Bratoft

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Bratoft is a small hamlet in Lincolnshire, England, lying west of Spilsby in between the A158 and the B1195.

Bratoft meadow is an area of semi-natural species rich grassland. In 1970 a fertilizer experiment was set up to examine the effect of different forms and rates of fertilizer application on the conservation value of this type of old meadow. The particular species of interest in this study was the Green Winged Orchid Orchis morio.

Also near here is Gunby Hall, a National Trust property open to the public, a fine red-brick house, dating from 1700, with Victorian walled gardens, which Tennyson described as a 'haunt of ancient peace', and also in the village itself, Whitegates Cottage, a small thatched cottage dating from c.1770.

Allegedly, Sir William Massingberd's daughter tried to elope with one of his postilion riders but her father shot the man dead. Sir William was sentenced to appear in London annually at which time the family coat of arms was smeared with blood. It proved too much so Sir William demolished the family seat at Bratoft Castle and built Gunby Hall in 1700. It's said the ghosts of his daughter and the man walk on the path near the hall.