Louth
One of the most perfectly preserved Georgian market towns in England, Louth straddles the River Lud, and is the ideal centre from which to explore the beautiful tract of chalk uplands known as the Wolds.
The enormous, yet elegant, parish church of St James is a 16th century Gothic masterpiece, with a soaring spire of 295ft, making it the tallest in the county. Standing like a beacon above the level marshlands, the church spire, completed in 1515, was built using stone transported over 50 miles from quarries at Ancaster. The beautiful stonework appears to reflect different colours as the light changes - visitors are encouraged to climb to the base of the spire on summer afternoons, and take in the panoramic views.Located to the west of the church is Westgate, wherein are many fine Georgian houses, displaying a variety of wooden porches. In Westgate Place stands the house where the later poet, Alfred Tennyson, lodged whilst a pupil at the King Edward VI School. In fact, the future Poet Laureate was born in the nearby village of Somersby. In Bridge Street, a splendid Regency terrace has been lovingly restored to its former glory, as has a Georgian inn. It is this very mixture and variety of architecture that is the real wealth of Louth.
Early-Victorian architecture is also very apparent, most especially in Little Eastgate, where the imposing Town Hall of 1854 proudly stands, full of self-importance. Opposite the Town Hall, and vying for attention, is the no-less-imposing Market Hall of 1866, displaying its handsome tower. Nearby is the former Wesleyan Centenary Church of 1835, in its heyday able to seat some 1600 worshippers. In Louth Park are the remains of a Cistercian abbey, founded in 1139 and dissolved in 1536.
Near to Louth is the pretty village of Alvingham, with its restored 18th century red-brick water mill, now utilised as a working museum. The village has the only church in Britain dedicated to the Saxon, St Adelwold.