Welcome to Horncastle

Horncastle is located at the confluence of the rivers Bain and Waring, in the county of Lincolnshire, approximately 135 miles north of London and 19 miles east of Lincoln.

The town has a population of around 4,900 and is within the East Lindsey District of Lincolnshire which covers an area of approximately 600 square miles.

Lying at the south-west foot of the Wolds at the edge of the Fens, it is a bustling and attractive market town, renowned for its antique shops, with a fine heritage and unspoilt by modern developments. There are some notable historic buildings, including the 12th-century Church of St.Mary and it is a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.

Historically the agriculture industry provided the main employment and this is still the case today. However, the retail and service sectors are becoming increasingly important as tourism is increasingly developed. The Roman fort here was called Banovallum.

The name Horncastle derives from Hurncastre or Hyrnecastre which means 'fortress or camp in the corner' and which refers to its position between the rivers Bain and Waring.