Market Rasen looks to the future

Old meets new in this historic market town, which looks set for growth.

Standing on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds in the eastern part of West Lindsey, Market Rasen, previously known as East Rasen, was once the smallest of the three Rasens in the area and in population.

The name change occurred due to its growth as the commercial centre of the area. Tanning was an important industry during the Tudor period, and the discovery of kiln sites within the town boundary verify archaeological evidence that a local Romano-British pottery industry once existed.

In the late 1700s, expansion began to take place as local agriculture prospered and transport links improved, particularly when the railway through Rasen was opened in 1848.

Today, Market Rasen retains much of its original character as an “olde worlde” market town, with many of the shops still run as locally-owned businesses.

Visitors can expect an excellent balance of rural surroundings and everyday amenities, with leisure and recreation highlighted by the close proximity of Market Rasen Racecourse and a range of nearby walking and cycling routes that lead into the stunning Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

BUILDING PROJECTS
This year, the town is set to benefit from a mix of new luxury housing and refurbishment projects that cater to diverse community needs. From the completion of upscale bungalows, to the sustainable conversion of Grange House into multiple homes, Market Rasen is evolving while respecting its heritage and community values.

The Grade II listed Grange House is due for completion this spring, with high-quality supported housing for adults with disabilities, providing 10 modern apartments, each offering 24-hour access to care and support. It will also include shared communal spaces where residents can spend time with family and friends and take part in group activities. The £3.9 million scheme is being delivered in partnership between Acis Group, Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council, with additional funding support from Homes England.

Acis Group frequently commissions Lindum to build or develop sites, including supported housing and retirement properties. 

According to Lindum co-chair Edward Chambers: “Once complete, Grange House will not only provide an important facility for the community but also breathe new life into a well-known local landmark, transforming it from a state of disrepair into a fully restored and functional building.”

Alongside the residential accommodation, plans include a community-focused social enterprise, giving tenants the chance to develop new skills by growing produce and caring for animals.

Positioned on the quiet outskirts of Market Rasen, construction at Legsby Court continues to move forward, with visible progress being made at this exclusive new development comprising six detached bungalows, forming a private cul-de-sac surrounded by open space. The site is being developed by award-winning, family-run Lincolnshire firm, Boss Group.

Designed for efficiency, comfort and everyday practicality, the homes are projected to achieve an A-rated EPC, incorporating air-source heat pumps, solar panels and triple-glazed windows to deliver excellent energy performance and reduced running costs.

WHAT’S IN STORE
The town recently benefitted from the opening of a new Aldi store and drive-thru Starbucks on the A46 off Gallamore Lane.

Zest has opened a new ultra-rapid EV charging facility as part of a partnership with site developer Morbaine Ltd.

Four charging bays are each capable of delivering 160kW of power, enabling drivers to recharge quickly.

The launch brings much-needed charging capacity to an area currently underserved by rapid and ultra-rapid charging, with only a handful of comparable chargers available within a 20-mile radius of Market Rasen.

OUT AND ABOUT
Fancy a walk with alpacas? At Wood Langham, Legsby, Walking with Alpacas Lincolnshire invites visitors to enjoy the company of these intelligent, gentle animals and head out for a walk near Market Rasen.

Booking is required as numbers are limited to 10 alpacas maximum at a time. The walk covers about three miles and takes around 90 minutes at a “slow alpaca pace”.

Children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult, and refreshments are provided after the walks.
You could always opt for an enjoyable woodland trail through Willingham Woods just to the east of the town. Suitable for both walking and cycling, trails run throughout the woods and around the ponds, offering both recreational opportunities as well as possible sightings of deer, insects and ducks which inhabit the area.

Particularly popular during the summer months with walkers, cyclists and bikers, there is an on-site café as well as public toilets.

HERITAGE TOUR
A virtual town tour has been designed to help visitors discover some of Market Rasen’s rich history and stories. Having retained much of the character of its 19th century heyday, the stories date back to pre-Roman times.

The interactive tour allows you to explore the area and delve into some of the fascinating stories and locations seen today.

Originally launched in 2014 as the Market Rasen Heritage Tour and Website, the tour was extended in 2022 to include six more stories, meaning Market Rasen now has a 20-stop heritage tour to satisfy even the most ardent history buff.

The stories on the website link to 20 real-life signs, which are in place around the town. The past is brought to life through stories, videos, voices and even a panoramic view from the church tower.
With the use of a smartphone or tablet, it is possible to view the stories as you wander around the town with QR codes to scan from each sign taking you straight to the right story.

One story focuses on ‘Wolds Women of Influence’. Featured from all walks of life, from landed gentry to publicans, head teachers to shop owners, each have left their mark, whether locally, nationally or globally.

Plaques have been placed in and around the town at locations connected to the women. Also included is a fascinating 12-minute video that reveals how local woman Louisa Boucherett helped many children from the Caistor Workhouse, making her, perhaps, one of Lincolnshire’s most unsung heroes.

And did you know that George Tennyson, grandfather of poet, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, lived with his wife, Mary, in King Street, Market Rasen, from 1774 until the 1790s?

He ran a successful business as a solicitor, acquiring much local land with the money he had made. Later in life, whilst living in Tealby and Usselby, he made a visit to the town daily.

Further information on the tour can be found at www.marketrasenheritagetour.co.uk

THE RACE IS ON
The Unibet Summer Plate Ladies Day with after-party will take place at Market Rasen Racecourse on Saturday 18th July.

