< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LOUTH the town’s street names, a few of which remain in use today. In the 10th century, Louth grew into a small market town with peasants from the surrounding villages coming to buy and sell their goods. From the mid-12th century onwards, Louth also had regular annual fairs and, from there, the town grew slowly and surely. Despite moving with the times, the town has managed to preserve much of its historic character and, today, it boasts Lincolnshire’s last remaining cattle market. Though best known for its heritage and independent traders, there’s a vibrant arts scene in the town. Arguably the crown jewel is the Louth Riverhead Theatre, a community-owned venture run and maintained by the Louth Playgoers Society, an organisation predominantly comprised of volunteers. Cultural events also take place at The Meridian Leisure Centre alongside fitness activities such as swimming. Speaking of the Meridian, Louth sits on the Greenwich Meridian which separates east from west in the same way the equator separates north from south. There’s a plaque in Eastgate marking the line on either side of the street in what has become a popular photo opportunity. Over on Cannon Street you’ll find the town’s Playhouse Cinema sporting an impressive art deco frontage converted from a Victorian chapel in 1920. As well as attracting crowds with the typical blockbusters, the cinema also offers an assortment of independent and art house films, as well as live streams of ballet and theatre performances. As well as film and theatre, Louth also have a vibrant music scene centred around its independent record store, Off The Beaten Tracks. Look and feel great with Meridian Leisure Centre HIGH-tech spin cycles are the latest addition at Louth’s premier leisure and fitness venue as the Meridian team gears up to help people follow the organisation’s ethos of “looking great, feeling great and living a great life”. Meanwhile three-day free trials of all the centre’s facilities, which includes instructor-led and virtual classes, its two-level fitness suite, pool, steam room and sauna, are also on offer. Trained Lifestyle Consultants meet all new visitors who sign up for the free trials, making sure they are taking part in the correct fitness work, along with offering advice for general health and wellbeing. Operators of Meridian Leisure Centre, the Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture, with support from partners East Lindsey District Council, are keen to highlight the social and mental wellbeing aspects of living a more active lifestyle. For more information, visit www.magnavitae.org 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:22 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 31 LOUTH High quality Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewellery Main agents for Citizen, Lorus, Iron Annie and Zeppelin Watches Pre Owned Rolex Watches In-house Repairs & Engraving Ear Piercing Celebrating 40 Years Trading in Louth Butcher Lane, Louth Lincolnshire LN11 9JG. Tel: 01507 604029 www.striacroft.co.uk info@striacroft.co.uk Here you can browse the CDs and vinyl that cater to all tastes, from easy listening to heavy metal, and learn more about local bands and musicians. The record store was established back in 2003 and has survived the advent of iTunes and then Spotify and will doubtless still be in business in the years to come. A little further up the road you’ll find a charming bookshop to suit all tastes. Complementing this historical, shopping and cultural offering are the areas of natural beauty that cradle the town. The most popular is Hubbard’s Hills which opened to the public in 1907, dedicated to the memory of Annie Pahud, the central figure of a tragic love affair. This steep sides chalk valley is popular for picnics, family day outs and dog walkers and has earned near unanimous praise from visitors. If you visit and enjoy the site, why not make a donation to help with the upkeep. Archer, former politician, famed perjurer and bestselling author, was elected the town’s member of Parliament in a by- election in 1969 and served until the 1974 general election. Actor Matthew MacFadyen, famed for his role as the dashing Mister Darcy in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, spent his childhood in the home. Jim Broadbent, known for his turn in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a myriad of celebrated independent films, was born nearby and still lives near the town. Daniel Craig also boasts a house nearby. And that’s barely scraping the surface. If there’s a downside to Louth, then it’s most definitely the one-way system that leaves the town centre chock-a-block with traffic. In an ideal world, the town centre would be totally pedestrianised but that’s likely never going to happen. But don’t let that put you off enjoying all this charming market town has to offer. All of this is to say nothing of the people who call Louth home. There’s a real community spirit to be found around every street corner, whether that’s in the simple way market traders and shopkeepers converse with everyone as if they’re old friends - which, in many cases, they are - or the politeness