< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Boston’s name derives from St Botolph, believed to have founded a monastery there around 654AD; he is commemorated by a small statue dedicated to him, on the southeast corner of the tower of the parish church, universally known as the “Stump”. At the time of Domesday Book it was Skirbeck, now just a suburb, that was recorded and not Boston itself. It was Boston’s location on the River Witham that enabled it to prosper. As a mediaeval port it was second only to London in volume of trade to the Low Countries and with the Hanseatic League in northern Europe and the Baltic. Trade also came downriver from the wool staple city of Lincoln (this was all before the discovery of America after which west coast ports such as Bristol and Liverpool flourished). Indeed in 1540 Boston remained sufficiently important for Henry VIII to detour and visit whilst travelling to Lincoln and York. The importance of the Witham to Boston, both upstream and downstream, cannot be overstated. Even so water communication inland remained poor until 1761 when earlier (1743/44) plans of civil engineer John Grundy and his son from Spalding were resurrected. An Act of Parliament passed in June 1762 authorised straightening the river downstream from Chapel Hill to Boston and the building there of the Grand Sluice. With costs estimated at £54,000 work began in April 1763 and was completed in 1766 (improvements downstream from Lincoln were completed in 1812). This resulted in the appearance of the river we see today. Further benefits came from the opening of the Sleaford Canal (1794) and the Horncastle Canal (1802). The first steam packet boats came into service from 1816 and their heyday lasted into the 1840’s with three services a day between Lincoln and Boston. Between the town and The Wash, the river, now called The Haven, was straightened and deepened following the Witham Outfall Act of 1880. It is estimated that some two million tons of earth were excavated during its construction and it opened in April 1884 along with Boston’s new dock. Accessed from locks at Anton’s Gowt and Cowbridge the Witham Navigable Drains, to the north, largely created following an Act of Parliament in 1801, also allowed easier access to Boston market from the newly drained fenland. Finally, the railway came to town in 1848 when the Great Northern Railway Company opened its main line to the north (the Loop Line) through Boston and Lincoln. Their East Coast Line to Grimsby (via Boston) also opened in 1848. Boston has strong links with the USA of course. Alongside the Haven in the country park is the Pilgrim Fathers memorial near the site of Scotia Creek and their unsuccessful attempt to sail for This month we visit Boston and examine the history of this historic port. heritage Lincolnshire explored The Grand Sluice Fishing Boats on The Haven 30-31.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:23 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 31 Holland (and then America) in September 1607 at a time when emigration was severely restricted. They were betrayed and imprisoned in Boston’s Guildhall, eventually sailing from Immingham to Holland in 1608; their final sailing to America in the Mayflower (via Plymouth) being in the autumn of 1620. Boston Massachusetts is of course named after “our” Boston. Also associated with Massachusetts is the famous Puritan preacher John Cotton who was vicar at St Botolph’s before emigrating in 1633. He is remembered by his pulpit in the nave and the Cotton Chapel. Other famous people connected with Boston are Herbert Ingram (1811-1860) the founder of the Illustrated London News and the poetess Jean Ingelow (1829-1897) whose most well-known work is “High Tide on the Coast of Lincolnshire (1571)”. The most famous of Boston’s historic buildings is naturally the “Stump”. (For a detailed history see Lincolnshire Today June 2018.) But there are many others. Presiding over the Market Place is the 1822 Assembly rooms whilst across the road the black and white half-timbered Shodfriars hall, restored in 1874 still has some C15th and Jacobean timbers remaining. The richest area for old buildings – and worth a stroll - however is South Street. First comes the Customs House (1725). In the Middle Ages Boston had several religious establishments; the Greyfriars, Austin Friars and Carmelites were all here. The only surviving priory building however is the C13th Blackfriars down Spain Lane, now part of the Arts Centre. Nearby is the Guildhall, mid C15th and much altered; formerly the courthouse it contains the Pilgrim Fathers cells. Next door is the 1726 Fydell House. Across the road some Georgian riverside warehouses and the mid Georgian Magnet Tavern survive. Just beyond the inner ring road lies the Grammar school, founded in 1555 by Royal Charter where the oldest building is dated 1567. Extend your walk down Skirbeck Road to see the grand façade of the Union workhouse (1837). Two other late mediaeval buildings are both of early brick construction and mid C15th. The Hussey Tower is behind the Grammar School and the Rochford Tower on the edge of town towards Fishtoft. (Both are reminiscent of Tattershall.) Nor has Boston lagged behind in establishing its own “modern heritage”. It has a number of country parks including the Joseph Banks Country Park (to the southwest) and Westgate Wood established by the Boston Woods Trust who have planted other new woodlands at Fenside. The Boston Borough Council created the Witham Country Park, to the west near the river, and beside the Haven to the east, the 50-acre Havenside Country Park in 1993. (Mentioned above in connection with the Pilgrim Fathers) The RSPB has two major reserves nearby too; at Freiston Shore and Frampton Marsh. The town is also at the end of the Water Rail Way, the 32-mile walkers/cyclists trail from Lincoln and is the starting point of the 290- mile MacMillan Way to Abbotsbury in Dorset. Boston remains a busy port and still has a small fishing industry. by Hugh Marrows Pilgrim Fathers Memorial St Boltoph Boston Stump & Assembly RoomsCowbridge Boston Stump interior 30-31.