< PreviousServes: 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 3-6 minutes You’ll need: 1 loaf of French bread 100g soft semi-salted butter 3 fat garlic cloves, crushed 500g speciality tomatoes Half a ripe but firm Hass avocado 1 burratta or buffalo mozzarella cheese, drained well Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 6 dashes Worcestershire sauce Fresh basil leaves, to garnish For the pesto: 20g fresh basil leaves 15g untoasted pine nuts 1 small garlic clove, crushed 4 tbsp good extra virgin olive oil 15g finely grated Parmesan cheese, vegetarian if preferred Salt What to do: Try to use a selection of tomatoes so that you get a variety of colour, size and flavour. Preheat the grill to high. For the pesto, put 20g basil leaves, pine nuts, 1 clove crushed garlic and 4 tbsp olive oil into a food processor and blitz into a paste. Scoop into a bowl and stir in the Parmesan and some salt to taste. Cut the loaf of French bread across into 3 evenly sized pieces, then each piece in half, horizontally. Mix the soft butter with the remaining crushed garlic and some sea salt flakes to taste. Thinly slice the tomatoes, discarding the top and the bottom slices, lay them out on a board and season with salt and pepper. Halve the avocado, remove the stone, and peel. Cut across into thin slices. Place the pieces of French bread on a baking tray and grill on both sides until golden. Remove from the grill and spread the cut face of each piece with some of the garlic butter. Slide them back under the grill briefly, until the butter has melted into the bread. Quickly remove the garlic bread from under the grill and top with the slices of tomato, avocado and red onions. Using a teaspoon, scoop small bits of the burrata or mozzarella onto the top of the toasts. Drizzle over some of the pesto, garnish with the basil leaves and serve while the garlic bread is still hot. Recipe courtesy of thetomatostall.co.uk 50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING Speciality tomatoes on hot garlic bread with pesto 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:45 Page 3 Available on iPad & iPhone Visit our website to start viewing today... www.lincolnshiretoday.net Ideal for those who spend time away from their office Digital Editions Never miss an issue Read on the go! 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All meals will include reheating information in case you require meals for a later time 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:45 Page 452 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY W hen we think of Roman Lincolnshire we tend to think primarily of their roads and main garrison and settlement at Lindum Colonia – Lincoln – and perhaps their lesser ones at Horncastle and Caistor. One place you might not immediately think of though is Ancaster. At first sight this village looks unpromising - but as ever there is unsuspected history around every corner. Ancaster does however lie on the former, major Roman highway, the Ermine Street, that linked London with Lincoln and York. Indeed, the high street through the village is still keeps that name - look for the nameplate. Immediately to the south too was Ermine Street’s junction with the Roman King Street coming up from Bourne. Lying on such an important highway the location was ideal as a staging post for Roman traffic and troop movements. An encampment, known as a marching camp, was established here as the legions first began moving north shortly after their invasion in AD43, this being their last stop before Lincoln. The “camp” would have been a simple, temporary affair comprising a ditch and embankment and was located just north of the railway up Pottergate Lane. (GR984446) It was only discovered from aerial photos in 1974 and covered approximately 28 acres. This may then have been succeeded by a more substantial fort (built roughly where the present cemetery is) but later a proper township, known to the Romans as a “Vicus”, developed on a site to the east of Ermine Street opposite the church. Initially this may have been just a settlement providing services to the Roman fort but it eventually became a defended site known as Causennae. The site is now all meadow and little archaeological investigation has taken place. The original site covered around nine acres but may have eventually expanded beyond the defensive walls. It clearly remained important even after the Romans left, since Arthur Mee in his “King’s England” (Lincolnshire) records that hoards of Roman coins were found in such quantities that they were used as local currency as late as the C17th. There is a plan of it on the village trail board number VIII. (See below.) Today visible evidence of the Romans time here is sparse but there are some relics to be seen. In the church wall fronting Ermine Street are statues of three, pregnant fertility goddesses, the Deae Matres found in 1831. (The original is in Grantham museum.) Off the lane behind the churchyard lies Ancaster’s cemetery, overlaying an earlier Roman one, and here two impressive Roman ANCASTER This month we