< PreviousLincolnshireheritageexploredLouth is a classic example of the effects ofgeology and geography affecting a settlement sitebeing situated between the Wolds and the marshwhere in geological times the sea met the hills andwhere the River Lud provided a good water supply.Along the Wolds ran a prehistoric track, probablylater used by the Romans, together with theirroads leading to marshland saltworks. Then camethe Saxons founding a monastery around AD670,roughly where St James’s church stands todaywhilst the Saxon name “Hlud” (“fast flowingwater”) survives in the name of the River Lud.By the time of Domesday the population stoodat approximately 600 and by the mid C12th KingHenry II had granted two eight-day fair charters.This along with the foundation of Louth ParkAbbey in AD1139 by the wealthy Cistercian order,renowned as wool farmers and traders, sawLouth’s prosperity increase and the populationrise to almost 2,000 by the beginning of theC14th. The abbey survived until the dissolutionof AD1536.Louth became an early centre of learning too.There was a school from at least AD1276 and inAD1551 King Edward VI granted a charter forthe grammar school that still bears his nametoday. Famous alumni include the poet Tennysonand the arctic explorer Sir John Franklin. A thirstfor knowledge continued into the Victorian erawhen the Louth Naturalists Club was founded in1884; when later amalgamated with the“Antiquarians” their full title became the LouthNaturalists, Antiquarians and Literary Society -known locally as the “Ants and Nats”. Thesociety today runs the eclectic Louth Museumcollection.By the mid 1700’s turnpike roads hadimproved Louth’s communications and then in1770 the Louth Navigation opened as theearliest of Lincolnshire’s major canals. Withadmirable foresight the twelve-mile-long routeto the Humber was constructed so as toaccommodate sea-going vessels resulting inLouth being a larger port than Grimsby for awhile This brought a considerable amount ofLouth has much history toexplore. This month we visitand discover.70-71.qxp_Layout 1 12/11/2018 16:40 Page 1acquired Hubbard’s Hills which wasformally presented to the town in 1907. Asmall Grecian “temple” beside the rivercommemorates Pahud and his bequest.On two occasions Louth was prominenton the national “stage”. The first ofthese, the Lincolnshire Rising, occurredwhen Henry VIII’s Dissolution broughtabout the closure of the abbey and fearthat the king would appropriate valuablesfrom the church. On Sunday 1st October1536 the vicar, Thomas Kendall,mentioned an imminent visit from theking’s agent. The following morning the“Rising” began with men from the Loutharea soon setting out for Lincoln andmeeting with others including men fromCaistor and Horncastle, the marcherseventually numbered some 30,000. Allwas doomed to failure however, therebellion was quickly suppressed andKendall executed at Tyburn. There is acommemorative blue plaque opposite StJames’s porch.The second occasion when Louth wasin the national spotlight and became thefocus of a national appeal, was in May1920. On Saturday the 29th a storm ofbiblical proportions hit the Wolds to theLINCOLNSHIRETODAY71new trade and prosperity withnew businesses evolvingincluding tanneries, timberyards and even a boat buildingyard. Agricultural produce wasexported and building materialsand coal etc were brought in.This growing economy alsoprompted further roadimprovements to transportgoods to and from the canalterminus at Riverhead. Areminder of all this is the oldToll House on the edge of townon the Horncastle road and theformer navigation warehouse at Riverhead.The navigations slow decline howeverbegan after 1848 when the Great NorthernRailway opened between Peterboroughand Grimsby and with a new station atLouth, the GNR soon took over runningthe “competition” - as it regarded thecanal. WWII played a part too sinceshipping activity in the Humber was muchreduced but the canal neverthelessremained in business until 1920 the year ofthe famous Louth Flood. (See below) The local geology is strongly evident atHubbard’s Hills. This steep sided valley tothe west of the town was formed duringthe ice ages 35 – 40,000 years ago by themeltwaters of inland ice sheets; and,geologists think, in the remarkably shorttime scale of 200 – 300 years. The valley,now a country park, forms one of Louth’sfavourite outdoor areas. It came into thetown’s possession through the will of oneAuguste Pahud from Switzerland whoarrived in Louth in 1875 to teachlanguages at the grammar school. Hemarried into a local landowning family andon his death in 1902 (by suicide) left