be British,

corresponding to the Welsh caertroi, a labyrinth or fort of mounds. The

hamlets are Dogdyke, a corruption of Dock-dyke (the sea having once

extended to these parts); Hawthorn Hill, Scrub Hill. There is an

enclosure award in the possession of the clerk of the Parish Council.

The parish register dates from 1561. The church plate is modern, chalice

and paten dated 1870; the flagon is older and more massive, but has no

date. The Earl of Ancaster is patron of the benefice, a rectory, with

good house, enlarged about 30 years ago, and 500 acres of glebe.

The National School was built by subscription and government grant in

1836, at a cost of about 230 pounds, exclusive of the site, which was

given by the late Sir Gilbert Heathcote. It was enlarged in 1875 at cost

of 300 pounds. The master has 3 pound per annum, left by the Rev. R.

Kelham in 1719, also the dividend of 100 pounds 3.5 per cent. reduced

consols, bought by the bequest of the Rev. Mr. Boawre, Rector, in 1784.

The charities are Banks, _viz._ 2 pounds a year from land in Haltham, for

bread for the poor; Metham's, for poor widows, from houses and land in

Wisbech, left by Geo. Metham in 1685; Lawrence's, for coats for poor men,

from land in Leake, left by Robt. Lawrence in 1721.

The Horncastle canal traverses the parish, but is now a derelict.

There was formerly a castle in this parish, the residence of a family of

the name of Coningsby, but no traces of it remain, unless it be in an

ancient dovecote, placed among some fine trees to the east of the

village.

The church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a large, and originally a fine,

church, consisting of nave, with north and south aisles, an apsidal

modern chancel, and a massive western tower. This latter is of

Perpendicular date, very plain, but of excellent ashlar work; it has a

clock and six bells. The ground stage has open arches to the north and

south, with a groined roof above, and a thoroughfare through it. In the

eastern wall of the south porch is a stoup, which was formerly open, both

within the porch and outside it. Over the porch is a parvis or priest's

chamber. Outside the church, near the top of the wall of a cupola-shaped

finial of the rood loft turret is an old sun dial. The interior of the

nave has a massive heavy roof of beams somewhat rudely cut, with traces

of former colouring.

The four western bays of the arcade are Early English, with low arches,

the easternmost bay seems to have been added at a later date, the arch

higher and wider. The moulding between two of the north arches

terminates in a head, on each side of which an evil spirit is whispering.

Another terminal is the head of a woman wearing the "branks," or "scold's

bridle." On the south side of the chancel arch is a rood loft staircase

turret, of which both the lower and upper door remain.

At the restoration in 1872 the clerestory windows were spoilt by being

reduced in height; externally their original design remains. In the

centre of the nave are two large sepulchral slabs, once bearing brasses,

which are now gone, representing two civilians and their wives. The

apsidal chancel is quite out of keeping with the rest of the fabric.

There are some remains of the old carved oak screen, and south of the

communion table is an Early English capital, with piscina behind it.

[Picture: St. Michaels Church, Coningsby]

The Notes on Churches, by Gervase Holles, shew that in his time (circa

1630) the windows of this church abounded in coloured glass, of which not

a vestige remains. He gives, among the devices, the arms of Marmyon,

Dymoke, Hillary, Welles, Hattecliffe, Umfraville, Willoughby, Ros,

Tateshale, Bernake, Crumwell, Huntingfield, Rochfort, Beke, Boucher,

Waterton, Hebden, Deyncourt, France and England, &c. {205}

Among the rectors of this parish have been two poets, one the laureate of

his day (1718), the Rev. Laurence Eusden, who died 1730. The other, John

Dyer, was born 1700, appointed to the benefice in 1752, by Sir John

Heathcote, was the author of _Grongar Hill_, _The Fleece_, and _The Ruins

of Rome_; he was honoured with a sonnet by Wordsworth.

A congregation of Baptists was formed here under the Commonwealth, with

an endowment for a minister. The society still exists, their present

chapel being erected in 1862; they have also a day school, built by Mr.

