SPALDING

Spalding is the last town on the River Welland before it enters the Wash. In recent years it has become famed throughout the World of its Tulip Festival, attracting thousands of visitors, in which some ten million flowers are used to decorate floats for the annual Carnival. In the early spring the many millions of blooms produce a carpet of colour throughout the surrounding countryside. Flower growing is a great industry in the area.

Spalding hit the national headlines in 1902 when a local chemist, Atkin Gibson was arrested for the manslaughter of a farmer. Thomas Steven had caught a cold but could not afford the services of the local doctor. He approached Mr Gibson, who has no medical qualifications to make him a medicine. Within minutes of taking the concoction, the farmer collapsed in agony and died soon after in Spalding Hospital.

The town in truly ancient - we know Spalding is mentioned in the Crowland Charter, since its chapel was given to the Crowland monks in the ninth century. We also know that Lady Godiva's brother, Thorold had started an offshoot to the Crowland Abbey in the town - a castle existed, but like the abbey, it has gone without trace. It is said that relations between the monks and the town's folk was not always good, and when the Parish Church was built, the monks allowed only two bells which were not to be rung while they slept. When a third bell was added, the Abbot petitioned the King for its immediate removal.

Spalding's glory is without doubt the parish Church of St. Mary and St. Nicholas which dates from 1284, built by the monks of Spalding Priory. The spire is typical for the area but the church boasts an unusually wide interior and a hammerbeam roof.Next to the parish church stands Ayscoughfee Hall, a late Medieval wool merchant's house. Throughout the years Regency and Victorian alterations were made, creating a mixture of architectural styles. Ayscoughfee hall has 5 acres of walled gardens in which stands a war memorial at the end of the lake and various outdoor activity facilities including a children's play area and paddling pool.Ayscoughfee Hall Museum holds many links with the early life of surrounding towns and villages and is well worth a visit.Another trip worth taking is to the Pinchbeck Engine and Land Draining Museum.

The Pinchbeck Engine is a relic from the past when man drained the land using the power of steam. Built in 1833 the engine lifted approximately 3,000,000 tons of water from the land at the rate of 7,500 gallons per minute.The Butterfly and Wildife Park at Long Sutton, Spalding caters for all tastes. Here animals ranging from crocodiles to frogs, Llamas to miniature ponies can been found, along with birds of prey, with flying displays daily. Butterflies and birds fly freely in a tropical paradise around you. There is also a gift shop, tea rooms and garden, mini golf and wildflower walks along with an adventure playground.