HALTHAM,
Called in the Domesday survey Holtham, is about five miles distant from Horncastle. The manorial estates, which comprise almost the whole of the parish, once belonged to the Marmyons of Scrivelsby, and are now possessed by the Champion Dymoke, a descendant of the female branch of that family. The church, which appears to have suffered much from time, has in its pristine state possessed a considerable share of architectural merit. A large window at the eastern end contains very fine tracery, and at one time, together with some of the other windows, exhibited a large portion of stained glass, of which only one piece, containing the arms of La Warre, is now remaining. [47] The rectory, united to that of Roughton in 1741, is in the presentation of the lord of the manor.
WOOD ENDERBY,
In the Domesday record written Endrebi, is about five miles distant from Horncastle. The manor is the property of Sir Joseph Banks. The church is a small uninteresting building. The Bishop of Carlisle is patron of the curacy.
MOORBY,
In Domesday Morebi, is about five miles distant from Horncastle. The manorial estates, comprising the principal part of the parish, are the property of Sir Joseph Banks. The church is totally destitute of interest. The Bishop of Carlisle is the patron of the rectory.
WILKSBY,
In Domesday Wilchesbi, is about six miles distant from Horncastle. The manor is the property of Sir Joseph Banks. The church is a small modern erection. The Champion Dymoke is patron of the rectory.
MAREHAM LE FEN,
In the Domesday book called Marun, and in old writings Marum, is about seven miles distant from Horncastle, and situated on the verge of the recently enclosed fenny district from whence it has received its appellation. The manor is the property of Sir Joseph Banks, by an ancestor of whom it was purchased, together with the three before mentioned manors, above a century ago. The manor house, which has for several years been occupied by Mr. James Roberts, possesses from its adjoining gardens, a considerable share of interest. Having accompanied Sir Joseph Banks, in the first voyage of Captain Cook round the world, Mr. Roberts has sought to associate with the rural simplicities of an English garden, such objects of curiosity as a pleasurable recollection of those scenes had furnished. In addition to numerous rustic and ornamental seats, the gardens are embellished with huts resembling those of Terra del Fuego and New Holland; and also a small museum of curiosities, principally from the South Sea islands. A visit to this spot is always an agreeable recreation. The following sonnet was written after a visit here, by a native of Jamaica.