aportion of his estate for the benefit of thetown. His trustees, among other projects,west of the town with the hills surroundingthe course of the River Lud receiving 4½inches of rain within three hours, anestimated 8 million tons of water. A damof debris withstood the waters for a whilebut eventually a tidal wave 14 feet highsmashed through the town causingdevastating damage, killing 23 peopleand making 800 homeless. Even at theeastern end of town the floodoverwhelmed the Riverhead wreckingboth the basin and boats and leaving thenavigation company unable to afford anyrepairs. Trade ceased virtually overnightalthough “official” closure was not until16th June 1924. There’s a flood levelplaque on the old mill by the river near StJames’s church.With its many fine old buildings andancient inns (Ye Olde Whyte Swanne andthe Wheatsheaf both date from the earlyC17th) there is abundant visual evidenceof Louth’s past and a stroll around thishistoric town will be well rewarded.The definitive Louth history is the lateDavid Robinsons Book of Louth–although it is now quite a rare find.by Hugh Marrows70-71.qxp_Layout 1 12/11/2018 16:40 Page 2Gainsborough Saturday 24 NovemberIt’s a Mad World, TrinityArts CentreStepping Stone Theatre has gained areputation for their wit and pathosconcerning mental health. With theirunique blend of sketches, poetry,storytelling and music, this showpromises to be a roller coaster of a ride.For more information, call 01427676655.StamfordWednesday 28 NovemberPint of Poetry, StamfordArts CentreOn the last Wednesday of everymonth, Stamford Arts Centre puts on alive stand-up poetry evening at itsCellar Bar. Come along with a poemyou’d like to perform and enjoy readingaloud to an appreciative crowd. Or, ifyou prefer, simply enjoy the poetry of72 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYonwhat’sothers with a nice cold brew. For moreinformation, visitwww.stamfordartscentre.com.BostonWednesday 28 NovemberWriters’ Workshop, BostonLibrary Join writer Helen Claire Gould to learneverything you need to know about howto write and self-publish in thisinformative workshop. For moreinformation, email boston.library@gll.org.GranthamFriday 30 NovemberPlanet ABBA, Guildhall ArtsCentreSince their formation in 2002, PlanetABBA has established themselves as theUK’s leading ABBA tribute show. Theirprofessionally choreographed stage show,with its many costume changes, faithfullyencapsulates the sights and sounds ofBriggFriday 23 NovemberCreative Writing: Using the Natural World, TheSteel RoomsThis workshop uses our relationship with the natural world as astarting point to write creatively in whatever form is preferred. Led bylocal writer Sue Wilsea, participants will be encouraged andsupported in a friendly and informal atmosphere. The day is suitablefor absolute beginners or those with some writing experience. Formore information, visit www.thesteelrooms.com.ABBA and their endless stream ofunforgettable hits. For more information,visit www.guildhallartscentre.com.StamfordSaturday 1 DecemberStamford Record Fair, StMary & St Augustine’sChurch HallNow well-established as a regularevent in Stamford, the pre-Christmasedition of the fair offers shoppers thechance to buy lots of lovely vinyl recordsand CDs from a range of dealers. There’sa great mix of styles and genres of offer,and free tea and coffee. For moreinformation, call 01780 764772.LincolnSaturday 1 – Sunday 2DecemberLincolnshire Food and GiftFair, LincolnshireShowground A mix of delicious local produce, giftstalls and workshops make the Food andGift fair at the Lincolnshire Showgroundthe best way to kick start your Christmaspreparations. The Lincolnshire Food &© Shutterstock/Farknot Architect72-77.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 11:25 Page 1LincolnSaturday 1 December North KestevenChristmas PresentTrails Help Molly the Mill Moue(Navigation House), Dora theDuck (Cogglesford Watermill)and Charlie the Crane (CranwellAviation Heritage Museum) findtheir lost presents. Each venuehas its own family trail, soexplore these fascinating placeslooking for clues beforeclaiming your own Christmasgift. For more information, call01529 308207.Gift Fair is a festive weekend packed fullof fun for all the family. Now in its 18thyear, it’s one of the biggest in the county– and it’s all indoors. Shop unique gifts,handmade crafts and delicious treats withover 150 exhibitors and pick upeverything you need for your Christmascelebrations. For more information, visitwww.