Chapter XIX: Appendix: Thimbleby (3)

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.

Norman Conquerors, 11, 13.

O

Oddities of Horncastle, 160, 161.

Organ, fine, of parish church, 36.

Ortiay, Henry del, tenure by spurs, 180, 181, 203.

Ouseley, Sir F. Gore, of Wesley family, 64 and note.

Oven, public, 134 and note.

Overseer, a woman appointed, 188.

P

Paganell, Ranulph de, 177.

Palfreyman, of Horncastle, 52.

Palmer, Rev. E. R. H. G., 184.

Pancake bell, 34.

Paynell, 178.

Penance done in church, 186.

Pilgrimage of Grace, 47, 48.

Pingle, field name, 191.

Plague, 188, 191.

Plesington, Henry, Knt., 187.

Primitive Methodists, sect of, 71, 77. ,, chapel described, 72.

Publichouses, 161-164. ,, now gone, 162, 163, 164.

Q

Quarrington, Canon E. F., late Vicar, window to, 37.

Queen's Head Inn, murder at, 162.

R

Raengeires, British leader, 9.

Railway, 130-132. ,, opening ceremony of, 131, 132.

Ravennas, Geographer, 5 and note.

Rayne, Bishop's Chancellor, slain, 48.

Rennie, Mr. John, Engineer, 209.

Rhodes, Gerard de, 184, 203. ,, Ralph de, 12, 17, 18, 19, 180, 184, 191, 192, 200, 203, 206.

Rinder, Mr. Joseph, 178.

River names, celtic, 1.

Rivett, Mr. John, 70.

Robber taking refuge in church, 45.

Robinson, Miss, and Queen's dresses, 157, 158. ,, Rev. John, 78-80.

Rolleston, Edward, Esq., 186. ,, family, 186.

Rolston, Edward, 187.

Roman coffins, 7, 8. ,, coins, 4. ,, commanders, 3, 5. ,, milestone, 5. ,, pipes, 8. ,, pottery, 6, 7, 134 and note. ,, roads, 5, 6. ,, tomb at Thimbleby, 174. ,, urns, 6. ,, walls, 6. ,, wells, 6.

Rose, Rev. W., 82, 83.

Ross, Sir John, 156.

Round House, the (prison), 135.

Roughton, 188. ,, church described, 188. ,, plague at, 188.

Rushton, "Aty," 160. ,, Thomas, fisherman, 160.

S

Salt, a property, 182.

Sanctuary in church, right of, 45.

Sapcote, Sir Richard, 186.

Savile, 22, 25, 26.

Saxon conquerors, 9. ,, minstrel pillar, 199.

Schofield, John, marries bishop's daughter, 157.

Science and Art School, 112. ,, great efficiency of, 114. ,, lectures on special subjects, 115-118. ,, origin of, 112. ,, teachers of, 114, 115.

Scrope family, 20.

Scott, Sir Gilbert, at Horncastle, 134.

Scythes in church, probable history of, 41 and note. ,, engraving of, 48.

Scythe fair, 164.

Sessions House, former, 135.

Sewer, common for drain, 190 and note.

Sharp, Rev. W. Heneage, 154.

Shepherd, Capt., "old salt," 156.

Ship-money, complaint of, temp. Charles I, 14.

Skynner, family of, 169.

Slated house, first in Horncastle, 164.

Smith, Captain, Surgeon, 157. ,, Dr. J. Bainbridge of Grammar School, 93, 95, 99, 101.

Snowden, Bishop of Carlisle, 30. ,, Rutland, "delinquent," 54. ,, ,, benefactor to Horncastle, 54. ,, ,, among Lincolnshire gentry, 55.

Socmen, bordars, and villeins, 183 and note.

Somercotes, Sir William, 187.

Southey, Rev. T. C., Curate, 62.

Southwell, Miss Trafford, 202.

Spinning School, 134 and note.

Spranger, Dr. R., 186. ,, Chancellor, 186.

Spurrier, Rev. H., 189. ,, H. C. M., 189.

Spurs, tenure by, 181, 203.

Stanhope family, 31. ,, J. Banks, Esq., 192. ,, Memorial, 136, 137.

Swedenborg, Emanuel, 86.

T

Tailboys, Sir Walter, 181.

Taillebois, family of, 206.

Tanning formerly chief trade of Horncastle, 53.

Tennyson, A., and brother married in Horncastle, 44, 162.

Thatched publichouse, by will, 164.

Theft from St. Mary's Church, 42 and note, 47, 48.

Theleby, 208.

Thief to catch thieves, 161.

Thimbleby, 165-176. ,, church described, 175, 176. ,, engraving of, 171.

Thornton-le-Fen, 210. ,, Church, 210. ,, School, 210.

Thornton family, 210.

Three Maids' Inn, 164.

Thymelby family, 24, 25, 168, 181.

Tibetot, Robert, 12, 19, 20.

Tom Cat Inn, 164.

