Links to history
Known as the ‘Gateway to the Lincolnshire Wolds’, the attractive market town of Horncastle is a premier destination for slow-paced day trips, with a wealth of antiques and historical connections to explore. By Mike Cowton.
Founded as a Roman fortified town where the Rivers Bain and Waring meet, surviving ancient wall sections are still visible today in Horncastle.
The town once hosted the largest August horse fair in Britain, which drew buyers and international traders from across Europe during the 19th-century before ending in 1948. The historic Bull Ring in the town centre was once used for blood sports such as bullbaiting and cockfighting.
Today’s attractions include St Mary’s, a striking 13th-century Grade I listed parish church featuring medieval stonework and 15th-century chancel carvings. The town is also home to a museum showcasing the work of a world-leading naturalist. Regular outdoor markets are held every Thursday and Saturday, complemented by a farmers’ market on the second Thursday of each month.
This autumn sees a number of events that bring this mix of historical interest and lively trade to the forefront.
THE HANGMAN’S TALE
An exhibition highlighting the life of the Lincolnshire hangman, William Marwood, is currently being held at the Sir Joseph Banks Centre, having been researched and organised by the Horncastle History and Heritage Society.
The Society, which was founded in 1966 as the Horncastle Civic Society, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.
The exhibition explores Marwood’s complex character and the truth behind his reputation. Visitors also can discover more about crime and punishment in Victorian Britain, and Marwood’s role in some of the most notorious criminal cases in 19th-century society. Marwood was born in Horncastle in 1818 and worked as a cobbler in the town and was also a Methodist lay preacher.
At the age of 54 he persuaded the governor of Lincoln prison to allow him to conduct an execution. The efficient way in which he conducted the hanging of Boston wife murderer Fred Horry on 1st April 1872 assisted him in being appointed hangman by the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex.
In his nine years as a hangman, Marwood executed 178 people. At the junction of Boston Road, South Street and Mareham Road is Hangman’s Corner, the place where the gallows once stood. The gallows were a memorial to Marwood, who lived in Foundry Street, and his shop was in Church Street.
Opposite the corner is the car park of the former Town Hall. A path heading north takes you to the former cattle market.
The Marwood exhibition runs until 30th September, between 10am and 4pm from Thursday to Saturday.
BATTLE ROYAL
Locals and visitors can look forward to an upcoming historical talk on Oliver Cromwell, hosted by the Horncastle History and Heritage Society (www.horncastlehistory.co.uk)
The event on 21st October, titled ‘Oliver Cromwell was Here?’, will explore the dramatic moment in local history when Cromwell fought right on Horncastle’s doorstep during the English Civil War.
The Battle of Winceby took place on 11th October 1643 in open fields located just a few miles outside Horncastle, when Cromwell led the Parliamentarian cavalry charge, was knocked off his horse and temporarily stunned during the battle. A Royalist knight, Sir Ingram Hopton, allowed the defenceless Cromwell to recover rather than killing him on the spot. Hopton was later killed in the same battle, and his memorial can still be seen today inside St Mary’s Church.
Following the Parliamentarian victory, retreating Royalist forces were chased back towards Horncastle and trapped at a nearby bottleneck known locally as ‘Slash Hollow’, where many were killed or captured.
The talk is planned to take place at Horncastle Community Centre, Manor House Street, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Admission is £2 for members, £5 for non-members (payable on the door).
Historians can enjoy a 3.5-mile circular walk around the battlefield site, starting from the lane leading to Winceby Manor Farm and High Barn, mainly along footpaths through arable fields.
A small commemorative stone was erected at Winceby in 1993 immediately in front of Winceby House Farm, adjacent to the B1195. There is no other interpretation on site. For details of the route, visit The Battlefields Trust website
www.battlefieldtrust.com.
‘COUSIN JOE’
Although the achievements of British explorer and naturalist Sir Joseph Banks are widely acknowledged, his affection for, and contributions to his hometown of Horncastle are less well appreciated.
Through his endeavours, the foundations were laid that would lead to the improved health, wellbeing and prosperity of the people and businesses in and around the town. Affectionately known by locals as ‘Cousin Joe’, Banks was the driving force behind the drainage of Wildmore Fens to the south of Horncastle, leading to the reclamation of fertile land for farming; the establishment, patronage and construction of the Horncastle navigational canal, opening a trade route to the River Witham and beyond; and the formation and patronage of Lincolnshire’s first dispensary, in Horncastle, supplying medical treatment to the poor.
His town house in High Street is adorned with a commemorative Blue Plaque and the Sir Joseph Banks Society and Sir Joseph Banks Centre has been created to celebrate his contributions to history.