John Overy in 1845. The Wesleyans have a chapel, built in 1825, and

others at Hawthorn Hill, Haven Bank, Moorside, and Meer Booth. The

Primitive Methodists have a chapel, built in 1854, and others at Reedham

Corner and Scrub Hill.

Of the early history of this parish we have scattered notices in various

documents. In _Domesday Book_ we find that Sortibrand, son of Ulf the

Saxon, who was one of the lagmen of Lincoln, held a Berewick in

Coningsby. Land here is mentioned among the Conqueror's possessions.

The powerful favourite of the Conqueror, Robert Despenser, laid claim to

a fishery and lands in Coningsby; and the juryman of the wapentake of

Horncastle decided that his claim was good, because Achi, his Saxon

predecessor, had held the same in the time of Edward the Confessor. From

the same source we find that two other powerful Normans held land here,

_viz._ Hugo d' Abrincis, surnamed "Lupus," or "The Wolf," from his fierce

character; and Drogo de Bruere, who had the Conqueror's niece to wife.

As with other parishes in this soke, we find from a Feet of Fines, 9

Henry III., No. 52, that Ralph de Rhodes then held lands here.

Subsequently the Marmyons, Dymokes, and Taillebois, all connected in the

blazonry of the former memorial windows (as before mentioned), held

property in the parish. {206a} By a Chancery Inquisition post mortem,

taken 31st May, 10 Henry VII., No. 72 (A.D. 1495), it was found that

Robert Taillebois, Knt., with John Gygour, Warden of the college of

Tateshale, was seized of the manor; while, further, in a Feet of Fines,

19 Henry VII. (1503), John Mordaunt is acknowledged by Sir Edward

Poynings, Sir Thomas Fynes, and others, to be the owner of lands in

Coningsby, and elsewhere in the soke. He held at least four other

manors, and lands in many other parishes. Also a Feet of Fines, 21 Henry

VII. (1505), it was agreed before Humphrey Coningsby, Sergeant at Law,

Sir Giles Daubeney, and others, that the Bishop of Winchester held

certain property here.

The Dymokes were patrons of the benefice; Sir Charles Dymoke presenting

in 1682, after which the patronage passed to the Heathcote family (Liber

Regis and Ecton's Thesaurus). But an earlier connection with the Dymokes

is shewn by a tombstone commemorative of "Anna, daughter of Thomas

Dymoke, and his wife Margaret, que obijt . . . Ao Dni 1462."

In connection with the Humphrey Coningsby, named above, we have already

mentioned that a castellated residence in this parish belonged to a

family of that name. This Humphrey was Judge of the King's Bench, and

bought Hampton Court, co. Hereford, of Sir Thomas Cornwall, about 1510;

where was preserved a painting of the old mansion at Coningsby. {206b}

Thomas Coningsby was knighted by Elizabeth in 1591. Sir Fitz-William

Coningsby was Sheriff of the county, 1627; and for his loyalty to Charles

I. his estates were confiscated by the Puritans. His son was rewarded

with a peerage by Charles II.; and saved the life of King William at the

battle of the Boyne; but his two sons dying early, and he having no

further issue, the title became extinct.

In the List of Gentry of Lincolnshire, made at the Herald's Visitation in

1634, we find the name of Clinton Whichcote, of Coningsby, a member of an

old county family, still occupying a good position. {207a}

WILKSBY.

Wilksby lies about halfway between the parishes of Wood Enderby and

Moorby, at a distance of about five miles from Horncastle, in a

south-easterly direction. Letters from Boston _via_ Revesby, arrive

about 10.30 a.m.

The ancient history of this parish is much the same as that of the

adjoining parish of Moorby on the east, and Wood Enderby on the west. It

is called in _Domesday Book_ Wilchesbi, and Wilgesbi. At the date of

that survey (1086) there were four soc-men and five bordars, who had one

carucate (or 120 acres) of land, and 20 acres of woodland; while the lord

of the manor had one carucate in demesne, and five villeins, with two

oxen in another carucate; with 20 acres of meadow and 40 acres of

underwood; so that, like the neighbouring Moor-by and Wood Ender-by, this

parish also was largely of a forest character.

