Lincolnshire the Windmills County

Lincoln cathedral

Boasting a multifaceted topography of sandy beaches, breathtaking woodland, rolling fields and vibrant communities, Lincolnshire is England's second-largest county by area.

Lincolnshire is renowned for its magnificent windmills, the most spectacular being Heckington Windmill and the majestic Alford Windmill with their distinct eight sails. During summertime, visitors swarm to Lincolnshire's coastal havens such as Cleethorpes and Skegness.

The six-story windmill rises to a height of more than thirty metres. When it was at its peak, it could grind four to five tonnes of maize every day. The mill was operational until 1955. There are only three operational mills in Lincolnshire, and this one was brought back to full functioning condition after being idle for two years.This photo was captured in the beautiful late afternoon sunshine outside the tea shop next to the mill.roger geach photo

You'd be amazed, as inhabitants of Lincolnshire, how frequently we have to explain the whereabouts of our gorgeous county to those unfamiliar with it. Surprisingly enough, many people don't even know that such a place exists; some think that Lincoln belongs in Yorkshire or Nottinghamshire while others believe it doesn't exist at all!

Situated in the East Midlands region of England, Lincolnshire is complete with a 50-mile coastline along its eastern side and many other counties surrounding it. Without giving away all the astonishing facts we've got for you, this county stands out as one of England's largest and most diverse areas - from Lincoln to Boston, Skegness to Stamford - there are too many interesting locations within this sprawling landscape that make up this beautiful place!

Delve into the county of Lincolnshire and discover some of its best-kept secrets! To help you uncover more about this wonderful place, here are 50 facts that will make your knowledge of the area even richer.

  1. Despite being the second largest county in England, it ranks eighteenth in population size.

  2. Eight counties neighbour us: East Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

  3. England's shortest county boundary runs a mere 18 metres long and divides Rutland from Northamptonshire.

  4. Boasting over 50 miles of shoreline, Lincolnshire's coastline offers a stunning array of sights and experiences; the Humber in the north to The Wash in the south is an unforgettable coastal journey.

  5. A number of its stunning beaches are recognized with the prestigious Blue Flag status, signifying its excellence and commitment to sustainability.

  6. The majestic landscape of the Lincolnshire Wolds has been reverently recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty!

  7. Native inhabitants of this region are affectionately known as 'Yellowbellies'.

  8. The legendary Alfred, Lord Tennyson was raised in the charming Lincolnshire Wolds village of Somersby.

  9. As the UK's most prominent potato, wheat, cereal and poultry producer - with sugar beet production ranking second - Lincolnshire has long held a place of agricultural importance.

  10. Over a third of the bulbs cultivated in Britain originate from Lincolnshire, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to flower production.

  11. Lincoln, then known as Lindum Colonia, was immensely important in Roman history and remains the only town in Britain where a traffic-bearing arch from that era still stands.

  12. Lincoln is home to two historic Roman roads-- Ermine Street, which stretches from London to York, and Fosse Way connecting Lincoln with Exeter.

  13. Constructed by William the Conqueror over 1000 years ago, Lincoln Castle proudly houses one of only four extant editions of the world-renowned Magna Carta.

  14. Lincoln Castle's Victorian Prison has made a stunning cameo in multiple episodes of the renowned British drama Downton Abbey!

  15. Sir Christopher Wren, a renowned architect and scientist, designed the library at Lincoln Cathedral—a must-see attraction for any visitor!

  16. For all those looking to travel in and out of Lincolnshire, Humberside Airport is your go-to destination - located conveniently near Brigg.

  17. Lincoln Cathedral's Chapter House was utilized as a filming location for select scenes from The Da Vinci Code, adding an air of authenticity to the blockbuster hit.

  18. Every year, Burghley House near Stamford hosts the distinguished Burghley Horse Trials, a globally renowned event.

  19. It was at Woolsthorpe Manor, close to Grantham, where Sir Isaac Newton began formulating his Laws on Gravitation; an idea that is said to have been sparked by the sight of apples dropping from a tree in the garden.

  20. The esteemed Margaret Thatcher, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for eleven years, was born in Grantham - a testament to its rich and storied history.

