GRANTHAM

The ancient market town of Grantham is steeped in history. It is believed to have originated as a 6th century Saxon settlement, the name thought to be derived from 'the settlement on the gravel'. It is mentioned in the Domesday book among William the Conqueror's lands.During the 18th Century, Grantham flourished - a result of the Great North Road, becoming an important coaching centre midway between London and York in the stagecoach era.

The canal age and the subsequent Industrial Revolution brought the warehouses, wharves and factories which formed the foundation of the modern town.Sir Isaac Newton, South Lincolnshire's most famous son, was born at nearby Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth and educated at King's School, Brook Street, in Grantham in the 1650's. The building is still used in fact, his signature lies engraved on a windowsill in the school library!. On St. Peter's Hill, opposite the Guildhall stands Sir Isaac Newton's statue. Cast in bronze from a Russian cannon captured in the Crimean war and erected in 1858. The complete story of Grantham and its people from early times to modern day, can be found at St Peter's Hill in Grantham Museum.

Displays include memorabilia and hands-on activities relating to Sir Isaac Newton, Margaret Thatcher and the 617 Dam Busters Squadron.One of the most important churches in England is St Wulfram's Church. It's tower and spire rises 282 feet above Grantham, and is the sixth highest in England. With medieval stone heads and gargoyles inside and outside, victorian and 20th century glass and fine 18th century monuments, the church is a joy to see.Harlaxton Manor, Harlaxton, was built in the 1830's and is a fine example of a huge Grade I listed building. Although it is now a private college, it does open twice a year to the public.0William Cecil, the first Lord Burghley, the most powerful statesman in the land during the reign of Elizabeth I, attended school in Grantham. Of course, Lady Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first woman Prime Minister was born in Grantham at 2-6 North Parade on 13th October 1925. The house features a wall plaque in commemoration. Famous past visitors to the town include Daniel Defoe and Charles Dickens.Britain's first policewoman, Edith Smith, began her duties in Grantham in 1915 - the original cells where she locked up the local wrongdoers are to be found in the Guildhall Arts Centre.Another place of interest in Grantham is The Angel & Royal Hotel in the High Street. In 1483 at the 14th Century Angel Inn, Richard III signed the death warrant of the Duke of Buckingham. No fewer than seven kings of England have stayed there including" King John, Richard III, Charles I and Edward VII.The Beehive Inn in Castlegate is worth a visit - the inn dates from the early 1800's and is unique. Its sign as a beehive is actually used by bees!The World War II Operations Centre for the famous Dam Busters was based at St Vincent's, a turreted building on the outskirts of town.

Many places of interest exist in Grantham, including castles and stately homes. One such place to visit is Belton House, Belton, just north of Grantham. A National Trust property, Belton House is the former home of the Brownlow family, featured in the abdication of Edward VIII. The House boasts beautiful gardens, a deer park and an amazing adventure playground. Belvoir Castle, Home of the Duke of Rutland is just west of Grantham overlooking the Vale of Belvoir. Built in the 11th century, the castle has an impressive collection of porcelain, period furniture, and paintings by famous artists. Jousting and special events can often be viewed here.There are many riverside walks and cycleways in Grantham and many places to visit. The town centre is home to two indoor shopping areas, and George Centre and The Isaac Newton Centre and a regular market day for local produce is a weekly occurrence.In and around the town there is much to see and many places to visit. Nearby towns to visit: Lincoln, Skegness, Louth, Peterborough, Spalding, Holbeach, Grimsby, Boston