In this parish there was also "a Berewick of 1.5 carucates" (or 180

acres); a Berewick meaning an outlying farm (from "bere" barley, and

"wick" a village) belonging to another manor.

The parish was one of the estates taken by the Conqueror for himself,

probably then forming part of the great Tumby Chase. He afterwards

granted the manor to his steward, Robert Despenser, a powerful Norman

noble, the ancestor of the Earls of Gloucester, brother of the Earl

Montgomery, and of Urso de Abetot, hereditary sheriff of Worcestershire.

He held 15 manors in Lincolnshire, and 17 in Leicestershire, beside

others elsewhere.

Being in the Soke of Horncastle, it would be connected with that manor,

as were so many other neighbouring parishes; and doubtless by a similar

process, to the cases of Moorby and Wood Enderby, it belonged

successively to the Brandons, Dukes of Suffolk; the Cecils, Earls of

Exeter; the Howards, Earls of Berkshire; and finally, by purchase, passed

to the Banks family, and through them to the Stanhopes.

Among the Assize Rolls (No. 319, m. 9 d) is a plea, made at Hertford,

10th May, 1247, in which "Joan de Leweline (with another) offered herself

against Silvester, Bishop of Karlisle," in a suit concerning "20 pounds

of rent in Enderby, Moreby, Wilkesby and Cuningby, and the advowson of

the church Moreby," in which the bishop failed to appear. But in a Feet

of Fines, Lincoln, 32 Henry III., No. 131, an agreement was made (21st

July, A.D. 1248) by which the said Joan de Lewelyn (and others) did

homage to the bishop, for these lands in Enderby, "Welkeby," &c., and the

advowson of "Moresby," the bishop in turn granting to them "the homage

and whole service of Ivo, son of Odo de Tymelby"; and they holding the

land, &c., "in chief of the aforesaid bishop; and doing therefor the

fourth part of the service of one knight." {207b}

In another document, a Final Concord, dated 27th May, 1240, between Alan

de Dauderby and Alice de Lysurs, it was agreed that Alice should "acquit

him of the service which Robert de Theleby exacts . . . of half a

knight's fee, for which she is mesne." She further agrees that Alan and

his heirs shall hold certain tenements of Alice and her heirs; to wit, 12

oxgangs and 80 acres of land, two messuages, with a rent of 12s. 8d., and

two parts of a mill in Theleby, Wilkeby, Burton; and a meadow called

Utemyng, for the service a fourth part of a knight's fee; and for this

Alan gave her 10 marks.

The former of these records shews that, like the other parishes connected

with the Manor of Horncastle, the Bishops of Carlisle were at one period

patrons of the benefice (and probably owners of the manor) of Wilkesby;

but, while in the case of several other parishes, this patronage

continues (only transferred to the Bishops of Manchester) to the present

day, the patronage of Wilksby passed to others. According to Liber Regis

in 1711 and 1720 Lewis Dymoke presented to the benefice. In 1764, by

some arrangement, George Willows, Gent., presented; but again, in 1833,

it was in the patronage of the Hon. the Champion, H. Dymoke, who

appointed to the rectory a relative, the Rev. J. Bradshaw Tyrwhitt, one

of a very old, knightly, Lincolnshire family, the Tyrwhitts of

Stainfield, Kettleby, &c. A tablet to his memory is erected in the

church at Scrivelsby. {208a} The patronage was subsequently acquired by

J. Banks Stanhope, Esq., and is annexed to the chaplaincy of Revesby,

which has no permanent endowment.

Among the List of Gentry of Lincolnshire, made at the Herald's Visitation

in 1634, and preserved at the Heralds' College, along with the Dymocks of

Scrivelsby, Haltham, Kyme and Lincoln, is Paganell Hartgrave of Wilksby.

