Lincolnshire: a county steeped in a rich and vibrant culture. But our sandy beaches, lush woodlands, rolling hills and vibrant communities aren’t all we’re known for! After 50 years of making great homes in great locations across Lincolnshire, we know a thing or two about our local area. So here’s our top pick of the facts about Lincolnshire that you might not know…
From Isaac Newton to Margaret Thatcher: Lincolnshire is home to many famous figures
Our delicious delicacies and beautiful scenery aren’t the only hidden gems in our county… Did you know that these famous people were Yellowbellies?
- Margaret Thatcher, born in Grantham
- Alfred Lord Tennyson, born in Somersby
- Sir Isaac Newton, born in Grantham (which is where he began to devise his laws on Gravitation, you can even visit the famous tree!)
- Sir Joseph Banks, raised in Revesby
- Jim Broadbent, born in West Lindsey
- Robert Webb, born in Woodhall Spa
- Jennifer Saunders, born in Sleaford
From intrepid explorers to actors, politicians to comedians: Lincolnshire has been called home by a vast range of famous people!
Lincolnshire is the second-largest county in England
By area, Lincolnshire holds the silver medal as the second-largest county in England: covering a vast 6,959 km²!
This includes 50 miles of incredible coastline, the rolling chalk hills of the Wolds, the Humber Estuary, and the Kesteven Uplands to the South… the list goes on. In Lincolnshire, there’s always plenty to explore.
The population of Lincolnshire is under 1 million people!
Lincolnshire is home to approximately 756,920 Yellowbellies – 97,000 of which are Lincolnites in our county town, the City of Lincoln.
Despite being the second-largest county in the UK, our smaller population, by comparison, is what gives our county its rural character, which defines our tranquil countryside, coastlines and close communities.
Lincoln Cathedral is home to the legendary Lincoln Imp
Construction began on the incredible Lincoln Cathedral in 1072: and it was rumoured to be the tallest building in the world for nearly three centuries. Now the 4th largest Cathedral in the UK, an ancient legend is what gave the City of Lincoln its symbol.
According to a 14th-century legend, two mischievous imps sent by the devil headed to Lincoln Cathedral, where they smashed tables and chairs, and tripped up the Bishop. An angel came out of a book of hymns and turned the first imp to stone, giving the second imp a chance to escape.
Now hidden in the upper reaches of the Lincoln Cathedral, he can still be found to this day when you go exploring.
Lincolnshire is home to the original Magna Carta
Lincoln Castle is home to one of the four surviving copies of the original Magna Carta which remain from when it was sealed by King John on 15th June 1215.
Lincoln is also the only place in the world that has a copy of the 1217 Charter of the Forest as well!
Lincolnshire Day is the 1st October every year
Did you know that we even have Lincolnshire Day?
It was started in 2006 to mark the anniversary of the Lincolnshire Rising: a famous Tudor revolt by the Catholics against the Church of England created by Henry VIII, in 1536.
It’s a day to celebrate Lincolnshire culture and is traditionally spent wearing yellow and supporting our fantastic local businesses.
Lincolnshire is home to several delicious delicacies
You may have heard of Lincolnshire Sausages (famous for their distinctive flavour of sage, parsley and thyme), but have you heard of or tried some of the other fantastic local dishes created in our county?
A few of our Lincolnshire food favourites:
- Lincolnshire Plum Bread: a ‘cakey loaf’ packed full of dried fruit currants, raisins and sultanas (but no plums!). Best served with a mug of tea and some…
- Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese: a delicious half-mature cheese that’s described as being halfway between a cheddar and a swiss cheese. It also comes in Vintage and Smoked varieties, and is available throughout the country (as well as our fantastic local markets)
- Haslet: similar to our sausages, it’s a pork loaf that’s also seasoned with sage.
- Yellowbelly Cheese: our namesake, the Cote Hill Yellowbelly has a buttery texture and subtle tang, and is matured in Lincolnshire yellow wax.
Gainsborough: the Capital of England!
In 1014 Gainsborough briefly became England’s capital, as after defeating the Anglo-Saxon King Æthelred, Sweyn Forkbeard took up high office as the King of England in Gainsborough Castle.
However, Gainsborough ceased to be the capital of England as Æthelred returned to reclaim the throne only six weeks later.
Lincoln used to be called Lindum Colonia!
A name that can be traced all the way back to the Iron Age, then the Roman invasion in 48CE.
The Celtic name Lindon was turned into the Latin ‘Lindum’, which is thought to be a reference to The Brayford Pool which is now in the centre of Lincoln!
It also happens to be our name too… but we only date back to 1956 when we started making homes.
Ready to embrace the Lincolnshire way of life?
Like to explore the vast Wolds or charming coastline, and be part of the Lincolnshire community? Whatever you need from your next home, we can help you get there.
Explore our locations to make the first steps to your forever home.