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.StamfordTuesday 4 DecemberLiterature at Lunchtime: TheWorld of Oscar Wilde,Stamford Arts CentreThis lunchtime talk with Dr JaneMackay offers an exploration of theworks of Oscar Wilde, one of Britain’sforemost queer writers, and of hisamazing life which first wooed and thenlost a huge public audience. The talk willbe followed by a viewing of The HappyPrince, starring Rupert Everett as Wilde.For more information, visitwww.stamfordartscentre.com.Bransby Saturday 8 December Bransby Horses ChristmasFayreHave a browse around the stalls andLINCOLNSHIRETODAY73GrimsbySunday 25 November Expelicon, HumberRoyal Hotel Bring your wands and robes to awonderful celebration of allthings Harry Potter in a placewhere fans can gather, meetsome of the folks who broughtthe franchise to life and browsethe magical wares for sale (youwill need to pay in mugglemoney, though). There will beprops on display andexperiences to take part in.There’ll also be a quiz and acosplay competition. For moreinformation, emailadmin@daydreamevents.uk.74 Á© Shutterstock/Ludovic Farineget some Christmas present inspiration,enjoy some festive face painting andglitter tattoos, as well as a special visitfrom Santa himself. The Feedroom Caféhas a variety of homemade food andwarm drinks available all day. Best of all,you can meet more than 400 horses,ponies and donkeys. Although the eventis free-to-attend, donations are gratefullyreceived and will go directly to care forthe equines living at the charity. For moreinformation, visitwww.bransbyhorses.co.uk.CleethorpesSunday 16 DecemberSanta Stride, CleethorpesDiscovery Centre Join dozens of other people to stridealong the Cleethorpes prom in your© Shutterstock/Margo Basarab72-77.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 11:25 Page 274 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWHAT’S ONSanta suit. Walk, jog or run, it doesn’t matter. This isn’ta race, just a great way to spend a festive Sunday forthe whole family. Everyone over five will receive theirfree Santa suit before the stride and everyone will get afestive medal afterwards. For more information, emailinfo@tape2tape.co.uk.BostonSunday 16 DecemberBoston Festive Market and Santa Run,Boston Market PlaceThis year’s highly anticipated Festive Market willfeature a Santa Fun Run, so you can get your Christmasshopping out the way and have some fun with thefamily. For more information, call 01205 314586.Lincoln Friday 4 – Sunday 6 January 2019The Snowmanwith Live Orchestra,Lincoln Cathedral Six screenings of this iconic winter film have beenorganised, offering visitors an unforgettable festiveLincolnSunday 25 November – Sunday23 DecemberChristmas at Doddington HallEnjoy Doddington Hall’s festive open daysand browse Christmas gifts, trees and foodfrom the farm shop. The Hall will be dressedto celebrate the 60th anniversary of the firstChristmas tree planted on the estate. There’llalso be plenty of festive magic to delight thelittle ones. For more information, visitwww.doddingtonhall.com.© Shutterstock/DenisProductions.comNorth Hykeham Sunday 16 DecemberA Festival of Christmas Music, The TerryO’Toole TheatreRAF Waddington Voluntary band return to with a programme ofChristmas music and carols guaranteed to put you in the festivemood. For more information, visit www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk.© Doddington Hall76 Á72-77.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 11:25 Page 3millstonegardencentre.co.uk01472 828 150 Cheapside, Waltham, Grimsby DN37 0HX Mon to Sat: 8:00—5:00pm. Sun: 10—4pmNORWAY SPRUCEThe classic Christmas Tree. Great scent. Dense foliage. Needles drop more readilyBLUE SPRUCEBlue needles. Lovely scent. Dense foliage. Holds needles better than Norway spruceNORDMANN FIRBeautiful scent. Dark green smooth needles. Great branch structure. Very slow to dropPICEA OMORIKAGreat shape. Gorgeous aroma. Bluey-Green 2-tone effect needles. Slow to dropCYCLAMENBright & multi-colourfulwinter-bloomingHUGEGEGEGESSSSELELELELECECECECTITITITIONONONONHUGE SELECTIONFIND US ONFACEBOOKEXCLUSIVESAME DAYDELIVERYAT A TIMETO SUIT YOU!LINCOLNSHIRETODAY75© Andrew BirkittGainsborough Saturday 24 NovemberVictorian Christmas Craft Fair,Gainsborough Old Hall Visit Gainsborough Old Hall this November for one of thecountry’s leading craft fayres set in the beautiful manor house,where the traditions of Victorian Christmas will kick off yourfestive season. Carefully chosen craftspeople from all over thecountry bring a wealth of gifts and homewares to make yourChristmas shopping a delight. Warm yourself with a glass ofhot punch and a mince pie in front of the fire as musiciansentertain you. For more