Spilsby: Market History, Buildings and Franklin Connections

Spilsby between Market History and Franklin Connections

Spilsby can be explored through its market history, listed buildings, places commemorating Sir John Franklin and historic trails. There is also a cycling route and an aviation centre nearby. If you are looking for a hotel in Spilsby, these different themes can help you plan your stay: you can focus on architecture, connections to Franklin, the market or outdoor activities.

Market Squares and Architectural History

Spilsby has three market squares: East, Middle and West. The market is held on Mondays; the traditional auction at the Monday market is called “the stones”. If the market day matters to your trip, check the latest information in advance. That way, you can include this event in your plans without confusing it with the historic buildings.

The Buttercross on the Market Place is a 15th-century market cross and is listed at Grade II. Spilsby also has numerous Georgian buildings. The Church of St James is a Grade I listed building and contains a memorial to Sir John Franklin. The Willoughby Chapel in St James commemorates generations of the Willoughby family.

The statue of Sir John Franklin also connects a specific place with his life story: it was created by C. Bacon of London in 1861. Its inscription records that Franklin was born in Spilsby in April 1786. The statue and the memorial in St James thus offer different points of connection to the town’s links with Franklin.

Spilsby Theatre is a Grade II listed building. Formerly a courthouse and prison, it features massive Greek Doric columns. The Theatre has been closed since 2015 because of the condition of the building; check its current status before planning a visit.

The plan for Spilsby Sessions House is to return the original courtroom and prison cells to use for modern purposes, while preserving their historical and architectural integrity. These are restoration plans, which may change as the project progresses.

Old Spilsby and Historic Trails

Old Spilsby is designated a Scheduled Monument and preserves the earthworks of an abandoned medieval village. The surviving landscape includes settlement plots, a broad hollow way and surrounding arable strips with ridge-and-furrow features. The term refers to the ridges and furrows in the fields. Unlike the individual market monument, the Buttercross, the focus here is on the interplay of several features in the historic landscape.

Two historic circular walks are mentioned. The Franklin Way is 3.5 miles long, signposted and connects Spilsby with the village of Hundleby. The Sir John Franklin Trail is a historic circular route through Spilsby. The routes described offer a helpful point of distinction when choosing between them: the Franklin Way connects with Hundleby, while the Sir John Franklin Trail runs through Spilsby. Check the latest route information before your trip.

For a cycling trip, the Spilsby-to-Wainfleet-All-Saints route follows relatively flat, quiet country roads. This distinguishes it from the two circular walking routes: it runs between Spilsby and Wainfleet All Saints. When comparing the routes, you can use the stated mode of travel and route as a guide.

Aviation History Nearby

Near Spilsby, the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby airfield offers pleasure flights, indoor tours, outdoor tours and photo experiences. Check visitor information and operating arrangements before your trip if you plan to include a visit in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Hemingby, Kirton In Lindsey, Donington, Lincoln, Waddington, East Barkwith, Crowle, Leadenham.

For the wider travel overview: Lincolnshire.