Toynton, High, 180-184. ,, ,, Church, 181, 182. ,, Low, 184-188. ,, ,, Church, 184-186. ,, ,, ,, engraving of, 185.

Trafford, W. H., Esq., 191, 202.

Train-bands, arms of, 14.

Trinity Church Horncastle, 57-60. ,, engraving of, 59.

Trunyan's, light of, our Lady's light, &c., 44, 45.

Tumby Chase, 202.

Turner and Cato Street Conspiracy, 155, 156. ,, Sir Edmund, 184.

Tymelby, Ivo de, 207.

Tyrwhitt, Douglas, a lady, 52. ,, old county family, 29, 208.

U

Umfraville, Earl of Angus, 168, 181.

Union, the, or workhouse, 133-135.

Union, early laws concerning paupers, 133, 134.

V

Volunteers, history of, 145-148. ,, Drill Hall, 148-150. ,, practiced on Edlington Road, 162.

W

Walter, Rev. H., B.D., _History of England_, 64.

Waring, river name, meaning "rough," 2.

Watson's Free School, 108-111. ,, property of, 110. ,, Governors, original, 110 and note.

Well-syke, field and wood name, 190 and note.

Wesley, John, 65-67. ,, Charles, 65.

Wesleyan, sect of, 64-71. ,, Chapel, 70. ,, ,, engraving of, 65. ,, circuits, 66. ,, centenary, 71.

Whelpton Almshouses, 142-144.

Whichcote, Clinton, of Coningsby, 207.

Wildmore Fen added to Horncastle, 209.

Wilksby, 207. ,, Church, 208.

Williams, Thomas, missionary, 69, 70.

Willoughby, William de, and family, 167. ,, de Eresby, Lord, 204.

Winchester, Bishop of, held land in Coningsby, 206.

Wood Enderby, 201-203. ,, Church, 201, 202.

Workhouse, before Union, 134. ,, village, 134.

Y

Young Churchmen's Union, 63.

Z

Zouch, Eudo la, bequest to, 197.

* * * * *

Printed by W. K. Morton & Sons, Ltd., 27, High Street, Horncastle.

Footnotes:

{0} His father, for about 12 months, occupied the house in North Street, of late years known as the "Red House," distinguished, it is said, as being the only house in the town having a front door of mahogany.

{1a} Mr. Jeans, in his _Handbook for Lincolnshire_, p. 142, says "the Roman station (here) probably utilized an existing British settlement."

{1b} _Words and Places_, p. 13, note. Ed. 1873.

{1c} There are probably traces of British hill-forts in the neighbourhood, as on Hoe hill, near Holbeck, distant 4 miles, also probably at Somersby, Ormsby, and several other places.

{1d} In the name of the near village of Edlington we have probably a trace of the mystic Druid, _i.e._ British, deity Eideleg, while in Horsington we may have the Druid sacred animal. Olivers' _Religious Houses_, Appendix, p. 167.

{2a} _Words and Places_, p. 130.

{2b} The meadow which now lies in the angle formed by the junction of the Bain and Waring at Horncastle is still called "The Holms," which is Danish for "islands."

{2c} The name Bain, slightly varied, is not uncommon. There is the Bannon, or Ban-avon ("avon" also meaning "river"), in Pembrokeshire; the Ban in Co. Wexford, Bana in Co. Down, Banney (_i.e._ Ban-ea, "ea" also meaning water) in Yorkshire, Bain in Herefordshire; Banavie (avon) is a place on the brightly running river Lochy in Argyleshire; and, as meaning "white," a fair-haired boy or girl is called in Gaelic "Bhana."

{2d} The name Waring (G commonly representing the modern W) is found in the Yarrow, and Garry in Scotland, the Geirw, a rough mountain stream, at Pont-y-glyn, in North Wales, and in the Garonne in France.

{2e} _Ars Poetica_, l 59.

{2f} An account of this urn is given by the late Bishop Trollope, with an engraving of it, in the _Architectural Society's Journal_, vol. iv, p. 200.

{2g} _De Bella Gallico_, bk. v, ch. 12-14.

{2h} Some idea of the extent of these forests, even in later times, may be formed from the account given by De la Prime (_Philosophical Transactions_, No. 75, p. 980) who says "round about the skirts of the wolds are found infinite millions of the roots and bodies of trees of great size." Pliney tells us that the Britons had "powerful mastiffs" for hunting the wild boar, and Manwood in an old _Treatise on Forest Laws_ (circa 1680) states (p. 60) that the finest mastiffs were bred in Lincolnshire. Fuller, in his _Worthies of England_ (p. 150) mentions that a Dutchman (circa 1660) coming to England for sport, spent a whole season in pursuit of wild game "in Lincolniensi montium tractu," by which doubtless were intended the wolds. A writer in the _Archaeological Journal_ (June, 1846) says "the whole country of the Coritani (_i.e._ Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, &c.) was then, and long after, a dense forest." The name "Coritani," or more properly Coitani, is the Roman adaptation of the British "Coed," a wood, which still survives in Wales in such place-names as "Coed Coch," the red wood, "Bettws y Coed," the chapel in the wood, &c. This was their distinguishing characteristic to the Roman, they were wood-men.