{208b}

The church, dedicated to All Saints, is a mean structure, erected in the

18th century, of brick and Spilsby sandstone, standing on the site of an

earlier church, of which nothing seems to remain except the font. It

consists of nave and chancel, both on a very small scale, and a wooden

bell-turret, with one small bell. The north and west walls are of

sandstone, the former covered with a thick coating of tar to keep out the

moisture; the east wall has alternate layers of brick and sandstone.

Some improvements have been made in recent years, much needed to make it

even a decent place of worship. The two two-light trefoiled windows in

the south wall of the nave have been framed in stone instead of wood, and

filled with green glass. The east window of the chancel has wooden

mullions interlaced, and it has been adorned with paper representations

of, in the centre the Ascension, to the left the Saviour holding an

infant in his arms, to the right the child Jesus sitting among the

doctors in the temple.

The roof of the chancel is apsidal, externally, as well as the nave,

covered with modern house tiles. Internally the nave has a flat ceiling

of deal boards. The pulpit and seats are painted wainscot; there is a

small modern oak reading desk, and a lectern to match it. The chancel

arch is a plain semicircle, but on its eastern side has a pointed Early

English arch. The chancel rails are of modern oak, slightly carved; and

there is a deal credence table. The 14th century font has a massive

octagonal bowl, with large trefoils in each face, and grotesquely carved

heads at the angles; the shaft being plain octagonal. The improvements

were made in 1896, at the cost of the late Mrs. Stanhope.

The register dates from 1562. In recent years the incumbency of Claxby

Pluckacre, where the church had gone to ruins, has been annexed to the

rectory of Wilksby, the joint value of the two being about 300 pounds a

year. They are held by the Rev. P. O. Ashby, Chaplain of Revesby.

LANGRIVILLE & THORNTON-LE-FEN.

These are modern accretions to the Soke of Horncastle, made in the early

years of the 19th century. They are distant southward from Horncastle

about 13 miles; situated in a tract of land called Wildmore Fen, lying

about midway between Coningsby to the north, and Boston to the south. At

various periods inundated by the sea, this continued, to the end of the

18th century, more or less a region of morass; available in the summer

for grazing, but generally during the winter under water; when all cattle

had to be removed for safety to the lands under cultivation at the

homesteads of the farmers; and if by chance the farmer was behindhand in

removing them, and the floods became frozen, it was a common thing for

his cattle, while slipping about on the ice, to be split up, or, as it

was locally termed, "screeved," and so become helpless, and fit only for

slaughter. {209}

An Act of Parliament was passed in 1787 or 1788, and commissioners were

appointed, for the drainage of this and adjoining similar tracts; but

little was done until 1800, when the able engineer, Mr. John Rennie,

submitted his plans for the drainage to the commissioners. His first

report, dated April 7th, 1800, estimated the cost of draining Wildmore

Fen alone at 29,702 pounds; the total outlay, for that and adjoining

fens, being put at nearly 215,000 pounds. By 1812 these operations were

completed; and in that year an Act was passed making these lands

parochial, and assigning the two portions above named to the Soke of

Horncastle.

LANGRIVILLE.

Langriville, so called because it is near Langrick (or Long Creek) on the

Witham, has an area of 2,514 acres, including Langrick Ferry; rateable

value 3,300 pounds. The population is entirely engaged in agriculture.

The nearest railway station is at Langrick, in the parish.

It consists of the southern portion of Wildmore Fen, which at the

enclosure was allotted to the Earl of Stamford and Warrington, in lieu of

his manorial rights over Armtree and Wildmore; with other lands sold by

the Drainage Commissioners, early in the 19th century. The Earl's

estates afterwards passed, by purchase, to the late J. Fretwell Bramley

and others. The present Lord of the Manor is Lord Malcolm, of

Poltallock; and he, the Rector of Coningsby, the executors of Lady Ingram

Watkin, J. Linton, Esq., of Stirtcoe, Buckden, Herts., Harrison Hayter,

Esq., W. Goodenough Hayter, Esq., Mr. Jonathan Fox, of Boston, E.