of people on the street. This spirit extends into philanthropy with the Rotary Club combining the skills and energies of its many members to help make a difference in people’s lives, on both a local scale and internationally. Over the centuries and down through the decades, many famous faces have called Louth home, having grown up in and around the town, or electing to purchase a house nearby. Perhaps the most esteemed of these is acclaimed poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who was born nearby and educated at the town’s King Edward VI Grammar School. Jeffrey LEAKE'S MASONRY Ltd Eve Street, Louth, Lincs LN11 0JJ Phone: 01507 604 828 • Fax: 01507 600 826 leakesmasonry.co.uk • leakesmasonry@aol.com A Third Century of Stonemasonry Craftsmanship From Leake's Masonry A professional family-run business having been established in Louth for almost 100 years. We were very proud to have been entrusted with the repairs and renovation to the damaged Louth War Memorial. Now shop online eveandranshaw.co.uk 1 Market Place, Louth, LN11 9NT EVE&RANSHAW LOUTH’S DEPARTMENT STORE EST. 1781 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:22 Page 432 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY T he Witham has probably long been of religious significance, something highlighted in 2001 by an archaeological dig at Fiskerton. This revealed 195 wooden posts dating from around 450 BC onwards, believed to have been a causeway, or jetty of some sort. Dramatic finds of weapons and jewellery, including Roman artefacts, have been interpreted as possible votive offerings to the "Gods" and the structure as in some way a ceremonial site. This theory is supported by other archaeological finds along the banks and in the river bed, spanning from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. By that time various monastic orders had established themselves in England, many having abbeys or priories in Lincolnshire and with a remarkable concentration close to the Witham. There were eventually nine within a distance of twelve miles between Barlings in the north and Kyme in the south. But why were they all sited where they were? Until the Middle Ages the Witham valley was largely undrained marsh with only isolated patches of higher ground amongst navigable creeks. Monastic institutions always favoured the remoteness of such sites but as their main income depended upon the wool trade the Witham valley was ideal, providing river links with Lincoln and – especially - Boston, a trading port within the Hanseatic League. Bardney is a good example, taking its name from the Saxon "Bearda" and their word "ey" for island. Other names also give us some clues e.g. “tup” (ram or sheep) and “holme” (also meaning island). Some “houses” such as Nocton and Catley prior-ies have now vanished, whilst of others there are substantial visible remains. We look at five of the best to visit; in alphabetical order. Barlings was the most northerly of the Witham abbeys and a Premonstratensian establishment (an order founded in France) whose monks, followed the strict rules of St. Augustine; because of their white habits they were called the "White Canons”. Founded around AD1154 the abbey avoided closure during the 1536 Dissolution, but only until 1537, when Abbot Matthew Mackarel, having supported the Lincolnshire Rising was hanged for treason in the Tower of London. Nearby farms and cottages are believed to be largely of "abbey" stone. An impressive section of the nave still stands from which there are views to Lincoln cathedral. There are substantial earthworks surrounding the surviving stonework with several interpretive information boards. Bardney Abbey was first built about AD600, so was the earliest of the group and by AD675 had become an important This month, in a third look at the River Witham, we consider its impact on the county’s religious heritage. heritage Lincolnshire explored 32-33.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:17 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 33 place of pilgrimage since it was the resting place for the torso of Saint Oswald of Northumbria. (His head was kept at Lindisfarne and his arms at Bamburgh.) Oswald’s bones had arrived at the abbey on a wagon and the monks, in ignorance, refused it admission. A great column of light then shone from it to demonstrate the godliness of its cargo and the Abbot realising their error of judgement decided that the abbey doors would never be locked again. The incident was even recorded by Bede in his “Ecclesiastical History” giving rise to the local saying “Do you come from Bardney?” - which really means, “You’ve left the door open!” After being sacked by the Vikings in AD870 the abbey was rebuilt and survived until the Dissolution in AD1536. Sited just north of Bardney village it was excavated by the local vicar between 1909 and 1915 but covered over again for protection; there is a model of how it might have looked in the church. At the site itself (there is public access and parking through the Abbey Farm farmyard) the abbey plan is plain to see amongst the conspicuous grassy hummocks with occasional protruding bits of masonry. On approaching Kirkstead Abbey we pass the Old