On the floor between the nave and the choir is a brass figure much worn, under which, though scarcely legible, is this inscription in black letter:
“Hic jacet Hugo . . . quondam . . . d’ni Rad’i de Cromwell Militis d’ni de Tateshale qui obiit ultimo die Septe’bris A’o d’ni mill’mo ccccxi cuj’ a’ie p’piciet deus Amen.” [92b]
In various parts of the floor of this church are traces of brass figures, which are now gone, one, in particular, against the door in the north aisle appears to have been exceedingly rich.
The south side of the transept is now partitioned off, and used as a school, in which the children are instructed on the plan of Dr. Bell.
The living is a donative, extra judicial, in the presentation of the lord of the manor. It was once held by the Reverend Obadiah How, D.D. a man of considerable learning, and the author of several theological treatises; he died in 1685, and was buried in the church of Boston, of which he was vicar. It was afterwards held for more than forty years by the Reverend Michael Taylor, who died in 1730, and was buried in the midst of the nave of this church.
The college, which was situated on the north side of the church, is entirely gone. The alm-houses still remain with a small endowment.
An old building in the town, supposed to have been the parish chapel, now forms part of a malting office.
THE TOWN.
The parish of Tattershall contains about 1555 acres of land, and the hamlet of Tattershall Thorpe about 2589 acres, the principal part of which is the property of the lord of the manor.
The town has derived considerable benefit from the navigable canal, which passes through it from the river Witham to the town of Horncastle. A fine bridge of three arches having been thrown over the Witham, in the place of the ferry, with a turnpike road to Sleaford, has also contributed to the improvement of the place.