Harrison, Esq., and Mr. William Pepper are the largest land owners.

A small brick church was erected in 1831, consisting of nave, chancel and

bell turret; and repaired and improved in 1885, by the Ecclesiastical

Commissioners. The Bishop of Lincoln is patron; and the Rev. W.

Fitz-Harry Curtis is the incumbent, who has here a residence, with an

income of 320 pounds a year.

The Wesleyans have a chapel at Langrick Ferry, also in Armtree Road. By

an order in council, dated 26th August, 1881, Langriville and

Thornton-le-Fen were united, under the title of "The Consolidated

Chapelry of Wildmore." There is a church at each place. At the time of

the enclosure fen allotments were assigned to various of the older

parishes, and these are many of them now included in this modern

district, comprising parts of Fishtoft Fen, of Coningsby, of Kirkstead,

Scrivelsby, Woodhall, Dalderby, and Martin. The entire area is now

10,500 acres, and population 1,470.

The National School, erected in 1857, is at Gipsy Bridge, now under a

School Board.

THORNTON-LE-FEN.

Thornton-le-Fen adjoins Langriville, lying to the east of it, about three

miles from Langrick railway station. The area was originally about 1,425

acres, including Bunkers Hill, part of Gipsy Bridge, and other scattered

farms, which were sold by the Drainage Commissioners early in the 19th

century, when it was made, by Act of Parliament, a parochial township.

Rateable value 1,979 pounds. It has its name from the former chief

proprietors, the Thornton family; but the chief land owners now are Lord

Malcolm of Poltalloch, the Pepper, Ireland, Creasey, Ward, and Wilcock

families. The soil is clay, and very fertile.

The church, which was built on the Fen Chapel Estates in 1816, is a small

brick building, containing 200 sittings; the benefice, valued at 100

pounds a year, is in the gift of the Bishop of Lincoln, and by order in

council, dated 26th August, 1881, was consolidated with the chapelry of

Langriville; the two being of the united yearly value of 320 pounds, and

held by the Rev. W. Fitz-Harry Curtis, who resides at the latter place.

A good school and master's house were erected in 1880, by the School

Board of Wildmore Fen, at a cost of about 1,200 pounds, to accommodate

168 children. The Wesleyans have a chapel at New York and Bunkers' Hill.

The Primitive Methodists have also a chapel.

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners, to whom the Fen Chapel Estates were

transferred in 1876, pay 120 pounds a year for a curate, who now is the

Rev. Harold E. Curtis. The total area is now 10,500 acres, and

population 1,470.

* * * * *

NOTE.--Other parishes have once been in the Soke of Horncastle, which no

longer belong to it. _Domesday Book_ gives Scrivelsby, "Langton and

(its) Thorpe" (from which I write; "Thorpe" being doubtless the outlying

district recently known as Langton St. Andrew), and also Edlington. How

these became separated is not known. As suggested by the author of

_Scrivelsby_, _the home of the Champions_, Scrivelsby, as a barony of the

Marmyon and Dymoke families, would probably be separated by payment of a

fine; such powerful families preferring not to be sub-ordinated to

another manor. Several Dymokes, however, were buried at Horncastle,

where are their monuments.

INDEX.

A

Abrincis, Hugo de, "The Wolf," 206.

Accident, remarkable, of Dr. J. B. Smith, 94.

Adelias de Cundi, 1, 16, 17, 200.

Albemarle, Earl of, 166.

Aldrich, Bishop of Carlisle, 30 and note.

Allison, Henry, wealthy, in Hull, 158.

Allenby, Henry, Chemist to H.M.S., 157.

Allerton, Lord, Horncastrian, 152.

Ancaster, Earl of, 204.

Angevine, family of, 27, 28.

Angus, Earl of, 168, 181.

Arms of Charles I., 191.

,, temp. Charles I., 192.

