Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Boston

Boston is a historic old market town in Lincolnshire. It is one of the major towns of the Fens, near the mouth of the River Witham, and is 28 miles from Lincoln.

St. Botolph founded a monastery here in about 654, and the town's name is a contraction of "Botolph's town"

St. Botolph's Church dates in part from the early 14th century. It has a magnificent octagonal lantern tower, 272 foot tall, which is a landmark for many miles. It is the largest parish church in England, and is affectionately known as Boston Stump.

A group of pilgrims in 1607, seeking religious freedom in Holland, were betrayed by their ship's captain, as they were leaving Scotia Creek. They were tried in the 15th century Guildhall, where their cells can still be seen.

These were the nucleus of the travellers to the New World on the "Mayflower". They were followed in 1633 by another group including John Cotton, the Rector, who founded Boston, Massachusetts.

Boston is still a seaport, but it lost much of its importance with the rise of others on the opposite side of the country, in particular Liverpool.

The Market Place has a market which has been going strong since 1308, while the town charter was granted by King John in 1204.

The Blackfriars, which dates back to the 13th century, now houses an Arts Centre.

The Maud Foster Windmill is one of the best known in England.

Among those born in Boston are Joseph Banks, who sailed with Darwin; John Foxe, author of "Foxe's Book of Martyrs"; and Herbert Ingram, founder of the "Illustrated London News".

George Bass, who sailed around Tasmania and had the Bass Strait named after him; and John Taverner, the Tudor composer, lived in Boston.

Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Boston for groups.