[Transcription © SA Whittle-Bruce 2005]

Swineshead,Lincs

Pigot & Co.'s History,Gazetteer and Directory 1828-29

A parish and small market town, in the wapentake of Kirton, and division of Holland, is 113 miles N. from London and 7 west of Boston. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a handsome building with a lofty spire; and the living is a discharged vicarage, in the patronage of Trinity College, Cambridge. Here is besides a chapel for the methodists, and a charity school, founded, and endowed by T. Cowley, in 1720, for the instruction of 35 children. The sea formerly came up to the town, and there was a haven near to the present Market-place; and, about 30 years ago, a bridge was taken down, which crossed a navigable river, now choked up. Not more than 70 years since the state of this part of the country was such, that in wet seasons, strangers travelling from hence to Seaford were obliged to take a guide. King John lost all his baggage and barely escaped with his life, whilst crossing the Cross Keys wash near this place. The weekly market is chartered to be holden on Thursday, but so little business is now done, out of the ordinary course, that it is scarcely recognised as a market day. the parish contained, in 1821, 1,696 inhabitants.

POST OFFICE, Mary Spring, Post Mistress - Letters are despatched at one in the afternoon, and arrive at twelve at noon.