,, of Marmyon, Dymoke, Umfraville, Willoughby, &c., in Coningsby Church,

205.

Ashby, West, 176-180.

,, Church described, 181, 182.

Ayscough, Clynton, 198.

,, Elizabeth, 201.

,, Henry, 201.

,, Walter, 198.

,, William, 197.

B

Babington, Miss, window to, 59.

Bage, _i.e._ sod, 189.

Baieux, Bishop of, 165, 166.

Bain, river name, meaning of, 2.

Baker, Thomas, cricketer, ventriloquist, &c., 159.

Banks, Sir Joseph, 31, 181, 194 and note, 196, 209.

Baptists, sect of, 84-86.

,, Chapel, 84.

Barkham, Sir Robert, 187.

Barracks at Queen's Head Inn, 162.

Bavent, Eudo de, 27, 196.

,, Close, field name, 27.

Beaumont, family of, 190.

Bell and Lancastrian Schools, 111, 112.

Berewick in Coningsby, held by Sortibrand, 206.

,, in Wilksby, 207.

Bertie, Hon. Charles, 187.

,, Richard, 182, 186.

Bevere, Drogo de, 166.

Bishop of Carlisle, 12, 30 and note.

"Black Death" at Horncastle, 51, 189.

Bocher, Arthur, Esq., 188.

Bolle, Charles, 187.

,, George, 187.

Bolles, Sir Robert, 171.

Boucherett, Ascoghe, 198.

Boulton, Dr. Barnard, window to, 37.

,, Henry, window to first wife, 38.

,, "Billy," anecdote of, 160.

Bourne, The Venerable Hugh, 73-76.

,, College, 77.

Brackenbury, Mr. Carr, Wesley's friend, 66, 68, and note.

"Branks," or "scold's bridle," 205.

Brandon, Charles, Duke of Suffolk, 196, 200, 202, 207.

British words still used, 3.

Britons, Caesar's description of, 2, 3 and notes.

,, good workmen, 3.

Britons, Tacitus account of, 5.

Brown, Rev. Benson, 153.

,, John, "Laureate," 158, 159.

,, Martin, and press gang, 156.

Brownists, sect of, 78.

Bunyon, John, 84.

"Butts," field name, meaning of, 174.

C

Calthrop Lieut. Richard, window to, 180.

Camville, Gerard de, 26.

Canal, Horncastle, history of, 126-129.

,, opening ceremony, 127-128.

Canals recognised by Magna Charta, 128.

Caparn, Rev. W. B., 153.

Capella, Henry de, 178.

Carlisle, Bishops of, 46, 167, 168, 181, 196, 200, 203, 207.

Carsey (or Kersey), John, 202.

Catherine, St., altar of, 200.

,, ,, chantry of, 36, 37.

Cecil, Sir Thomas, 29, 30, 203.

Chamerlayn dole, 189.

Chapel, St. Laurence's, 33, 34.

Charles I., arms of, 191.

Charters of markets and fairs, 18.

Chattels of felons granted to bishop, 19, 45.

Cheney, family of, 16, 17.

Church, St. Mary's, 33-45.

,, not original, 33.

,, plate, 55, 56.

,, restored, 56.

,, Holy Trinity, 57-59.

,, ,, architect of, 57.

,, Lads' Brigade, 63.

,, Schools, National, 63.

,, service, absence from, fined, 48.

Clarke, Rev. T. J., Vicar, account, 60.

Claribel, Mrs. Barnard, 180.

Clerical Club, 63, 137, 138.

Clinton, Lord, and family, 12, 20, 21, 92 and note, 188.

Clinton, Lord, engraving of, 97.

,, Sir Edward, 12.

Clitherow, Mr. Robert, window to, 38.

Clowes, William, 75, 76.

Cock and Breeches Inn, 162.

Cock-fighting, 164.

Coins found at Mareham-on-the-Hill, 184.

Coningsby, 203-207.

,, Church, 204-7.

,, land owners of, 204.

,, Rector of, Poet Laureate, 205, 206.

