Long Sutton, Lincolnshire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Long Sutton | |
| Population | 5,037 |
|---|---|
| District | South Holland |
| Shire county | Lincolnshire |
| Region | East Midlands |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SPALDING |
| Postcode district | PE12 |
| Dialling code | 01406 36**** |
| Police | Lincolnshire |
| Fire | Lincolnshire |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| European Parliament | East Midlands |
| UK Parliament | South Holland and The Deepings |
| List of places: UK • England • Lincolnshire | |
Long Sutton is a market town in Lincolnshire, England. Located in South Holland district, it lies close to the Wash. The town has an estimated population of 5,037 in 2007.[1]
Contents |
[edit] History
Like many Fenland towns, Long Sutton has an illustrious history, thanks to its setting in the fertile silt lands of the Lincolnshire Fens. The Friday Market dates back to the early 13th Century, when the town was a prosperous trading centre. By the mid-14th Century, Long Sutton was considered to be one of the richest communities in Lincolnshire.
This prosperity continued well into the 20th Century, helped by the arrival of the railways. As recently as the 1950s, eleven trains would daily transport passengers and local produce to and from the town.
Today, both the thriving Friday Market and produce auction remain - together with many examples of fine Georgian architecture. Long Sutton is now known for floral displays that decorate the town and churches, throughout Spring and Summer. It has been named amongst the Best kept villages in Lincolnshire, and has again – for the second year running - been named best small town in the East Midlands in Bloom competition.
[edit] Attractions
St Mary's Church is famous for its 13th Century lead-covered timber spire. This is a similar design as Chesterfield's famous twisted spire but Long Sutton's spire still stands straight and true. It is now the highest, oldest and best-preserved lead spire in England and possibly Europe.
The pubs are the Olde Ship Inn on London Road, the Crown & Woolpack on the High Street, and the Corn Exchange on Market Street. The Butterfly and Wildlife Park, voted Lincolnshire's Family Attraction of the Year by the Good Britain Guide, is home to hundreds of butterflies, birds of prey and reptiles, and lies just outside the town.
[edit] Transport
Long Sutton is the terminus of the A1101, Great Britain's lowest road. It is now bypassed by the busy A17.
The town previously had a railway station on the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway. However, it was closed in 1959 when passenger services were withdrawn from almost the entire M&GN route.
[edit] Sport
The town's football club, Long Sutton Athletic, play in the Peterborough & District League, and have previously played in the Eastern Counties League.
