|
|
 |
|
Situated on the fens of South East Lincolnshire, the town of Boston has a facinating history, but today its main occupation is agriculture. In 645AD Botolph built a monastery on the banks of the river Witham. This is the earliest recorded settlement at Boston.
In 1607, the Pilgrim Fathers, as they became known, tried to leave for religious freedom. However, they were stopped and imprisoned in the Guildhall. They eventually set sail for their New World in 1620 where they founded Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. In 1630, a man named John Winthrop sailed and founded the colony of Boston in Massachusetts.
|
|
|
|
|
Work began on St Botolph's church in the early 14th century and really, work has never stopped since. It is the largest parish church in England with its tower reaching to over 270ft. It is fondly known as 'The Stump' because nobody ever got round to putting a spire on it.
|
|
|
|
|
Boston also has the country's largest working windmill, the 'Maud Foster'. Standing on the Maud Foster Drain, it was originally built in 1819 to grind corn, it has been fully restored and is grinding flour today. It is also unusual because it has 5 sweeping sails. It is open to the general public to go and see the workings and the views across Boston. The Guildhall was built around 1450 and was re-designated a town hall in 1514. Boston elected its first Mayor in 1545. It has maintained the court room where the Pilgrim Fathers were tried and the cells where they were held. The Guildhall is also open to the public
|
|
|
|
|
Today, Boston is a bustling market town. Every Wednesday and Saturday the market square is crammed with stalls and shoppers. There are no large department stores in Boston, the largest is Oldrids, but there is a Marks and Spencer, Boots, Smith's, New Look and Dorothy Perkins. There are lots of small shops and some are hidden up small alley ways, which are a delight to discover. The river runs through the town before flowing out to the Wash. There is a marina, where reasonable size boats can moor, whilst the sailors go and meander round the town. If you are ever visiting South East Lincolnshire then it is worth spending some time in Boston.
|
|
|
|
|
