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The Marshes have a rich, cultural history, dating back to the Neolithic period, 4,000 - 2350 BC.
Many of these earliest remains lie buried under marine silt deposits, some up to 3m thick, extending 3-20 kms inland from the present coastline. However, from time to time, evidence of this activity turns up, in the shape of Roman coins and other objects.
Salt manufacturing has been an important part of the area throughout the ages, right up to the late sixteenth century. As the salt workings took place right at the edge of the sea, we can tell how the shoreline had moved over the last 4,000 years. During the 12th Century, for instance, the coastline was several miles inland, following what is now the A1031.
Reconstruction of a medieval saltcote. Reproduced
by kind permission of David N Robinson.
As the land became more inhabitated, the land was slowly drained and reclaimed. Village names, ending in -by (Saltfleetby, Manby) or -thorpe (Theddlethorpe, Mablethorpe) indicate a Danish influence at some early stage. Some names indicate new Scandinavian settlements; other, hybrid names, suggest that existing English settlements were taken over or used by Danes.
From medieval times, livestock were driven off the Wolds, to spend the summer grazing on the rich pasture of the marshes. Many of this grazing land belonged to local monasteries and abbeys. Around the villages, medieval ridge and furrow can still be seen - evidence of historical cultivation. The sites of havens (now silted up) at Wainfleet, Grainthorpe and Salfleetby all suggested foreign trade.
View across the grazing marsh, Humberston, Westwards to the Lincolnshire Wolds. J.H. Robson
All these activities generated considerable wealth across the region. This is reflected in the number of churches that were constructed in the period. The churches of Addlethorpe, Theddlethorpe All Saints and Burgh le Marsh were all built around this time. Many stand isolated and the reason for this is unclear. It may be that they served villages that were gradually abandoned, and evidence of deserted settlements can still be seen in the area today. However, some of these churches may never have been part of a village; instead serving a congregation of scattered houses and hamlets.
In more recent times, this part of Lincolnshire played a vital role as part of Britain's defences in both World Wars. Airfields and emergency landing grounds were sited in North Somercotes, Manby, and other parishes; a radar station was positioned in Orby parish and pillbox sites are listed in many areas. Many of these features remain, although they may have been re-used for other purposes. A searchlight position at Gibraltar Point now serves as a bird hide.
After marine erosion, drainage of farmland and conversion to arable crops has had the largest impact on these archaeological sites. Archaeological features which may have remained undisturbed for centuries are being damaged or destroyed by sustained annual ploughing. At particular risk are the medieval and later remains.
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All Saints Church, Saltfleetby
(G Kerr)
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