visit Ancaster to discover its Roman history - and more! heritage Lincolnshire explored 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:46 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53 stone coffins may be seen. Also, marker posts on the village trail take the form of legionnaire standards displaying the imperial eagle. There’s a Roman link with the village church too as it is likely built on a Roman, though Christian, temple site and even the dedication is to St Martin (AD316 – 397) a Roman soldier who, having converted to Christianity, rose to become the Bishop of Tours. (Co- incidentally, he had a reputation for replacing heathen temples with Christian churches!) But there’s much more to Ancaster’s heritage than just the Romans. So perhaps we should begin with the area’s interesting local geological past. The Ancaster Gap was once the outlet for rivers from the Trent basin (along with the Lincoln Gap) until glaciers of the Ice Age caused the rivers to flow northwards. Once the ice retreated the rivers continued north and the Ancaster Gap dried up. It did however make Ancaster an important east-west route and a crossing point with a north-south route along the nearby limestone ridge stretching from the Cotswolds to Yorkshire. This “Jurassic Way” preceded the Romans arrival since there is archaeological evidence of both Bronze Age and Iron Age occupation locally. (See trail board III.) St Martin’s church too has lots of history. Built of the beautiful, local Ancaster limestone, and probably on the site (as mentioned above) of a Roman temple. Late Roman Christian burials infer an early church here. The present one dates largely from the first half of the C12th and contains much fine Norman work in the nave and north arcade. Also noteworthy is the Norman “drum” font. There have been additions and alterations of course over the centuries with a grand porch of 1717. At the end of the south aisle is St Hugh’s chapel constructed of polished Ancaster stone. Hugh, the famous bishop of Lincoln, was appointed by Henry II in 1186. He died whilst in London however in 1200 and his funeral cortege made Ancaster its final resting place before Lincoln. He was made a saint in 1220. Ancaster also has two important Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves providing some “modern” heritage. To the south of the village is “The Valley” obtained by the trust in 1982. Formed by glacial run-off it has steep sides and is one of Lincolnshire’s best limestone grassland habitats and home to many lime loving flowers. “Moor Closes” lies beyond the cemetery. It has dry upper slopes with a marshy stream lower down and along with the cemetery, is now the only known habitat of the Tall Thrift (Armeria Maritima), a plant that was once widespread in the east midlands. It flowers from June to October and between 1937 to 1952 it featured on the old threepenny piece coin. The reserve has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1985. All this history is encompassed on a self-guided village trail with eight information points that give much more detail on all the subjects mentioned above. It starts near the stump of the mediaeval village cross on east side of Ermine Street in the centre of the village. All in all, a village with lots of history and well worth a visit! by Hugh Marrows 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:46 Page 2© Geoff Marston A town unlike any other Located on the River Welland and set among the Fens, Spalding is quite unlike anywhere else in England. 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:48 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 SPALDING Spalding lays claim to a mix of unique features, landmarks and offerings alongside a sense of the past coexisting with the present. For centuries, the market town was important for agriculture and used its rail and river links to trade corn, wood, coal and timber. Today it’s famed for its heritage and things to do, but there’s history around every corner. There’s evidence of human settlement near the Lincolnshire Fens dating back to the Mesolithic era while Spalding itself has housed people for thousands of years. The town is spread over coastal silt land and was used by the Romans for salt production. Nearby archaeological finds suggest that a combination of climate change and persistent flooding put an end to this industry somewhere between the 3rd and 7th century. After the Romans, the Anglican Spaldingas tribe settled in the area and, unsurprisingly, this is where the town got its name. The tribe may have retained their independence within the Mercia kingdom into the late 9th century when Stamford became one of five boroughs of the East Midlands under Danish control. Centuries later, Spalding was recorded in the Domesday Book survey of 1086 when it was held by Algar Earl of Mercia and Ivo Taillebois. The latter of which arrived in England in 1066 with his uncle, William the Conqueror. Taillebois did well from the Norman Conquest, gaining parts of Lancashire, Westmorland and Lincolnshire. Two years after the invasion