Various race day meetings are due to take place through the season, including the award-winning Family Extravaganza Raceday on Sunday 5th July, to include racing, children’s activities, entertainment and more. With free admission for under-18s, there will be no additional costs to access any entertainment on the day.

SAY CHEESE!
The Davenport family from Osgodby, near Market Rasen, have created a niche shopping experience at The Cheese Shed @ Cote Hill Farm. 

Cote Hill produces a range of six different artisan cheeses: Cote Hill Red, White, Yellow, Blue, Cote Hill Lindum, and their newest award-winning cheese, Snowdrop.

All are made by hand using the morning milk produced by the family’s own herd, which includes more than 80 Friesian and Brown Swiss cows.

At The Cheese Shed visitors can use the cheese vending machine which is stocked with Cote Hill cheeses, plus Lincolnshire Poacher cheese and butter.

Next to that, the “local provisions” vending machine stocks Lincolnshire Plum Bread, Jenny’s Jams, Stokes Tea & Coffee and local free-range eggs.

Cote Hill is open from 8am-6pm, November to March, and 7am-7pm, April-October. For more information visit the website www.cotehill.com

To discover more about Market Rasen and surrounding areas visit www.visitlincolnshire.com

DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY ROOTS
As an experienced professional genealogist and researcher, Nicola Hallam loves nothing more than digging up stories about people from the past.

“I have been carrying out genealogical research for more than 25 years,” explains author and researcher Nicola, who owns and runs Family History Diggers from her home near Market Rasen.

“I am a member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists and an Associate of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives. I carry out research for many private and corporate clients, including BBC TV’s Who Do You Think You Are? Clients come from all over the world and range from those who do not know anything about their family through to people who have done a lot of research themselves but have reached a brickwall. It’s always a great feeling to be able to help clients achieve their goals but breaking through a brick wall is particularly satisfying.”

“I use all the usual genealogical sources: census, birth, marriage and death, online parish registers, military records, immigration records, local newspapers. Since coming back to live in Lincolnshire I have also built up a good personal collection of Lincolnshire books.

“I spend time at local archives and libraries as well as tramping around cemeteries or churchyards in my quest to track down ancestors.

“I keep my costs simple with either bespoke research at an hourly rate or set-price Family History Packages. Reports can be sent by email or, for an additional cost, can be printed and professionally bound. These make great gifts.”

To get in touch with Nicola, email nicola@familyhistorydiggers.com or visit www.familyhistorydiggers.com

STYLISH DESIGNS FROM TJI INTERIOR
TJI Interior’s team of dedicated specialists, led by owner Tracy Hogge, aim to support you on your creative journey helping to refresh your living environment with a superb range of premium paints, fabrics and window dressings creating a beautiful colour scheme that brings a bright, welcoming feel to your home.

Explore how to create spaces that feel seamlessly connected with the outside world. Premium suppliers and leading brands include fabrics from Romo, Casamance, James Hare, Today Interiors, Sanderson, Harlequin, Clarke & Clarke, William Morris, and many more.

TJI Interior can also help you select stylish window treatments, including specialist curtains, distinctive Roman and roller blinds plus motorised tracks, as well as elegant bespoke upholstery, curtains, cushions and bedding. 

“I pride myself on being passionate and understanding people’s needs to help them bring together their vision in their homes, so they don’t just look beautiful, they work perfectly too,” says Tracy.

“Visit my dedicated design workshop to explore an extensive library of samples. From the timeless elegance of Porcelanosa tiles and premium eco-friendly British brand Little Greene paints, to exquisite fabrics from world-renowned brands, I have everything you need to curate your perfect look.

“My goal is to ensure your home doesn’t just look beautiful – it works perfectly for your lifestyle, too.

“Whether you are looking for a complete renovation or a seasonal update, I offer a full interior design service tailored to your needs.”

For more information visit www.tjiinterior.co.uk

FIRST CHOICE FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
As established leaders in commercial and domestic waste disposal throughout Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, DM Boyles Ltd in Market Rasen offer a range of tailor-made services.

The professional and reliable team specialise in cesspool and septic tank emptying, as well as liquid waste removal, ensuring that each project is completed quickly and efficiently according to individual needs.

This reputation has earned high praise from happy customers whose feedback includes the following positive online reviews:

“Superb service from start to finish. Did exactly what they said they would do. Lovely tanker driver. Prompt, efficient service. I recommend this company.”

“Very prompt and efficient service in responding within two hours of phone call after I’d been let down by another company and being quoted two weeks lead-time by another. Will 100% use them again.”

With free quotes, competitive prices and prompt service, customer satisfaction remains their number one priority.

For more information call 01673 828415 or visit www.dmboyles.co.uk

DINE AND STAY AT THE ADVOCATE ARMS
The Advocate Arms stands proudly in the heart of Market Rasen. This historic building, which was built in the 18th century, has been refurbished to the highest standards with a contemporary feel, yet retaining a warm and welcoming character in which its guests can relax and unwind.

A favourite haunt for locals and visitors alike, the Advocate Arms Hotel boasts diverse options for dining and cocktails.

“Our chef patron Matthew Horsefield presents a menu of luxury comfort fare and innovative creations so whatever your delight, we offer highest standards. Our award-winning team is ready to assist customers, seven days a week, from serving breakfast/brunch to evening dining, we are sure to be able to tempt our customers.

“Fancy a night away? We also offer bed & breakfast rates and great value dinner, bed & breakfast rates too.”

For more information visit www.advocatearms.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

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