< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYThe Hammer & Pincers pub is awelcoming, warm pub thatserves a great range of caskales, fantastic food and offersservice with a smile. It has aselection of meals availablethroughout the day, startingwith breakfast at 9.30am onweekdays, and then lunchesand dinners. Every Sunday itoffers a sumptuous carverywith a range of meats andvegetables to choose from. It alsooffers a range of entertainment and roomfor large parties. Hammer & Pincers now serve food allday on Saturday and Sunday.BT Sport and Sky Sports is shown onmultiscreen.Award winning restaurantDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETSwineshead Road, Boston, PE21 7JETel: 01205 361323Email: wayne.salmon@btconnect.com www.hammerandpincers-boston.co.ukServes 4You’ll need:4 medium raw beetroot 2-3 tbsp rapeseed oil200g new potatoes, boiled1 small head broccoli 175g peas,4 plain or peppered mackerel filletsA handful of rocket leaves100g mixed salad leaves8 cherry tomatoes cut in halfAlfalfa shoots, to decorate (optional)Rapeseed oil or lemon dressingSea salt and black pepperLemon dressing:Juice of a lemon2 tbsp rapeseed oilSea salt and black pepperMix all of the ingredients togetherHorseradish Sauce:2 tbsp low fat Greek Yoghurt2 tbsp Creamed horseradish sauceBlack pepper (optional)Mix all of the ingredients togetherPHOTO: MICHAEL POWELLWhat to do:Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4Firstly roast the beetroot; place the beetrootand rapeseed oil in a foil parcel and place in amedium sized roasting tray making sure thebeetroot is well coated in oil. Roast for 45-50minutes or until the beetroot feels tender.Leave to cool and then skin and cut into bitesize pieces. Cut the boiled potatoes in half,then blanch the broccoli in a pan of boilingsalted water for 1 minute, then add the peasand cook for a further minute. Drain and thenplunge the vegetables into ice cold water anddrain in a colander.Prepare the mackerel by removing the skin andbreaking into smallish pieces. Assemble thesalad on a plate using the potato, beetroot,peas, broccoli, rocket, salad leaves and cherrytomatoes. Drizzle with lemon dressing andspoon on some of the horseradish dressing,season with black pepper and garnish withalfalfa sprouts.by Rachel Green – www.rachel-green.co.uk andwww.peas.org SUMMER SUPERPEA SALAD49-52.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 10:15 Page 2BOOK YR TALCCaa015522 5663 20To vveww the euuVisiwhhtiehart-licnoln.coo.uk Bailgat | Lincln | LN 3ARAA Rosette AwardedCulinary Excellence 2016/17Hotel of the Year 2016Restaurant of the Year 2017 Venue of the Year 2017*Side dishes and drinks are from a selected range, please ask for detailsENJOY an 8oz Ribeye Steak, 8oz Lamb Rump or Roasted Half-Chicken in honey and mustard, *two sides and a drink for just £15 per person EVERY THURSDAYSTEAK NIGHT LINCOLNSHIRETODAY51FOOD & DININGYou’ll need:400g Norwegian salmon fillet (without skin or bones)1 tbsp chives cut into rollsSaltPepper2-3 tbsp butter1 large beefsteak tomato1⁄2 cucumber4 slices white bread4 lettuce leaves4 tbsp onion and herb cream cheeseBowl of cherry tomato and cucumber salad as anaccompaniment What to do:Rinse the Norwegian salmon fillet in cold water, pat dryand chop finely. Add the chives and season with saltand pepper. Shape the chopped salmon mixture intofour flat patties. Melt the butter in a frying pan and heatthe patties in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.Wash the tomato and cucumber and cut into slices, cutthe slices of bread in two, to create two thin slices andtoast. Lay out one of the halves of bread on the plateand layer with one lettuce leaf, a salmon patty and addthe cucumber slices and tomato to garnish. Spreadcream cheese on the remaining bread halves and addto top the burger.Serve with cherry tomato and cucumber salad.Courtesy of Seafood from NorwayNORWEGIANSALMON BURGER49-52.