Washingborough

Washingborough
Washingborough
Washingborough shown within Lincolnshire
Population	3,356 (2001 Census)
OS grid reference	TF019706
• London	115 mi (185 km) S
District	North Kesteven
Shire county	Lincolnshire
Region	East Midlands
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	LINCOLN
Postcode district	LN4
Dialling code	01522
Police	Lincolnshire
Fire	Lincolnshire
Ambulance	East Midlands
EU Parliament	East Midlands
UK Parliament	Sleaford and North Hykeham
List of places UK England Lincolnshire 53°13′24″N 0°28′28″W / 53.22326°N 0.47444°W / 53.22326; -0.47444Coordinates: 53°13′24″N 0°28′28″W / 53.22326°N 0.47444°W / 53.22326; -0.47444

Washingborough is a village 3 miles (5 km) east from Lincoln city centre, in the North Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, England. The population at the census 2001 was 3,356, increasing to 3,482 at the 2011 census. It is situated on the lower slopes of Lincoln Cliff limestone escarpment where the River Witham breaks through the Lincoln Edge.

Washingborough is the point on the River Witham at which the Lincolnshire Fens begin. The Fens were first drained by the Romans and the Roman Car Dyke ran from Washingborough to the River Nene, near Peterborough.

A dig involving Channel 4's archaeological television programme Time Team, on a site adjacent to the modern canalised course of the River Witham, found evidence of an important late Iron Age settlement of around 1000 BC. At this time the river was tidal and the evidence suggests a trading and metal working centre with trading connections to northern Europe. Copper ore and ingots were found as well as evidence of smelting in crucibles. The settlement lost importance as water levels rose and the site became unsuitable. Much of the settlement site was destroyed when the river was canalised in the 18th century as part of the effort to drain the Fens.

The parish church is dedicated to St John the Evangelist. St John's Church has a Norman tower, and inside the church is a Norman font. Church windows depict a Zeppelin raid on the village in 1916. An Iron Age shield was discovered near here in 1826. It is called the Witham Shield and is now in the British Museum.

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