Historic Horncastle

A spirit of community and independence greets visitors to the market town, which has a rich heritage to celebrate. By Andrew Vaux.

Sitting halfway between Lincoln and the county’s favourite beaches and seaside attractions, Horncastle is surrounded by stunning countryside, offering wide-ranging views. But it is well worth taking the time to explore the town itself.

Once a fortified Roman settlement, Horncastle wasn’t on any important Roman roads, which suggests the River Bain was important for access. This small rural town is steeped in history and visitors can still see sections of Roman wall today.

In days gone by, the town was noted for cockfighting and bull-baiting, and there’s an area still known as the Bull Ring. The town gained its market charter in the 13th century, and it was long known for its Great August Horse Fair, a week-long event held between 1229 and 1948 and probably the largest in Britain, attracting buyers from Europe and beyond.

According to the Horncastle History & Heritage Society, the fair was at its height in the mid-19th century and ran for about two weeks. Inns with adequate stabling were required and visiting horses could be accommodated at thirty-five.

One of the most notable horses bought at the fair was a horse named Lottery, winner of the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase in 1839, the race that would become known as the Grand National. Such has been the continued interest in the Horse Fair that the event is still celebrated every year with a special series of arts, heritage and community events throughout the town.

Planning for this year’s event in August is well underway and details of the celebrations will be announced shortly.

A RICH HERITAGE
Founded in 1966 as the Horncastle Civic Society – an independent, non-political body dedicated to safeguarding and preserving the rich heritage, the group works to protect Horncastle’s past, present and future, endeavouring to highlight the heritage of the town, whilst promoting places of interest and activities to generate local pride and community spirit, allied with an expanding tourist trade. For more information visit www.horncastlecivic.org.uk

The Society is based at The Joseph Banks Centre in Bridge Street, a fascinating small exhibition hub which aims to inform and educate, providing interesting and accessible scientific collections, archives and resources. It is the perfect place to start your visit to Horncastle and the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Tourist information can help you find everything the area has to offer, from heritage to areas of outstanding natural beauty. At the community-run museum, you’ll uncover stories of people that made history, from botanists and explorers to hangmen and convicts.

Step into a beautiful courtyard oasis where you’ll find a garden dedicated to Sir Joseph Banks, the famous naturalist who journeyed with Captain Cook, for whom the centre is named, and the exotic plants he helped discover. Inside, you’ll find displays inspired by Banks’s own collections, plant and insect specimens, as well as botanical artwork.

The centre also holds the Lincolnshire Herbarium, created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum. For further information, visit www.joseph-banks.org.uk

INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
The town is known for its many antique and artisan shops. Whether you’re looking for vintage books, clothes, paintings, furniture, or curios, explore the array of Aladdin’s caves, each with its own character and hidden treasures. You’re likely to uncover something special.

Alternatively check out the regular auctions of antiques and collectables and dispersal sales held by Robert Bell & Co at Stanhope Hall, who also offer easy live auction bids. For more information visit www.robert-bell.org/auctions

Horncastle is also a popular market spot, every Thursday and Saturday morning, with a Farmers’ Market joining every second Thursday of the month. Here you will find an array of fresh produce, bakes and cakes, together with colourful flower stalls and locally made preserves.

There continues to be an independent spirit around the town and the owners and staff of its artisan shops are friendly and passionate about what they do. Find a selection ladies fashion boutiques, together with hobby, fabric and sewing specialists, as well as interior design and furniture retailer, alongside traditional bakers and butchers.

Having taken the time to walk around the town, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink.

Horncastle has a raft of independent cafés and tea rooms to try, plus historic pubs, a hotel and restaurants catering for all tastes.

TAKE A WALK
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, head to Stourton Woods in nearby Baumber, where you will discover a traditional family-run farm, part of the historic Stourton Estate with beautifully maintained parkland, woodland and lakes – home to majestic herds of red deer. Choose a self-guided walk, or take a tractor ride offering a ‘Farm Safari’. They also host events and festivals throughout the year. There’s miles of easy walking trails across the estate taking in the natural beauty of the Lincolnshire countryside.

Stourton Estates also produces and supplies kiln dried logs, woodchip and landscaping products, as well as home grown venison for you to pick up. For further information visit www.stourtonestates.co.uk tel. 01507 578236, or email: contact@stourtonestates.co.uk

If you’re passionate about wildlife and getting up close to exotic animals, you’ll be pleased to hear that Wolds Wildlife Park, which is home to lions, bears and zebras, who all enjoy spacious surroundings on the edge of the town has reopened to visitors and is doing a roaring trade!

For up to date opening times and ticket prices visit www.woldswildlife.co.uk or email info@woldswildlife.co.uk

Meanwhile, perfect for ramblers, the Horncastle to Woodhall Spa Spa Trail is a 6.7-mile traffic free route linking the two towns. It follows the route of the former Horncastle branch railway line and the first mile or so runs besides the Horncastle Canal along the peaceful Bain Valley.  

Popular with families, cyclists and accessible for wheelchair users, this popular trail offers lots to see along the way, from scenic surroundings, to an array of birds and wildlife. You can also enjoy a series of sculptures created by local artists which are dotted along the way.

Keep an eye out for the Viking longship near the old railway bridge and there’s also a series of stone mileposts in the form of miniature Viking warriors to help guide you along the route. 

History lovers will also appreciate the information boards, which feature stories about the railway’s history, local wartime exploits, and explain the history of the Horncastle canal. 