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 10:16 Page 352 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGPicture your venueThe Blue Bell Inn1 Main Road, Belchford, Horncastle, LN9 6LQTel: 01507 533 602 Web: www.bluebellbelchford.co.ukThe Blue Bell Inn is a pub/restaurant situated on theViking Way between Horncastle and Louth. It has anexcellent reputation for fine food, good wine and friendlyservice. It offers an a la carte menu and fresh localingredients.Now open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday11.30am to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 11pm, Sunday noon to 10.30pm.The China RoyalRestaurant6 Bridge Streets, Brigg, DN20 8LNTel: 01652 650688 (reservations)/654762 (takeaway)Web: www.chinaroyal.co.uk The intimate, warm surroundings of the ChinaRoyal are ideal for the most romantic dinner or thelargest banquet. Serving the best in Chinese cuisine, it has five stars on the doors, and is openthroughout all Bank Holidays.The George Hotel1 Boston Road, Spilsby, PE23 5HBTel: 01790 752528 Web: www.spilsby.info/georgehotelThe George Hotel guarantees a warm welcome and theperfect pub environment. Karaoke is on every Saturday night,and with live music held once a month and a large functionroom (available free of charge for parties), the George Hotel isthe perfect venue for entertaining. The accommodation boasts eight letting bedrooms with TV,tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The Duke of WellingtonStation Road, Midville Tel: 01205 270593Web: www.dukeofwellingtonmidville.co.ukAt The Duke of Wellington, the aim is to make youwelcome and deliver the very best in food and drink thatwill keep you coming back time and again. The Duke ofWellington is a much loved part of the local communitythat extends a welcome to locals and visitors alike.On offer is great food, drink and warm hospitality.Byards Leap LodgeEast View, Byards Leap, Cranwell, SleafordTel: 01400 261375/07595 760 774www.byards-leap-lodge.co.ukWhether you are on a leisure or business trip, you’ll find warmhospitality at the Country Kitchen and Lodge. It offers four star,silver awarded accommodation, having won a TripAdvisor award of excellence.The Lodge has five double rooms, all of which are en-suite and on the ground floor, as wellas two two-bedroom apartments. Dedicated facilities for the disabled are available.To promote your services callAngie Cooper on 01472 310302or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.ukServes: 6Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesYou’ll need:1 tbsp flour for dusting250g ready roll puff pastry1 whisked whole large egg, for glazing75g asparagus tips150g strawberries, washed and halved4 tbsp creme fraiche2 large eggs, plus 1 extra yolk10 crushed pink peppercorns50g Parmigiano cheese, gratedSalt & pepperWhat to do:Preheat your oven to 200°c and line a baking tray with baking paper.On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut into 6 equalportions, pressing each into a shallow tart tray. Prick the pastry all over inside the border, brush with whiskedegg mixture and bake for 12-15 minutes then remove and pushdown the bases inside the borders and set aside.In a bowl, mix the creme fraiche, eggs and yolk and theparmesan together, lightly season, then empty the filling onto thechilled pastry cases.Arrange the asparagus tips and the strawberries over the mixtureand using a pastry brush, cover the exposed pastry borders withthe whisked egg mix and gently brush the asparagus andstrawberries too. Sprinkle with the crushed peppercorns.Bake for about 20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown andthe filling is cooked. by www.berryworld.com BERRYWORLDSTRAWBERRY &BRITISH ASPARAGUSMINI QUICHES49-52.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 10:16 Page 4LINCOLNSHIRETODAY53FOOD & DININGFOOD & DININGA warm welcome awaits any visitors toRelish, where the modern décor makesone feel immediately at home. Thestarter menu was filled with temptingoptions boasting the best of modernEuropean cuisine, but I settled on thewarm Scotch egg. It was beautifullypresented on bed of cubed chorizo andwilted leaves, adding another sensorydimension and spicy kick to the blackpudding and sausage meat wrappedaround the creamy egg. My partner opted for the duck trio,which consisted of duck liver with asmooth orange and thyme pâté, a ducklolly