,, Sir Fitz-William, Sheriff, 206.

,, ,, at battle of the Boyne saved the king's life, 206.

Coningsby, mansion of, 206.

Conyngsby, Humphrey 187, 206.

Constable, an old smuggler, 162.

Coppuldyke, Thomas and wife, guild of, 42 and note.

Corn Exchange, 140-142.

Court House, account of, 135, 136.

Craycroft of Craycroft, 187.

Cressey, Nicholas, gent., 198.

Crispus and Crispinianus, window, 37 and note, 42 and note.

Cromwell visits Horncastle, 32.

Cromwell, Ralph de, 190.

Cussons, John, Confederate General, &c., 158.

D

Danish Conquerors, 10.

Despenser, Robert, 191, 195, 205, 206, 207.

Despensers, Earls of Gloucester, 195.

Destructive storms at Horncastle, 51.

Dispensary, history of, 119-125.

,, balls, 124.

,, dispensers, 124.

,, legacies, 125.

,, present building, 124, 125.

,, presidents, 123, 124.

,, sermons, 122, 123.

,, vice-presidents, 124.

Dixon, Miss Annie, artist, 151.

Dogdyke, _i.e._ Dock-dyke, 204.

Dole, Chamerlayn, at Roughton, 188.

Drill Hall, 148-150.

Drogo de Bruere, 206.

Dymoke, Edward, 188.

,, John, of Haltham, 191.

,, John, Rev., 190.

,, Lionel, curious will of, 183-184.

,, Robert, 187.

,, Sir Henry, 189.

,, Sir Lionel, monument to, 41.

,, ,, engraving, 42.

,, Thomas, 187.

Dymokes, 205, 206, 208, 210.

E

Eastwood, family of, 190.

Editha, Queen, 180.

Elmhirst, General Charles, window to, 179.

,, William, Esq., 180.

Enderby, Wood, 201-203.

Escald, Gerald de, 11, 17, 200.

Eusden, Rev. Laurence, Poet Laureate, Rector of Coningsby, 205.

F

Fast, solemn, at Horncastle, 51.

Felons, right to try, of Bishop of Carlisle, 45.

Fighting Cocks Inn, 164.

,, foxhounds kept at, 164.

,, scythe fair at, 164.

Fitz-William, family of, 28, 29.

Forests, extensive, 2, 3 and note, 18 and note, 202 and note, 207.

Fox, Mrs. Salome, window to, 38.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs, in church, 44.

Franklin, Sir John, 156.

Freshville, Peter, Frances, daughter of, 42 and note.

Fynes, Norreys, Esq., 189.

,, Thomas, 206.

G

Gairmaro, Geoffrey, chronicler, 16 and note.

Gallows of Bishop of Carlisle, 19.

,, at Thimbleby, of Abbot, 170.

Gaunt, Walter, 166 and note, 167.

George, Dr. Hugh, window to, 59.

,, Inn, 162.

,, ,, incident at, 163.

Gibson, Thomas, Vicar, 39, 40 and note, 51, 52.

Giles, Prebendary, window to, 39.

Gilliat, Rev. Edward, author, &c., 152.

Glenham family, 196, 201.

Goldie, Rev. C. D., Curate, account of, 62.

Goodrich, Robert, 187.

Grace, Pilgrimage of, 47, 48.

Grammar School, history of, 91-107.

,, distinctions of old boys, 105.

,, distinguished boys, 95, 96.

,, games and customs, 99-104.

,, Governors, 92.

,, Madge, Dr., late Master, 105.

,, Masters, former under, 97-99.

,, modern, 105.

,, new buildings, future, 107.

,, origin of, early, 91, 92, 106.

,, property of, 92.

,, White, Rev. T., 99.

,, Worman, Mr. A. N., 105.

Grosvenor, Rev. Francis, 98, 99.

,, F., 152, 153.

H

Hallgarth, interesting old house in Thimbleby, 172.

Haltham, 190-192.

,, church, interesting, 191.

Hamerton, John, Churchwarden, 39.

