50 Gems of Lincolnshire: The History & Heritage of the Most Iconic Places

Lincolnshire is a county of contrasts ranging from the seaside resorts on the east coast to the rolling chalk hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds and the fenland area of the south-east. The area was settled since prehistoric times, the Romans established the town of Lindum (present-day Lincoln) for retired legionaries, a number of churches date from the Saxon period and placenames provide a reminder of the area’s Viking past.Lincoln became a thriving mediaeval settlement, evidenced by its magnificent cathedral and castle. The coming of the railways in the 19th century created the seaside resorts of Skegness, Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe. During the Second World War Lincolnshire became ‘Bomber County’ as it was home to a large number of air bases. It was from here that the daring Dambuster’s raid was launched. The county also boasts a proud cultural heritage. The writer Alfred Lord Tennyson and the landscape artist Peter de Wint both drew inspiration from the Lincolnshire countryside. Annual events include the Lincoln Christmas Fair and the quirky Steampunk Festival as well as the famous Haxey Hood game.50 Gems of Lincolnshire explores the many places and their history that make this part of the country so special, including natural features, towns and villages, buildings and places of historical interest. Alongside justly famous attractions, others will be relatively unknown but all have an interesting story to tell.