Hall, built from looted abbey stone after the “Dissolution”, and nearby fields contain distinct earthworks of the abbey fishponds. (See local OS Explorer map.) Kirkstead had been founded by Cistercian monks in AD1139 and was also dissolved in AD1537. The present stark remains, which are the southeast corner of the south transept, reach over fifty feet high and give a good starting point for deciphering the abbey layout. The remains of the moat retain some water during wet weather and enclose some thirteen acres. At South Kyme we find something a little different. Here an Augustinian priory was founded around AD1170 by Philip de Kyme. These monks wore black robes and were therefore known as “Black Canons”. The west end of the south aisle and some of the nave of the abbey survive as the local church which stands just north of Kyme Tower. The cloisters etc were situated to the north of the church. All was restored in the 1880’s. And finally, Tupholme. This was of course the “ram island” and the slightly higher ground level here is easily appreciated as you approach. It was founded around AD1155 again by the Premonstratensian order but was always a small community having only ever two dozen or so monks at the most. Tupholme was suppressed during Henry VIII’s dissolution in AD1536 but fairly substantial, and interesting, ruins remain. It has seen several reincarnations over the centuries, since at one end there are the brick remains of a later farmhouse built into the ruins and stone walls of a cottage added on at the other end. To the north obvious, grassy earthworks indicate where more abbey buildings once stood. A very unusual feature here is an elegant stone pulpit set high in the refectory wall from which the bible was read to monks as they ate. Again, Tupholme is well supplied with information boards describing the abbeys history and the monk’s daily life. by Hugh Marrows 32-33.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:17 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION We might yet be in for an Indian summer, but as far as the fashion world’s concerned, it’s the start of the autumn/winter season. Lincolnshire Today puts the spotlight on a few of our favourite new looks, offering a taste of the stunning season to come. All about autumn 34-43.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:19 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 35 FASHION Masai Style and elegance in equal measure from Masai’s autumn/winter range. 34-43.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:19 Page 236 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION 1) Gerry Weber What’s not to love about this Gerry Weber outfit? The boots, the scarf, the jacket and the on-trend cheetah pattern are all just stunning. 2) Numph Numph have been in a league of their own for the last few seasons, and autumn/winter sees the brand continue that trend. The asymmetrical pattern and contrasting colours of the jumper pair beautifully with the skirt and boots. 3) Ichi There’s so much so get excited about with Ichi’s latest range. Just take a closer look at this outfit with its natural complementary colours and the flowing fit. Perfect for autumn. Photo courtesy of DK Company - ICHI 4) Marc Cain Flirty, fun and forever stylish, Marc Cain are here for you all autumn long. 5) Samoon Beauty has no size as Samoon’s latest range proves yet again. Cheetah print is so hot right now and it’s taken to another level in red. 6) Cyberjammies These pyjamas from Cyberjammies are so stylish you could wear them outside if you were so inclined. For your own pair, check out www.cyberjammies.co.uk. 7) Taifun Did we mention cheetah print? It’s a veritable renaissance and we are here for it. Taifun have knocked it out of the park with this dress. 1 2 3 34-43.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:19 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 37 FASHION 4 5 6 7 34-43.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:19 Page 438 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION A deceptively simple OUI OUI boast style and elegance with their wonderful new Open from Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5pm 100 Burton Rd, Lincoln LN1 3LN. A short walk from Bailgate Tel: 01522 542085 Autumn Collections Now In Discover our new brands and Autumn Collections Now In 34-43.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:19 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 39 10% off purchases made on the day and receive a £10 Gift Voucher to use on your next visit to the Store Boots & bags collection by Oui Store Lincoln 16 Bailgate Lincoln LN1 3AN T: +44 1522 538711 E: oui-lincoln@outlook.com INVITATION Saturday 28th September 10am-5pm NEW SEASON! NEW COLLECTION! Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and be inspired by our New Season Collection of Clothes and Boots where there is something for everyone Please join us for our New Season! New Collection! Event on Saturday 28th September 6) Masai Elegance as ever with Masai’s latest offering. Here this sixties inspired number is paired with boots for a stylish everyday look. 34-43.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:19 Page 6Next >