pop with a duck and potatocroquet. Before even tucking in, we wereboth impressed by the attention topresentation and the blend of all thingsduck. It was everything a starter shouldbe and celebrated this delicious meat inall its glory. Deciding on an Italian theme for mymain, I happily ordered the meat balllinguine. The spicy beef meat balls wereenrobed in a rich tomato sauce withgrated pecorino. It was a deeplyflavoured dish that felt simultaneouslysophisticated and accessible. Theroasted salmon fillet caught my partner’seye and with its sautéed potatoes andbutter kale. Served with shrimp andcrayfish it was a celebration of seafoodall enhanced by the tang of theaccompanying caper butter sauce. It wasa light dish loaded with flavour thatbrought out the best of all itsingredients. Looking for something light andrefreshing to finish, I was in awe of thelemon infused set cream I was presentedwith. It was taken to the next level with aflourish of delightfully tart lemon curd,strawberry comport and poppy seedshort bread. But it was also indulgent,offering that naughty feeling that anygood pud should inspire. My partner’s spiced orange andcardamom crème brûlée was a work ofart in its own right topped with acaramelised orange brandy snap and achocolate spoon. It seemed a shame toruin the display, but the incredible tastewas worth it. The sweet and tangyflavours played off one another like acarefully choreographed dance.We were both enamoured with ourrecent visit to Relish, where the food isexquisitely presented and the flavoursare in a league of their own. No matterwhat part of the county you’re based in,Relish is worth the trip. For more information, or to book a table, visit www.relish-cleethorpes.co.uk, or call 01472 317019.Located on the Cleethorpes seafront, Relish Bar & Kitchen is aport of call for diners looking for somewhere fun, welcomingand trendy where the drinks are good and the food is fine. Relish Bar & KitchenCleethorpes53.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 08:40 Page 154 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYMACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT• DESIGN • INSTALL • REJUVENATEIncluding spare parts tooCall Neil for your FREE QUOTE07305 354560 or 07500 702123Your local staircase specialist • DESIGN • INSTALL • REJUVENATEIncluding spare parts tooCall Neil for your FREE QUOTE07305 354560 or 07500 702123FergusonStairs & JoineryFergusonStairs & JoineryPAUL SPARKES CAR SALESLocated at Vision Garage Services LtdPaul Sparkes Car Sales,Vision Garage Services Ltd, Louth Road,New Waltham, Grimsby, Lincolnshire DN36 4RT Tel: 01472 823040 • www.paulsparkescarsales.co.ukQUALITY USED CARSWe are a well establishedvehicle sales, servicingand parts supplycompany situated on theoutskirts of GrimsbyHorncastleZ Cake Art Z25 North Street, Horncastle,Lincs. LN9 5DXTelephone: 01507525926 Mobile: 07734007765Email: horncakes@tiscali.co.ukwww.horncastlecakeart.co.ukFantasy IslandSea Lane, Ingoldmells01754 872898Winter Storage Only £75Service & Repairs£5.00 per day£25.00 per week£25 refundableDepositWheelchairScooter£12.00 per day£65.00 per week£50 refundableDeposit207 Roman Bank,Skegness01754 768006Your Ifor Williams Trailer Distributorof Walcott LincolnSCOTT TRAILERS LTDTel: 01526 860317website: www.scott-trailers.co.uke-mail: office@scott-trailers.co.ukTrailers from Camping to 3500kg gross• SALES • REPAIRS • SERVICING • SPARESSole Distributors in Lincolnshire & NottinghamshireOil Fired Boiler EngineerOFTEC RegisteredSteve Russell PlumbingOil Tank Replacement ServiceInstallation, Commissioning, Repairs,24 Hour Call Out, Servicing & General PlumbingCall Steve on 07840 531403The important role that charitiesperform in our society isn’t so easilydefined. From fundraising andspearheading ground-breaking research,to providing support and advice, charitiesmake the world a better place. One of the biggest charityorganisations is Macmillan CancerSupport which supports suffers withadvice, dedicated nurses and beds. Italso offers patients a lifeline. Despite thesupport system of friends and family, acancer diagnosis can be a lonelyexperience, with few, if