Horncastle Lincolnshire

Horncastle is situated in the heart of Lincolnshire and is located centrally between Lincoln and Skegness on the A158. It is a market town with a long and varied history dating back to before the Roman invasion. hotel bed & breakfast theatre shopping

The name Horncastle is derived from the words `Hurncastre` or `Hyrnecastre`, meaning `Fortress in the corner` due to it's positioning between the rivers Waring & Bain, although no castle has ever stood there.

Part of the origional Roman wall can still be seen today within the Library on Wharf Road. The path on the south side of St. Mary's church hides more of the Roman wall under it's gravel surface. The oldest part of St. Mary's is the west wall which dates back to the late 12th - early 13th century. The church is built of local sandstone, some probably taken from the Roman wall which skirted parts of the churchyard. More about St. Mary's Church can be found Here. Looking from the end of this gravel path, across Church Lane, is the cobblers shop of William Marwood who became public executioner for England from 1872 - 1883. He perfected the hangman's `long drop` technique in Lindsey Court (one of the alley ways beside library). More details about Marwood can be found Here.

The Kings Head public house on the Bull Ring is one of the few remaining `mud and stud` buildings in the town. Built of a timber frame with laths or studs between the main timbers, mud was then thrown at the lattice to make the walls. It was primative structure technique but quite effective and gives these type of buildings their own unique character.

The Information Center, located within Trinity Church on East Street contains much more local details about the town and many of the attractions of the local area. You will find the staff very helpful and knowledgable.

Library

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