Horncastle lies only a few miles from Banks’s Revesby Estate, and he was the town’s Lord of the Manor. The centre is situated in a Grade II listed building which has been restored by the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire.
Visitors can enjoy the tranquillity of a courtyard garden showcasing exotic and rare plants connected to Sir Joseph Banks’ global discoveries and travels with Captain Cook. Featured specimens include tree peonies and bird of paradise flowers. You will also find historic natural history collections plus changing temporary exhibitions and events.
A talk is due to be held on 18th November from 7.30pm, ‘The Sir Joseph Banks Centre building restoration in 2005’. Admission is £2 for members, £5 non-members.
ANIMAL FARM
If you have never seen a lion up close, or you have always wondered what camels get up to in their spare time, then spend a day at Wolds Wildlife Park, set in the rolling hills outside Horncastle.
You can choose from day passes, year passes and special experiences with animals, including bears, zebras, lynxes and lions.
Refreshments are available at the on-site café and ice cream parlour which is located next to the children’s play area – or alternatively, bring a picnic and sit at a bench or table next to lions or cheeky macaques. Seating is also available in tipis for those days when the weather is more inclement.
Not to be missed is the park’s glass walkthrough area with its tigers, hyenas and Indian leopard. Thanks to the specially designed re-enforced glass, you can feel up-close and personal with these amazing animals.
Enjoy daily keeper talks and an educational way to learn about the animals delivered by zoo staff. Talks run throughout the day and a timetable for these is on display at the entrance on arrival.
The park is open seven days a week until October from 10am and 5pm. From November to March the park is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. It is also open every day during major school holidays including Christmas and February half-term.
CADWELL FUN DRIVE
Head to nearby Cadwell Park on Saturday 12th December for a fun, safe and festive experience for all the family. ‘Drive! Christmas at Cadwell Park’ will be a unique experience where everyone can get involved.
For just £38 per car, you can enjoy three laps of the famous Cadwell Park Circuit in your own vehicle, driven at a family-friendly pace of up to 50mph. After your drive, you will receive a free downloadable photo of your car on track, a perfect souvenir to remember the day.
Off the circuit, children can join in with the festivities in the clubhouse, while everyone can tuck into a hot festive bap to keep the Christmas cheer flowing – and to top it all off Santa himself will be at Cadwell Park!
STEP INSIDE THE WORLD OF NATURAL HISTORY WITH THE SIR JOSEPH BANKS SOCIETY
Since its formation in 2006, the Sir Joseph Banks Society in Horncastle has amassed objects and collections associated with Sir Joseph Banks, 1st Baronet, GCB, PRS, 1743-1820.
It continues to develop its natural science and history museum with collections based upon the work and life of the man once described by its patron Sir David Attenborough as “That great panjandrum of British science”.
The society holds important historical and contemporary herbaria and, together with its partners, continues to collect plant specimens under licence from Natural England.
It has more than 20,000 insects from various Lincolnshire collections, together with geological artefacts, shells, and significant botanical artwork.
Other important objects include the George Edward Lodge collection and indigenous artefacts from Vanuatu donated by the Melanesian Mission.
The society maintains a library dedicated to Joseph Banks and other explorers, as well as a Banks tribute garden.
The centre is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10am-4pm, entrance is free.
Save the date: Saturday 10th October, 10am-4pm. Don’t miss Flow Fest Horncastle, a community celebration of the River Bain and Waring, highlighting their role in the town’s heritage, ecology and wellbeing.
Led by the Sir Joseph Banks Society, local organisations, including the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and East Lindsey District Council, which are joining forces with the Future of the Past project, artists environmentalists and performers to create an unforgettable event.
For more information visit www.joseph-banks.org.uk
ENJOY A RURAL GETAWAY AT ASHBY PARK
Situated in 70 acres of unspoilt countryside in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Ashby Park is a friendly and informal setting offering tranquillity and excellent country walks, plus a diversity of wildlife.
With the focus on providing a relaxed environment for residents and touring guests, this peaceful and well-run holiday retreat offers a warm welcome, with many local amenities and coastal resorts nearby.
Ashby Park features seven attractive fishing lakes and a series of clearings occupied by privately owned caravan holiday homes, seasonal caravans and 127 touring pitches with access to electricity, hardstanding, water and drainage. New luxury holiday homes are also on sale.
Popular with fishing enthusiasts, the variety of fishing lakes are well stocked with healthy carp, pike, perch, tench, bream and roach. A limited number of season tickets available, call for prices. The season ticket period runs from 1st January until 31st December.
For more information visit www.ashbypark.co.uk
Photographs: Mick Fox
We Recommend
Never miss a copy!
Big savings when you take out a subscription.
Problem displaying Facebook posts. Backup cache in use.
Click to show error