any, around youtruly able to understand what you’regoing through. But Macmillan providespeople to talk to simply so that you dohave someone to confide in. As ever, youare not alone. Macmillan is made up of millions ofsupporters, professionals, volunteers,campaigners and people who have beenaffected by cancer (either directly orindirectly) who together form thededicated support network that literallysaves lives and improves others. The charity was formed back in 1911by founder Douglas Macmillan after hewatched his father die from cancer. Thetremendous pain and suffering his fatherwas forced to endure inspired the youngDouglas to found the Society for thePrevention and Relief of Cancer. Themotivation was simple, Douglas wanted aone-stop shop to provide all the adviceand information people with cancer andtheir families required. On top of this,Douglas wanted to provide homes forpatients at low (or no) cost, and voluntarynurses to attend patients in their ownhomes. Much of this remarkable legacy liveson, woven into the very DNA ofMacmillan. The organisation, which hasgrown to become the UK’s foremostsource of cancer support, still providescritical support for sufferers as well asimproving cancer care all round. 2011saw the organisation celebrate a centuryproviding care to cancer patients, and2015 marked one hundred years sincethe appointment of its first nurse. As well as an expansive network ofdedicated employees, campaigners andmore, Macmillan has a great manycelebrity supporters whose tireless effortsover the years have helped raise fundsMaking adifference There’s so many ways to get involved and support MacmillanCancer Support, be that through donations or fundraising. In2016, more than 160,000 people died from cancer in UK.There’s still so much to be done, but together we can make areal difference. This year’s World’s Biggest CoffeeMorning takes place onFriday 28 September54-57.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 09:01 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORTWe are pleased to show our support for Macmillan Cancer SupportShowroom open 7 days a week on Tritton Road, LincolnTel: 01522 512020 or get a quote onlinewww.starglaze-windows.comQuality doubleglazing inLincolnshire &NottinghamshireCROSS KEYS Grasby 01652 628247 info@crosskeys-grasby.co.ukThe Cross Keys menus are allabout brilliant ingredientscooked simply to let theflavours shine. We offer menusthat change with the season,have specials nights includingsteak nights and curry nightsand a proper Sunday roast atthe weekends.Here at Harrisons we offer great local produce,freshly prepared meals in cosy surroundingswith professional and friendly service12 Market Place,Barton-upon-Humber,North Lincolnshire DN18 5DATel: 01652 637412enquiries@harrisons-barton.co.ukwww.harrisons-barton.co.ukand make a very real difference inpeople’s lives. Some of these famousfaces include the fabulous JoannaLumley, the BBC’s Nick Robinson and themezzo-soprano singer Katherine Jenkins.These supporters have in one way oranother been touched by cancer, be thatfirst-hand or by watching a loved onesuffer, or simply through wanting to makea difference out of the goodness of theirhearts.For everyone else, however, there’splenty of exciting ways to get involvedand make a positive impact. Of course,the most obvious way to make acontribution is to simply put whateveryou can afford into a donation box orbucket or, as is becoming more common,to make a donation online. For a more© photogeoff / Shutterstock.com57 ÁLINCOLNSHIRE POOLS& SPAS LIMITEDLUXURY HOT TUBS & SWIMSPAS ATAFFORDABLE PRICESSpecialist in Hot Tubs & Swimspas coveringLincolnshire, Cambridgeshire & NorfolkVISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT: UNIT 26, FLEET ROAD IND. ESTATE,HOLBEACH, LINCOLNSHIRE PE12 8LYT: 01406 424504 E: INFO@LINCOLNSHIREPOOLSANDSPAS.CO.UKW: WWW.LINCOLNSHIREPOOLSANDSPAS.COMCycling For Everyone,regardless of Fitness, Ability or AgeThe E-BikeExpertswww.pedalelectriccycles.com54-57.