  21. In the 17th Century, many of the brave Pilgrim Fathers left Boston on a daring journey to founding America.

  22. During World War Two, Lincolnshire was known as "Bomber County," for it held more airfields than any other county in the nation. Fighter pilots returning from their raids over Germany could easily spot the iconic Lincoln Cathedral and use it to navigate back home safely.

  23. Here, we can proudly witness the stunning aerobatics of The Red Arrows and pay our respects to all those who fought in The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

  24. For nearly two decades, the magnificent Waddington Air Show – Britain's largest air show – lit up the skies just outside of Lincoln.

  25. In 2005, the award-winning classic novel Pride and Prejudice were brought to life with a stunning adaptation filmed on location at Burghley House.

  26. The renowned comedian, Jennifer Saunders, hails from the Lincolnshire town of Sleaford.

  27. Poacher Cheese has consistently delighted the palates of cheese connoisseurs for years, garnering numerous awards for its unparalleled flavour.

  28. Set against the dramatic backdrop of The Lincoln Edge/Cliffs, Lincolnshire is an exquisite county composed of four distinct areas: The Wolds, The Fens, and The Marshes.

  29. Spanning an astounding 7,280 ft., the Humber Bridge opened to the public in June 1981 and is a monumental engineering feat.

  30. During the sizzling summer season, over 100,000 vacationers flock to the coastal regions for a getaway.

  31. Skegness is widely known for its energetic mascot, the "Jolly Fisherman," who happily graces postcards that proudly proclaim: “Skegness is so bracing!”

  32. Donna Nook is a renowned annual destination for its resident seal population, which gathers on picturesque beaches every year.

  33. According to a time-honoured Lincolnshire custom, the doorway of one's home was only used for three specific occasions: welcoming a newborn, celebrating the entrance of a bride and groom on their nuptial day, or bidding farewell to someone who had passed away.

  34. People from far and wide flock to the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival, making it one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country.

  35. Here in the United Kingdom, we can proudly boast that Michael Foale—the first Briton to successfully venture a walk into space—was born on our soil.

  36. In the small town of Minting, Farmer Wink is renowned for his unwavering promotion and preservation of their local dialect.

  37. At one time, the Lincolnshire Bagpipe was a much-loved instrument among county residents; however, it had all but disappeared by the 19th century.

  38. The timeless classic ‘The Lincolnshire Poacher’ is an unofficial anthem for the region, a beloved melody that has been passed down from generation to generation.

  39. Every October, thousands of visitors from across the world flock to Lincoln Castle to celebrate the annual Lincolnshire Sausage Festival!

  40. In 2009, Grimsby Smoked Fish was honoured with protected status.

  41. For over 150 years, the Lincolnshire Show has offered a unique experience to its visitors and an opportunity for locals to show off their talents. What began in 1869 is now one of the oldest county shows in England, bringing together thousands of people every year.

  42. Boasting its status as one of the largest Christmas markets in the nation, the Lincoln Christmas Market now draws people from far and wide.

  43. Every two years, thousands of people gather in Belchford to take part in the thrilling Downhill Challenge - an adrenaline-filled soapbox race!

  44. The official floral emblem of the county, the Common Dog-violet, is a sight to behold!

  45. According to local legend, the Lincoln Imp is a carving located on the Lincoln Cathedral created from what was once a mischievous devil turned to stone by an angel.

  46. In 2005, the people of Lincolnshire proudly unveiled their new county flag following a successful campaign spearheaded by BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

  47. Celebrate the county of Lincolnshire each year on October 1st - mark it in your calendar as 'Lincolnshire Day'!

  48. Lincolnshire is the birthplace of acclaimed Harry Potter actor, Jim Broadbent.

  49. Built by the great William the Conqueror in the latter half of the 11th century, Lincoln Castle is a grand Norman fortress that stands as a testament to his greatness.

  50. From 1311 to 1549, Lincoln Cathedral reigned as the tallest structure on earth; a remarkable feat that remained unchallenged for 238 years.

Blessed with an abundance of rapeseed-filled fields, beekeeping in Lincolnshire has been a breeze for me. Not only are there plenty of flowers for my bees to pollinate and collect nectar from, but the result is also outstanding: pure white creamy honey that's simply heavenly on toast or adding sweetness to tea!

Rapeseed in abundance

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