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:23 Page 232 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Masai This cardigan from Masai is the perfect soft layer to add a bit of warmth to your look - in or out of the home. 32-41.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:39 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 33 FASHION Cosy but chic Cosy but chic As cold and bitter winds blow, it’s time to update your wardrobe. Here we share some of our favourite cosy items as well as those that will brighten your day in these longer nights. 32-41.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:39 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION © DK Company – ICHI Left: ICHI With a clever collar, this knitted pullover from ICHI in crystal grey is cosy, yet smart. Middle: LauRie Bring some dark florals into your wardrobe with these shapely, but not tight fitting, LauRie trousers. Right: Marc Cain This flattering Marc Cain maxi dress with smocked details offers the embodiment of autumn/winter spice with its mahogany colour. Opposite: Samoon Beautiful and bright, this dress from Samoon is simple but striking. 32-41.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:39 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 35 FASHION 32-41.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:39 Page 436 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Above: Aspiga Aspiga’s Victoria Dress in cerise, with its fitted bodice, flared skirt, and three-quarter length puff sleeves, is sure to stand out. Top right: ICHI Sparkle and shine your way through the season with this jersey dress from ICHI. Right: Marc Cain This look from Marc Cain with chunky knits and a checked skirt is ideal for any winter wonderland. © DK Company – ICHI 32-41.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:39 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 11 FASHION Right: Masai Embrace a unique print and enhance your style with this loose dress from Masai’s winter collection. Below: Gerry Weber This ensemble from Gerry Weber brings us calm and natural colours for a relaxed but work- ready look, flexible for a range of situations. 32-41.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:40 Page 638 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Marc Cain Marc Cain shows how to accessorise effortlessly with a coat, belt, and scarf in this look, taking a denim dress to a whole new level. Any outfit can instantly become a stylish sensation with the right accessories. A little something extra A little something extra 32-41.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:40 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 39 FASHION Gabor Gabor’s western style ‘Sarong’ ankle boots have a lovely, pleated detail and are sure to keep your feet warm in the colder months. Lindberg Offering impeccable design, high-quality materials, and style, Lindberg eyewear means exceptional craftsmanship, and these frames are illustrative of this. For your own pair, or one similar, head down to O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg or visit www.obriensopticians.co.uk One & Eight This porcelain necklace from One & Eight is finished with a beautiful gold mist design. The charming, handmade piece will bring simple elegance to your look and is great for upcoming festive parties. Delicate Rebellion A cute and quirky addition to any cardigan, blazer, or scarf, this embroidered daisy pin from Delicate Rebellion is a great way to add a little brightness in these darker days. Mimi’s Edit Add some sparkle to any outfit with these hoops dangling with crystals from Mimi’s Edit. Face á Face Always bold, Face á Face frames are sure to liven up any look and this pair of specs is no different. For your own pair, head down to O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg or visit www.obriensopticians.co.uk Livvy and Rose This super soft blanket scarf from Livvy and Rose can be worn as a shawl around your shoulders or as a chunky scarf. With a classic check print and burst of colour it is perfect for everyday wear with any outfit. Hot Diamonds This necklace from Hot Diamonds features Malachite, a stunning deep green gemstone. Providing a great pop of colour alone, against something more plain, the pendant also layers well with other jewellery. Glyndebourne Gift Shop With Christmas parties and drinks with friends just around the corner, it’s definitely time to get a handy new clutch. Why not try these clutch pouches from Glyndebourne Gift Shop to stand out against that little black dress. 32-41.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:40 Page 8Next >