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 09:01 Page 2Watch your profits growwww.mjp.suppliesTel: 01406 362325 Mobile 07702293727MJPSupplies mjpsupplies For the purpose of importingand selling Algifol™ products tofarmers and growers of specialist cropsCaravan UnderfloorInsulation@caravanunderfloorinsulationukwww.caravanunderfloorinsulation.comCALL OR TEXT FOR A FREE QUOTE OR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION07944 027381 •01754 872043CARAVAN MAINTENANCEWE ALSOUNDERTAKE56 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOLME HALLGOLF CLUBTel: 01724 862078 • www.holmehallgolf.co.ukAcknowledged as one of the finest coursein North LincolnshireBathing a problem?Call AHM today for aFREEno obligation quotationWhen bathing becomes difficult, let AHM re-design yourbathroom with a stylish, practical and cost effective solution.Lincoln 01522 500288Unit 26 Flexspace, Roman Way, South Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9UH. info@ahminstallations.co.uk • www.ahminstallations.co.ukDublcheckCleaning––Established 1993 ––For a free no obligation quote call:Graham Hunt 07817 288369graham.hunt@dublcheck.co.ukPremium Commercial cleaning servicewithout a premium priceCatering Essentials fromLet Chemexlook after yourHygiene Control Program so you can concentrate on running your businessChemex (Lincoln & Boston), Unit 14, Jessop Close, Brunel Business Park, Newark NG24 2TTTel: 01636 642740 Emailpeter.cussans@chemexuk.com www.chemexuk.comEASTWOOD• Book-keeping• Accounting • VAT• Income Tax• Corporation TaxACCOUNTING SERVICESwww.eastwoodaccounting.co.uk l david@eastwoodaccounting.co.ukPhone/Fax: 01472 27603692 Stainton Drive, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN33 1EFRing David for a more personal, professional approachGEORGE REVILLHAULAGE LTDNATIONWIDE & EUROPEANRELIABLE SERVICEThe Experts inRoad HaulageTel: 01469 575468GLC REPAIRS LTDGLC REPAIRS LTDGLGLGLCommercialsGLC REPAIRS LTDEuropa Way, Grimsby,N E Lincolnshire DN41 8DSTelephone: 01469 574239 Mobile: 07711 496138Email: glcommercials@btinternet.comwww.glcommercials.co.ukRELIABLETRAILERHIRE• Flat Bed Trailers• Skeletal Trailers• Taut LinersTRAILER REPAIRS &SERVICING EXPERTS• 30+ Years of Experience• Trailer Servicing Bay• Breakdown Call-out Service• MOTPreparationsEve & RanshawLouth’s Department Store1 Market PlaceLouth LN11 9NTTel: 01507 602902www.eve-ranshaw.co.ukEstablished 1781Eve & Ranshaw is a family run department storewhich combines a unique and contemporaryshopping experience with a sense of heritage. In ourdepartments, spread over two floors, you will findinspirational ranges for yourself, family and home.For all you motoring needs01472 240 800www.jsmithautorepairs.co.ukFor Quality Flooring and Window BlindsCall Graham Gill Carpets TodayDomestic & ContractFree Estimates &evening callsTel/Fax: 01205 365350Mobile: 07557434775 24 West Street, Boston PE21 8QHwww.grahamgillcarpets.comKEVIN JOHNSON - AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORSLime spreading ( Lime stone and Lime x70) and can arrange soiltesting with GPS. 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Wisby (Family Butcher) LTDR. Wisby (Family Butcher) LTD16 High Street2 Market PlaceHorncastleWragbyLN9 5BLLN8 5QU01507 52737101673 858968We are a traditional butchers doing things the traditional way. Our meat is only of the best quality and we pride ourselves on our customer service.We are a traditional butchers doing things the traditional way. Our meat is only of the best quality and we pride ourselves on our customer service.54-57.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 09:04 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY57MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORTCliff Bradley & SonsFuneral Directors LtdFor a prompt, sympatheticservice from a recognisedfamily businessPrivate Chapel of RestDay and Night ServicePre-paid funeral plans41 Heaton Street,Gainsborough, DN21 2EA(01427) 810619www.cliffbradley.co.ukHere to help your business grow...Accounts - Tax Returns - Tax Planning - Book-Keeping - Audits - Business AdviceTo find out how we can help your business grow visitwww. dextersharpe.co.ukOffices in: Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & Spilsbyproactive approach, there’s volunteeringin the Macmillan