information, visitwww.gainsborougholdhall.com.LincolnThursday 6 –Sunday 9December Lincoln ChristmasMarket 2018,Bailgate and SteepHill Stalls, performers, andfestive cheer take overLincoln’s Cathedral Quarterfor four days of festiveentertainment, shopping,and food and drink. Visitorsto the famous Lincoln Christmas Market will be sure to soak up thefestive atmosphere across this large market site, with more than 280stalls nestled in and around Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, andmany other venues and streets along the way. There is something foreveryone, from unusual gifts to food and drink from near and far, notto mention a whole host of entertainment for all the family to enjoy.For more information, email www.lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk.© Stuart Wilde Photography© Stuart Wilde Photography72-77.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 11:25 Page 476 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWHAT’S ONexperience in the stunning nave ofLincoln Cathedral with live orchestralmusic and a soloist from theCathedral Choir. With a main screenand four additional side screens,every seat will be able to enjoy thefilm and the wonderful live music.For more information, call 01522561644.LouthThursday 24 January2018 Juliette Burton: ButterflyEffect, Louth RiverheadTheatreFollowing sold-out runs atEdinburgh Fringe in 2015, 2016 and 2017, award-winningcomedian Juliette Burton embarks on her first UK tourwith her critically—acclaimed docu-comedy in which sheinvestigates the power of kindness. Join Juliette as shefinds out whether kindness holds the power to changelives, cure mental health conditions, make friends, restorehope, dispel despair, end poverty and even defeat death.For more information, visitwww.louthriverheadtheatre.com.BostonWednesday 30 January 2019Writers’ Workshop, Boston Library Join writer Claire Gould to learn everything you need toknow about how to write and self-publish in this monthlyworkshop. Places are limited, so booking ins essential. Formore information, 01522 782010. GrimsbySunday 3 February 2019Sci-Feb Nightmare, Humber Royal Hotel Sci-Feb returns for its fourth year with the promise of another-worldly event. Expect to see props that will blow yourmind and meet actors and actresses from all your favouritesci-fi and fantasy franchises. There will be all the usualactivities including a quiz and cosplay competition. Formore information, www.thehumberroyalhotel.co.uk.Grantham Friday 1 February 2019Cash & Carter, Together, Guildhall Arts Centre Cash & Carter, Together brings you an authentic recreation ofthe Johnny Cash live show, focussing on his uniquecollaborations with his wife June Carter. They’ll be backed bya full band playing country, gospel and folk. Featuring imagesand stories, the show captures the soul of the Cash-Carterlegacy with feeling, honesty and humour. See how LizzyRushby and Richard Day bring the spirit of these two musicalicons together. For more information, visitwww.guildhallartscentre.com.© Cash & Carter, TogetherStamfordSaturday 22DecemberSnow White, RoseRed, Bear Brown,Stamford ArtsCentreThis new show from Woodsof Widdershins uses puppets,storytelling, original musicand a fantastical fairy taleforest to delight the wholefamily. For more information,visitwww.stamfordartscentre.com.72-77.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 11:25 Page 5Visit us just 5 minutes from the showground Scunthorpe A15 Lincoln We are here! Kirton Lindsey B1398 Fillingham Ingham Lincolnshire For all your FreshChristmas Trees!Open daily from the end ofNovember 9am to 5pm andthroughout December 9am to 6pmOpen 9am to 5pm weekendsOur extensive range of home growncut trees will be available as well asa selection of pot grown treesWhy not browse our range ofdecorations or enjoy a cake and hot drink in our café(weekends only)Don’t miss Father Christmas inhis grottoEnjoy fun and balloons with ourvisiting entertainers, Bruno theDonkey and much more…Visit our website for full detailsor follow us on facebookFillingham CHRISTMAS TREES Castle Farm,Fillingham,Gainsborough, DN21 5BX(Off the B1398, 8 milesnorth of Lincoln)Call 01427 667014 or visitwww.fillingham-trees.co.ukALFORD CHRISTMASCRAFT MARKETS 2018Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th November10am - 4pm Alford Corn ExchangeSTALLS • LIVE MUSIC • FOODFree entryQuality Lincolnshire Crafts Tea ShopIdeal for unusual and individual gifts Meet the Makers Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December10am - 4pm Alford Corn ExchangeLINCOLNSHIRETODAY77BriggFriday 8 – Saturday 9 February 2019Jake Attree: A Case for