For more information, check out www.lovelincolnshirewolds.com/routes/view/119/the-spa-trail or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/LoveHorncastle

BERT’S BENCHES
Bert’s Benches have recently been installed across Horncastle to get the community talking.

The benches are part of an initiative to combat social isolation and mental health challenges.

They are the brainwave of Ben Cross, co-ordinator of the Horncastle-based wellbeing hub from mental health charity Shine, and Isabel Forrester of Horncastle’s Food Larder.

Ben explains: “The benches raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing and promote areas where people can take a seat and connect with others. This can be anything from a brief ‘hello’ to checking in to see if someone is okay. A chat about the weather can mean a lot to someone who is isolated.”

Shine and Horncastle’s Food Larder collaborated with the Horncastle Support Team and Horncastle Town Council, who installed the plaques on their existing benches.

The benches in the town have been installed at Bridge Street, Cagthorpe, Coronation Walk, Hamerton Gardens and Watermill Road. There are also plans to form a special walking route between the benches, so residents can enjoy the added benefits of getting out in nature, as well as connecting.

“I hope the benches will encourage people to talk more as well as promote a positive community spirit,” says Ben.

For more information email info@shinelincolnshire.com.

ENJOY A TASTE OF RURAL LIFE AT ASHBY PARK
A friendly and informal atmosphere, peace, tranquillity and excellent country walks, plus a diversity of wildlife await visitors to Ashby Park, which is situated in 70 acres of unspoilt Lincolnshire countryside in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

This peaceful and well-run holiday retreat, which was awarded the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award 20 years ago, offers a warm welcome to holidaymakers who can enjoy truly relaxing days away from the crowd, 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.

“We are focused on providing a relaxed environment for our residents and touring guests,” explains owner Robin Francis.

For more information visit www.ashbypark.co.uk

LOVE YOUR CONSERVATORY!
A conservatory can give us that little bit more room to relax; it can also be somewhere for the kids to play, be a useful home office or even a dining room. The problem is that most conservatories can only be used when the weather dictates and can easily become dumping grounds.

This has been a perennial problem but is one that Thermogreen can help solve.

“We can offer a number of different ways to enable you to use your conservatory 365 days of the year and the most popular and efficient are either a ThermoSave insulated conservatory ceiling or an equinox® tiled conservatory roof. Both can release the space your conservatory offers by making the temperature more ambient all year round.

“A ThermoSave insulated conservatory ceiling is fitted (usually in only one day) on the inside of your conservatory, leaving your existing polycarbonate roof in place. Its outstanding insulation properties keep your conservatory from losing heat during the winter while in the summer the sun’s heat is reflected away, keeping it much cooler. Condensation is vastly reduced and often eliminated, as is the glare from the sun.

Noise from heavy rain is reduced and so too are energy costs and fade on furniture.

“For a touch of luxury, an equinox® tiled conservatory roof is fully building control approved and combines high-quality precision engineering with attractive styling inside and out. With the same benefits as ThermoSave, it adds valuable extra useable living space to your home without the high cost of building an extension. 

“Whether you want to use your conservatory every day or only occasionally, a ThermoSave insulated ceiling or an equinox® tiled roof is certainly the answer.”

For more information visit www.thermogreen.co.uk

WELCOME TO YOUR DREAM HOME
Find out how C&L Fairburn Properties’ stylish executive development in Tetney could offer the ideal new home for you and your family.

Purchasing a new build is a smart choice, whether it’s for lower running costs, modern design, or the reassurance of a home under warranty.
C&L Fairburn Properties’ homes are built to the latest building regulations, and offer energy efficiency and peace of mind.

C&L Fairburn Properties was founded in May 2009 by Chris and Louise Fairburn. Having developed across Lincolnshire for the past 14 years, care and attention is given to all the new homes across their stunning developments.

“A new build gives you the unique opportunity to create your dream home with our generous allowances. Best of all, everything is brand new and designed to your specification.”

“Each home is a masterpiece, meticulously designed to surpass your expectations. With spacious floor plans and attention to detail, these homes offer an unmatched level of comfort and style.”
Indulge in the finest finishes and a luxury allowance for high-end appliances, and state-of-the-art technology that enhance your everyday living.

“At C & L Fairburn Properties, we provide complete homes, not just houses. So whether you are taking your first steps onto the housing ladder, securing a home for your growing family, or simply looking to relocate, we have a new home for you.

“You can fully specify and customise your home to suit your vision and lifestyle and every one of our new homes comes with a 10-year warranty for that extra peace of mind!”

Luxury meets modern sophistication
C&L Fairburn Properties can now offer buyers a rare opportunity to purchase an exclusive and generous plot within their development of nine stylish detached properties at The Furrows in the East Lindsey village of Tetney.

The development features four, five, and six bedroom homes. With only two stunning properties – Plot 9 and Plot 5 – remaining, this is the perfect chance to own a luxurious, high-spec home in an idyllic countryside setting.

“Buyers are also invited to add their own touches to the property and with our highly experienced team, we can make your ideas come to life!

“Let your creativity loose with beautiful modern bathroom designs and choose from a selection of stylish media walls, water features and any additional extras you may like. We will try our best to create this for you, so you can move straight in as we pass the keys over to you.

“Take a look at our online gallery for inspiration, with some of our previous customers’ designs, and enjoy creating your perfect home.”

For more information visit www.clfairburnpropertiesltd.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

We Recommend

Van life

Seal sanctuary celebrates diamond anniversary

Where the past meets the present

Showcasing Sleaford

Holes

Education

View all