offices. Go a stepfurther and you can become an intern,which can not only benefit other people’slives and raise awareness for cancer, butcan also look great on your CV so it’s agreat leg up for students, or a brilliantway to spend a gap year. Fundraising remains one of the mostpopular ways of getting involved andshowing solidarity. These events typicallytake place on a larger scale, so you canrope your friends and family in. Theorganisations’ flagship fundraising eventis the iconic ‘World’s Biggest CoffeeMorning’ which takes place each andevery year towards the end of Septemberacross the UK. The idea is a simple butingenious. All you need to do is gettogether with friends, family orcolleagues over coffee and cake. All themoney raised helps Macmillan tocontinue providing emotional, financial,medical and practical support. The coffeemornings have also become importantevents in the community, bringing peopletogether for a wonderful cause. Another of Macmillan’s iconicfundraising efforts is the ‘Brave theShave’ campaign. This one has reallycaught on over the last few years witheveryone from office workers to primaryschool kids getting in on the action. Itsees people literarily braving the shaveand parting with their lovely locks to raisemoney. Often it’s done in support ormemory of a loved one. Some do it aspart of a team, others as a family orsometimes just on their own initiative.The important thing is that every headshaved means more precious funds forMacmillan. Then there’s the ‘Go Sober forOctober’ campaign which, as one mightbe able to deduce, sees participantsabstain for alcohol for a month.Participants get their colleagues, friendsand family to sponsor them and funds arethen donated to Macmillan. Consideringit’s July now, October’s just around thecorner. So this year, why not give it a go?To find out more about how you canhelp, visit www.macmillan.org.uk.Volunteeropportunity inGainsborough An opportunity has arisen to inGainsborough for a practical andemotional support volunteer. This is agreat way to give back and make yourtime matter. Macmillan is looking forsomeone who’s a good listening, ispatient, can work independently andcan recognise when to ask for supportand when to respect other’sdifferences and choices. Applicantsmuch be 18 years or over. © Shutterstock/AnjelikaGr54-57.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 09:04 Page 4LincolnshireheritageexploredFirst, a brief history lesson may prove helpful,and for this we must look beyond Europe to theMiddle East. The order of mediaeval fightingmonks known as the Knights Templar – shortenedfrom The Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and theTemple of Solomon – were an organisation whoseorigins lay in the C12th crusades to the Holy Land.Pilgrimages were dangerous affairs and manypilgrims were killed on their journey; severalhundred were massacred near Jerusalem inAD1064 for example. Jerusalem, held by the Turksfor many years, was captured by Christian forces inthe First Crusade in AD1099. However, anothermassacre in AD1119 occasioned the founding ofthe Knights Templar on Christmas Day that sameyear, and they made their headquarters on theTemple Mount, the probable site of Solomon’stemple. The knights were largely of aristocraticdescent and took vows of poverty, chastity anddedication to protecting pilgrims. These aimsinspired monarchs and nobility throughoutEurope to donate money and considerablelanded estates to their cause thus creating anextremely wealthy organisation, and over timethe knights became Europe’s first internationalbankers. Furthermore, being answerable only tothe Pope, they were exempted from tithes andtaxes, being independent of any allegiance tochurch or kings. By the 1180’s they had a templein London. When Jerusalem fell to Saladin inAD1187 the Knights retreated to Acre but lostthat too in by AD1291. All their affairs were stillcontrolled from, and all revenues returned to,the Holy land.Eventually their wealth led predictably tojealousy and suspicion, particularly from PhilipIV of France who was deeply in their debt.Hoping to avoid repayments he instigated thearrest of Templars in Paris in AD1307 oncharges of heresy and indecent practices; manyknights, and a Grand Master, were burned todeath and even the Pope was persuaded toabolish the Order by AD1312.We must remember however that althoughthe Knights had a substantial presence inLincolnshire, physical evidence of theirpresence is often fragmentary, visible symbolsThis month we time-travel tothe Middle Ages and discoverLincolnshire’s links to theKnights Templar.58-59.