Place, LandscapeIssues Worksop, The Steel RoomsLed by artist Jake Attree, this two-day workshop willexplore the Old River Ancholme at Brigg through drawingand painting. The first day will begin by makingsketchbook drawings along the riverbank which will bedeveloped after lunch. The second day will see attendeesusing oils, acrylics and watercolour paints. Bring your ownmaterials and sketchbooks. For more information, visitwww.thesteelrooms.com.Gainsborough Tuesday 12 February 2019The Shy Manifesto, Trinity Arts CentreSeventeen-year-old Callum is proud to be shy and hethinks you should be shy too, because what this noisy,crazy world needs is a bit more self-restraint. The ShySpaldingWednesday 16 January 2019NT Live: The Madness of George IIIThis is a delayed screening of National Theatre Live’s first-everbroadcast from Nottingham Playhouse. Written by Alan Bennett,this epic play concerns itself with King George III who, in 1786,was the most powerful man in the world. However, his behaviourbecomes increasingly erratic as he succumbs to fits of lunacy.With the king’s mind unravelling at a dramatic pace, ambitiouspoliticians and the scheming Prince of Wales threaten toundermine the power of the crown and expose the fine linebetween a king and man. Mark Gatiss (of Doctor Who, Sherlockand The League of Gentlemenfame) stars as the king himself.For more information, visit www.southhollandcentre.co.uk.Manifesto is a bittersweet comedy drama about aboy who is fed up of being told to come out of hisshell. Starring Theo Ancient (of Harry Potter and theCursed Child) and written by Michael Ross, this isn’tto be missed. For more information, visitwww.west-lindsey.gov.uk/trinity-arts-centre.72-77.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 11:25 Page 6Oh noit isn’t It wouldn’t be Christmas without a panto or twoand we’ve collected up a few of our favouritestaking place across the county this festive season. This Christmas fly away on aswashbuckling adventure packedwith pirates, fairies, Lost Boys andone huge tick-tocking crocodile inthis timeless tale about the BoyWho Never Grew Up. This trulyspectacular production has all youwant from a panto - a huge cast ofcrazy characters, stunningcostumes, spectacular sets,hilarious jokes, sketches and songand dance routines and plenty of audience participation – oh yes there is! Plus, of course, as it’sPeter Pan, there are sensational flying scenes and breathtaking special effects, with the actionjumping right off the stage! To book or for more information, visit www.lincolndrillhall.com.Stamford Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 January 2019Dick Whittington, Stamford Arts CentrePolka Dot Pantomimes will be back for Stamford Arts Centre’s 2019 panto with DickWhittington, the purr-fect family adventure. Back by popular demand is John Hightonwho’ll be playing Sarah the cook, while Martyn Payne will play the titular role. The pantoalso sees the introduction of Tommy the cat as Dick’s trusty sidekick. LincolnThursday 6 December 2018 – Saturday 5 January 2019Peter Pan, Lincoln Drill Hall78-79.qxp_Layout 1 12/11/2018 16:45 Page 1Spalding Saturday 9 – Friday 21 December Jack and the Beanstalk, South Holland Centre Polka Dot Pantomimes present their annual family festive treat with another classic, Jackand the Beanstalk. Expect up-beat singing and dancing, fabulous costumes and plentyof fun and frolics for the audience to get involved in. Follow the story of the heroic Jackgoing up the beanstalk to outsmart the giant and help a little girl in need of his rescue. BourneWednesday 5 – Saturday 8 DecemberCinderella, Bourne Corn Exchange Following last year’s fabulous success of Beauty and the Beast atBourne Corn Exchange, South Kesteven Acting and Musical Playersreturn this Christmas with Cinderella. This fun and magicalproduction of the classic rags-to-riches tale will be transformed intoan enchanting family panto with a mix of singing, dancing andcomedy coupled with colourful scenery and costumes. Grimsby Wednesday 12 – Saturday 29 DecemberBeauty and the Beast, Grimsby AuditoriumBeauty and the Beast finds Beauty imprisoned in a castle with a hideous Beast andsome magical characters all entrapped under the spell of an evil sorcerer. Can theBeast break free from the terrible curse? Will Beauty outwit the evil sorcerer? CanBeauty fall in love with the Beast before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose?Relive this timeless classic jam-packed with panto antics, heroic deeds, glitteringcostumes, crazy comedy and dazzling special effects. 78-79.qxp_Layout 1 12/11/2018 16:45 Page 2Next >