Long Sutton, Lincolnshire

infobox UK place
country = England
map_type= Lincolnshire
official_name= Long Sutton
population = 5,037
shire_district= South Holland
shire_county = Lincolnshire
region= East Midlands
constituency_westminster= South Holland and The Deepings
post_town= SPALDING
postcode_district = PE12
postcode_area= PE
dial_code= 01406 36****

Long Sutton is a market town in Lincolnshire, England. Located in South Holland district, it lies close to the Wash. The town has an estimated population of 5,037 in 2007. [ [http://www.sholland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/97963365-E1E3-482B-B029-548A4B1CB108/0/AMR.pdf Annual Monitoring Report 2006-07] South Holland District Council]

History

Like many Fenland towns, Long Sutton has an illustrious history, thanks to its setting in the fertile silt lands of the Lincolnshire Fens. The Friday Market dates back to the early 13th Century, when the town was a prosperous trading centre. By the mid-14th Century, Long Sutton was considered to be one of the richest communities in Lincolnshire.

This prosperity continued well into the 20th Century, helped by the arrival of the railways. As recently as the 1950s, eleven trains would daily transport passengers and local produce to and from the town.

Today, both the thriving Friday Market and produce auction remain - together with many examples of fine Georgian architecture. Long Sutton is now known for floral displays that decorate the town and churches, throughout Spring and Summer. It has been named amongst the Best kept villages in Lincolnshire, and has again – for the second year running - been named best small town in the East Midlands in Bloom competition.

Attractions

St Mary's Church is famous for its 13th Century lead-covered timber spire. This is a similar design as Chesterfield's famous twisted spire but Long Sutton's spire still stands straight and true. It is now the highest, oldest and best-preserved lead spire in England and possibly Europe.

The pubs are the Olde Ship Inn on London Road, the Crown & Woolpack on the High Street, and the Corn Exchange on Market Street. The Butterfly and Wildlife Park, voted Lincolnshire's Family Attraction of the Year by the Good Britain Guide, is home to hundreds of butterflies, birds of prey and reptiles, and lies just outside the town.

Transport

Long Sutton is the terminus of the A1101, Great Britain's lowest road. It is now bypassed by the busy A17.

The town previously had a railway station on the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway. However, it was closed in 1959 when passenger services were withdrawn from almost the entire M&GN route.

Sport

The town's football club, Long Sutton Athletic, play in the Peterborough & District League, and have previously played in the Eastern Counties League.

See also

* Sutton Bridge

References

External links

* [http://www.longsutton.net Village website]
* [http://www.longsuttonchurch.org St Mary's church]
* [http://www.peele.lincs.sch.uk Peele School]
* [http://www.scoutweb.co.uk 1st Long Sutton Scout Group's Website]
* [http://www.longsutton.info/ Long Sutton and District Civic Society]
* [http://www.longsutton.lincs.sch.uk Long Sutton Primary School Website]