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 08:58 Page 1rectors. From AD1185 to AD1311 all wereTemplars. Crosses on both east and westgables mimic the Templar cross and amysterious gravestone lid (is thisoriginally from the preceptory andbelonging to the coffin?) in the churchbears one too. For centuries this formed(face downwards) a footbridge over theWitham and was moved into the churchin 1905. There is also a local legend of atunnel linking the village and preceptory.There is also a possible Templar link asthe inn – The Angel – was a popularTemplar name. An angel and Templarcross feature on the village sign.Heading northeast, in Aslackby, there isstill a Temple Road and a Temple Farmwhere another important preceptory andchurch with a circular nave once stood.Circular churches, with “corner” towerswere often built by the Templars inimitation their Temple Mountheadquarters in Jerusalem. Aslackby’s lasttower fell down in 1891. The farm isvisible from the road but is on privateland. Here again some of St James theGreat church was in existence during timeLINCOLNSHIRETODAY59sometimes being commemorative innature rather than truly mediaeval.Nevertheless, there are somesubstantial reminders.Two of the Knights smallerproperties were at Eagle and Mere;both near Lincoln. Eagle Hall wasfounded sometime before AD1154and housed retired or disabled men.Some moats and earthworks survive.At Mere there was a manorial farm ofwhich all visible trace has vanished.However to the north, at Willoughton,the knights estate was the richestTemplar preceptory in England. Thereare accessible earthworks to thesouthwest of the village (around Gridref 927931), partly crossed by a publicfootpath. After the Knights were dissolvedthe Hospitallers took over but from themid C16th the site became a working farmso remaining earthworks are therefore ofmixed origin. Traces of moats surviveespecially around the adjacent TempleGarth Farm; thus does the Templar namelive on! In the south of the county we find moreearthworks of a Templar preceptory atSouth Witham founded around AD1137on a low hill, still named on OS maps asTemple Hill; it’s a pleasant half mile walkby public footpath over the fields north ofthe village. (These earthworks are moreevident in winter.) Comprehensivearchaeological excavations took placebetween 1965 and 1967 when severalstages of construction were identifiedincluding a mill by the adjacent RiverWitham. Finds included a lidless stonecoffin.South Witham’s St John the Baptistchurch is quite large for a small village andhaving transepts is unusual too, but asparts date back to pre-Templar times itssize may reflect their influence. In thechancel, and the church guide, is a list ofof the Templars and there’s a faintlyIslamic design to the parapet, plus crossesin its east window and on the drainheads.Aslackby also has a legendary tunnel.A few miles away there is another Angelinn, the Angel and Royal hotel inGrantham, one of England’s oldest innsalso founded by the Templars.Finally, we move on to Lincoln. Whenthe Lincolnshire Templars were arrestedand imprisoned in AD1307 they weredetained in Cobb Hall within the castleand its interior contains several enigmaticcarvings of a crucifixion and other crossessimilar to those of the Templar emblem.These may well have been made by theimprisoned knights. The nearby cathedralchapter house was the site of their trials inthe spring of AD1310; no charges againstthem was proved.However perhaps Lincolnshire’s mostimpressive Knights Templar site is TempleBruer. We shall look at this exceptionalTemplar building in more detail nextmonth.by Hugh Marrows58-59.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2018 08:58 Page 2Next >