Sleaford

Sleaford is a town in North Kesteven, Lincolnshire, England. It takes its name from the River Slea, a tributary of the River Witham. It is north-east of the town of Grantham and north-west of the town of Boston. Sleaford lies 115 miles north of the capital London, and the city of Lincoln is eighteen miles to the north.

Historic buildings

The most prominent church in Sleaford is the parish church of St. Denys - the church abuts the market place, where markets are regularly held. The church has one of the oldest stone broach spires in England, and mostly dates from 1180, but parts of the church were rebuilt after an electrical storm in the 1800s. The altar rail (originally from Lincoln Cathedral) is by Sir Christopher Wren. The church is also known for its stained glass, elegant traceried windows, and carved heads.

Related Topics:
Spires - 1180 - Electrical storm - 1800s - Altar - Lincoln Cathedral - Sir Christopher Wren - Stained glass - Carved heads

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Cogglesford Water Mill (open April to September), on the banks of the River Slea, dates from the 17th century. It still works, and is of national importance in terms of the history of watermills. It is probably on the site of an earlier Mercian estate mill.

Related Topics:
17th century - Watermill - Mercian

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Sleaford's Bull & Dog pub (formerly the Black Bull) is from 1689 according to a date-stone set in its front wall, and is said to have the oldest surviving pub sign in England.

Related Topics:
Pub - 1689

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There is a large 1796 windmill in the town centre, Money's Mill, although now without any sails. At the nearby village of Heckington there is a working eight-sail windmill.

Related Topics:
1796 - Windmill

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Other town landmarks include the Handley Monument, the semi-derelict Bass Maltings, and the Picturedrome (once a cinema, then a pool hall, now a night club).

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