{3} To the skill and bravery in war of the Britons Caesar bears testimony. He says, "They drive their chariots in all directions, throwing their spears, and by the fear of their horses and the noise of their wheels they disturb the ranks of their enemies; when they have forced their way among the troops they leap down and fight on foot. By constant practice they acquire such skill that they can stop, turn, and guide their horses when at full speed and in the most difficult ground. They can run along the chariot pole, sit on the collar and return with rapidity into the chariot, by which novel mode (he says) his men were much disturbed." ("Novitate pugnae perturbati.") _De Bella Gallico_, lib. iv, c, 33, 34.

{5a} An account of this milestone is given by the late Precentor Venables, in his _Walks through the Streets of Lincoln_, two Lectures, published by J. W. Ruddock, 253, High Street, Lincoln.

{5b} Stukeley, _Itinerarium curiosum_, p. 28; Weir's _History of Horncastle_, p. 4, ed. 1820; Saunders' _History_, vol. ii, p. 90, ed. 1834; Bishop Trollope, _Architectural Society's Journal_, vol. iv, p. 199, &c.

{5c} Ravennas, whose personal name is not known (that term merely meaning a native of Ravenna), was an anonymous geographer, who wrote a _Chorography of Britian_, as well as of several other countries, about A.D. 650. These were confessedly compilations from older authorities, and were, two centuries later, revised by Guido of Ravenna, and doubtless by others at a later period still, since the work, in its existent form describes the Saxons and Danes, as well, in Britain. As Gallio, also of Ravenna, was the last Roman general in command in these parts, it has been suggested that he was virtually the original author (Horsley's _Britannia_, 1732, chap. iv., p. 489; also _The Dawn of Modern Geography_, by C. Raymond Beazley, M.A., F.R.G.S., 1897, J. Murray). Messrs. Pinder and Parthey published an edition of _Ravennas_, _or the Ravennese Geographer_, as did also Dr. Gale.

{5e} _Life of Agricola_ c. xxxi.

{6a} This is a thoroughly provincial word for highway or turnpike. It is of course a corruption of "Rampart," a fortified passage. In the marsh districts the main roads are called "rampires." See Brogden's _Provincial Words_.

{6b} The name Baumber, again, also written Bam-burgh, means a "burgh," or fortress on the Bain, which runs through that parish.

{7a} These urns are fully described with an engraving of them in vol. iv, pt. ii, of the _Architectural Society's Journal_, by the late Bishop Dr. E. Trollope.

{7b} _Architect. S. Journal_, iv, ii, p. 201.

{8} Gough, _Sepulchral Monuments_, Introduction, p. 59, says "coffins of lead and wood are believed to have been used by the Romans in Britain."

{9} The first Danish incursions into England were in A.D. 786 and 787, specially in Lincolnshire in 838. In 869 was fought the decisive battle of Threckingham in this county, which made the Danes paramount. The name Threckingham is said to be derived from the fact that 3 kings were slain in this battle, but we believe this to be an error, and that the place was the residence, the "ham" of the Threcginghas.

{10} The prefix "Horn" is also found in Holbeach Hurn, an angular headland on the south coast of Lincolnshire. In the monkish Latin of old title deeds, we also find the patronymic Hurne, Hearne, &c., represented by its equivalent "de angulo," _i.e._ "of the corner."

{11a} Dr. Mansell Creighton, late Bishop of London. _Essays_, edited by Louisa Creighton, 1904, pp. 278-9.

{11b} The palace of the Bishop was on the site of the present Manor House.

{11c} Dugdale, vol. ii, p. 336. _Monast. Angl._, vol. ii, p. 646.

{12a} Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, No. 14, m. 1.

{12b} Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, No 14, m. 1, 3 Edward I., 1274-5.

{12c} This sale was confirmed by the King, as shewn by a Charter Roll, 14 Henry III., pt. i, m. 12 3 Ed. I., 1274-5.

{12d} Patent Roll, 14 Richard II., pt. i, m. 3. A.D. 1390.

{12e} Patent Roll, 6 Edward VI., pt. iii, m. 1.

{12f} Patent Roll, 1 Mary, pt. 8, m 2, (44) 28 Nov., 1553.

{12g} Memoirs of Sir Henry Fynes Clinton. _Annual Register_, 1772, p. 2.

{12h} Coram Rege Roll, Portsmouth, April 20, 14 Chas. II.

{13a} Exchequer Bills and Answers, 11 Charles V., Lincoln, No. 185.

{13b} The carucate varied in different parts of the country, in Lincolnshire it was 120 acres. Gelt was a land tax, first imposed by the Danes in the reign of Ethelred, about A.D. 991, being 2s. on the carucate. Villeins and bordars were under-tenants of two different classes, bordars being superior to villeins. (Introd. _Domesday Book_, by C. Gowen Smith, 1870).

{13c} Barristers are said to have been first appointed by Edward I., A.D. 1291.