,, family, 52, 53.

Hangman's Corner, 19, 46.

Hardingshall, Sir William, 187.

Hartgrave, Paganell, of Wilksby, 208.

Hartwell, Lady, 188.

Harwood, Mr. F., window to, 38.

Hawley, Sir Henry M., 189.

Heald, George, Chancellor, 163.

,, and Lola Montez, incident, 163.

Healey, A. H., athlete, 154.

Heathcote, Sir Gilbert, 204.

,, Sir John, 205.

Heneage family, 190.

Henry IV., visits Horncastle, 32.

"Hoblers" for the army, 14.

Holles, Gervase, description of church windows, 42 and note.

Holles, Gervase, wife buried at Horncastle, 37 and note.

Holme, _i.e._ island, Danish, 2.

Hopton, Sir Ingram, 40, 41.

Horncastle, British settlement, 1.

,, Manor, owners of, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20, 22, 24.

,, market tolls, 13, 14.

,, Benefice, King appoints to, 46.

,, Rector murdered, 46.

,, Rector changed to Vicar, 47.

,, Peter de Galicia appointed to, 47.

,, Rectors and Vicars, list of, 50, 51.

,, rectory house, former, 55.

Hotchkin, family of, connected with Thimbleby, 172.

Hounds kept at Fighting Cocks, 164.

I

Independents, sect of and chapel, 77-83.

Islep, Simon de, Rector, 19, 46.

J

"Jack" Musters kept hounds at Fighting Cocks, 164.

K

Keane, Charles, and Horncastle, 156.

,, Edmund, 156.

Kemp family and Thimbleby, 173, 175.

,, meaning of name, 173 and note.

Kent, John, owner of Horncastle Manor, 24.

King's Head Inn, thatched, 164.

Kirkstead, Thimbleby belonged to Abbot of, 169, 170.

,, Abbot of, arbitrary action of, 170.

Knyght, questionable action of, 169.

L

Lancastrian and Bell Schools, 111, 112.

Langley, Ambrose, footballer, 157.

Langton, John de, Rector of Horncastle, Bishop of Chichester, 46.

Langrick, meaning of, 209.

Langriville, 209.

,, Church, 209, 210.

,, School, 210.

Langworth, meaning of, 204.

Leweline, Joan de, 207.

Leych, William, curious will of, 197.

Lincolnshire Rising, 47, 48, 187.

,, William Leche, "begynner" of, 47.

Lindsey, Earl of, 187.

Literary Society, 138.

Lizures, William de, 26, 27.

Lodge, Canon S., lectern given by, 39 and note.

,, ,, Master of Grammar School, 99.

Lola Montez, incident, 163.

Lord, Rev. Thomas, centenarian, 82, 89-90.

L'Oste, Rev. S., Rector of Langton, 93.

Lovell, Sir Thomas, Knt., 202.

Lysurs, Alice de, 207.

M

Madely, Dr. Clement, tablet to, in St. Mary's, 44 and note.

Malcolm, Lord, of Poltallock, Lord of Langriville Manor, 209, 210.

Malingars, field name, 191.

Mareham-le-Fen, 192-198.

,, church described, 192-194.

Mareham-on-the-Hill, 183, 184.

,, Church, 184.

Marwood, hangman, 154, 155.

Massingbird, Thomas, 187.

Mechanics' Institute, 139, 140.

Milner, Canon, W. H., Vicar, 61.

Moorby, 198-200.

,, church described, 198.

,, communion plate, 199.

,, minstrel column, 199.

Mordaunt, John, owner in Coningsby, 206.

Moyne, Thomas, rebel, 188.

Murder at Queen's Head Inn, 162.

Musters, "Jack," kept hounds, 164.

N

Newcomen, family, 187, 190, 198.

New Jerusalem, sect of, 86-89.

,, Chapel, 88.

,, first resident minister, 89.

Ninian, St., in window of St. Mary's, 37, 42 and note.

Nonconformist places of worship, 64-90.