Historical and Descriptive Sketches of the Town and Soke of Horncastle [1820] / in the county of Lincoln, and of several places adjacent

by George Weir

From a plan of the town drawn by Dr. Stukeley, in the year 1722, it appears at that period of time, now nearly the lapse of a century, to have been little more than half its present extent. This plan, not having been made from actual survey, cannot be considered as an accurate representation: nevertheless it is calculated to give a tolerable idea of the state of the town at the time it was executed. It is traditionally asserted that at that period scarcely a brick house was to be found in the parish; the early erected dwellings being all constructed with clay walls, and covered with thatch; thus evidencing that common character which Leland the antiquary assigns to the towns of this part. The clay buildings have for the most part disappeared, and brick structures are now erected in their stead; and from the spirit of improvement which has lately been evinced, they will doubtless in a few years be entirely removed. The rebuilding of many houses in the principal streets in a handsome manner, within the last twenty years, has given to the town an air of respectability; but the effect which would be produced by these buildings in its general appearance, is materially diminished, by the narrowness and irregularity of the streets. At this time the number of houses may be computed at about seven hundred, and of inhabitants, about three thousand five hundred.

The entrances to the town, as well as its general aspect, have also been improved by the inclosure of the fields by which it is surrounded. To accomplish this an act of parliament was obtained in 1803, and carried into effect the following year.

In no respect has the town changed more than in its trade; a large proportion of its inhabitants having formerly been employed in the tanning of leather, in which manufacture the yards on the south side of the Far-street were almost exclusively occupied. About fifty years ago the number of these establishments began rapidly to decline, and are at this time reduced to two. Since the completion of the canal in 1801, a considerable trade in corn and wool has been carried on here; about thirty thousand quarters of the former, and three thousand sheets of the latter being annually sent from this place. The town also from its situation in a well inhabited district enjoys a large retail trade.

There are now three fairs for horses, cattle and sheep, held here annually. The first, which concludes on the twenty-second of June, has of late years declined very much, and though chartered for eight days seldom continues more than three. The second, which terminates on the twenty-first of August, has long been celebrated as the largest fair for horses in the kingdom, perhaps it may be said in the world; it continues about ten days, being three days more than the time expressed in the charter. To this fair are brought for sale horses of all descriptions from every part of the kingdom, to the number of many thousands; and beside the most extensive dealers of this country, there are to be found in the fair purchasers and dealers from different parts of the continent of Europe, and even from America. The third fair, which is held on the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth days of October, was removed to this place in 1768, from Market-Stainton, a decayed market town, about eight miles distant, two hundred pounds being given to the lord of the manor of that place, to permit the removal, one half of this sum was raised by subscription amongst the inhabitants of this town, the other by the lessee of the manor. [41] The market is now held every Saturday, to which it was changed from Wednesday, the day mentioned in the charter, probably in consequence of the markets at Boston and Louth being also on that day; but the time at which the alteration took place cannot now be ascertained.

A building, situated on the south side of the church yard, is appropriated for the purposes of a Dispensary, which is supported by public subscription. Those to whom medical aid is administered, are such of the sick poor as are recommended by subscribers; and the many to whom assistance has been afforded, evince its utility in a striking degree. The number of patients admitted from the commencement of the institution in September 1789, to September 1818, was 9253. It is attended two days in the week by two physicians, whose services are gratuitous, and by an apothecary, who receives a salary. A female accoucheur has also been lately added to the establishment.

A Literary Society, which was established here in the year 1790, has formed a permanent library, which is kept at the Dispensary. It contains about one thousand volumes, and is open to the members two days in the week. For several years the subscription was only ten shillings and sixpence per annum; it was afterwards advanced to fourteen shillings, and subsequently to one pound. Subscribers are now also required to pay ten shillings and sixpence on their admission. The society at present consists of about forty members.

In the year 1807 the inhabitants of this town in conjunction with several other towns and villages, in the county of Lincoln, made application to parliament, and obtained an act for the recovery of debts not exceeding the sum of five pounds. The commissioners hold their courts at this place, as well as at the other towns specified in the act, every fourth Thursday.

The education of the poor which has lately excited so much attention in various parts of the kingdom, has not been neglected here. A school on the Lancasterian or British system was established at a public meeting held in October, 1813; and but a few days subsequently a meeting was held at the church, when it was resolved to establish also a school on the plan of Dr. Bell. Early in the ensuing year buildings were erected, and each system began to be acted upon. Both schools are supported by voluntary contributions, and each contains about two hundred children.