Historical and descriptive sketches of the town and soke of Horncastle [1822] / in the county of Lincoln and several places adjacent

by George Weir

CONINGSBY,

In Domesday Cuningesbi, is a considerable village on the banks of the river Bane, about eight miles from Horncastle. The manor, which was once possessed by the Marmions of Wintringham, has for many years belonged to the Heathcote family, and is now the property of Sir Gilbert Heathcote, Baronet, of Normanton in Rutlandshire. The church consists of a tower of excellent masonry, a nave, two aisles, and a chancel. [48] The rectory, which is in the presentation of the lord of the manor, was for several years held by the Reverend John Dyer, the poet. It was here that he finished his didactic poem of “The Fleece.” He died at this place in 1758, and lies buried in the church; but there is no inscription to perpetuate his memory. A congregation of General Baptists was formed at this place, during the government of Cromwell: the society still exists, with an endowment for the minister.