he even became High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. In time, the town once more fell to the crown, becoming parcel of the Duchy of Lancaster. Through its storied history, flooding has always remained a major issue for the area. Back in 1883, a steam powered rotative beam engine was constructed to drain Pinchbeck Marsh and keep that part of the town above the marshes. That same engine is still in complete working order and visitors can see it for themselves at the Pinchbeck Engine Museum. The engine performed a vital function for the area until the mid-fifties whereupon the flood risk was significantly reduced with the digging of the Coronation Channel for the Welland in 1953 which diverted water around the town. Visitors and locals alike can boat along this channel thanks to the town’s charming Water Taxi service. Launched in 2005, the service links Springfields Outlet Shopping & Leisure and Festival Gardens to the town centre. Running from Easter to the end of October, this is a relaxing way to experience the town and take in sights that would otherwise be missed. One of the town’s most popular attractions is one deeply rooted in its history. The Ayscoughfee Hall, Museum & Gardens is based inside a beautiful family home built back in the 1450s by wool merchant Richard Aldwyn at a time when wool was big business for the town. Aldwyn’s son, Nicholas, would go on to achieve his own legacy, serving as Lord Mayor of London in 1499, though he would die in office that same year. Stood in five acres of gardens, the hall boasts twenty rooms that tell the story of those that have lived there, offering insight into local history, wildlife and trade. Given the building’s longevity it has, unsurprisingly, been altered over the years. It boasts a Victorian façade and Georgian ceiling in the entrance hall while there are plenty of Medieval fittings throughout. The house was modified in the late 18th century and then again in 1824 when it was given a Tudor revival style. Today, the characterful architecture tells a story as much as the displays inside. But that’s to say nothing of the gardens, which include ice houses, boxwood hedges, topiary tree sculptures and the Grade-1 listed First World War memorial, The Ornamental Lake, designed by renowned architect Edwin Lutyens. As well as being free to enter, the attraction is open all year round. History can likewise be found at the Gordon Boswell Romany Museum, a unique family-run museum that began life in 1995 to teach the wider public more about this fascinating culture. Based at Clay Lake, the attraction boasts the largest collection of Romany wagons (or vardo, as they were called) and carts in the UK, as well as harnesses, cooking pots and other items related to the Romany way of life. There’s even one wagon that’s claimed to be haunted by a © Ayscoughfee Hall 56 Á 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:49 Page 256 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY little girl who plays on the steps. With 150 years of photographs of the Boswell family, it’s a place where history truly comes alive. Over at the Chain Bridge Forge, a working Victorian blacksmith’s workshop, visitors can make their own metal works, learning more about this ancient craft and discover first-hand just what a forge and blacksmith were for. The site was acquired by the South Holland Council back in the eighties and, since then, has been restored with help from English Heritage into another of the town’s special For another glimpse into the history of the town and its trade, head on over the Moulton Windmill which is supposedly the tallest tower mill in the country at 100 foot high to the top of its cap. Built in 1822 to grind wheat and other crops, the mill was in use until 1955 and marked the end of an era as consumers were increasingly moving towards factory produced sliced bread. But the mill was restored and transformed into a visitor attraction complete with tea rooms, and, since 2013, it has been producing its own flour once again which can be bought in the on-site shop. Set in beautifully converted farm buildings on the outskirts of town, the Unique Cottage Studios are an arts and crafts facility and café. As well as showcasing works made by artists and craftspeople, there’s also regular workshops and courses available from resident artists for locals and visitors to get involved in. © Shutterstock /Jodie Mason Looking for a great gift idea? fashion WWWLINCWWW.LIN OLNSHIRETOCOLNSHIRET ODANODAY.NET 1st 3 issues only £1 Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 Walkers Bulbs, Washway House Farm, Washway Road, Holbeach, Lincs. PE12 7PP Tel: 01406 426216 • Fax: 01406 421259 Email: walkers@taylors-bulbs.com GOLD MEDAL WINNING DAFFODILS Please visit our website for our full bulb range! For all of your favourite brands in one location, explore Hills Department Store. We have been Spalding's favourite department store for over 50 years, thanks to the products we provide you and our famously friendly service. Discover our beauty department, have brunch in our restaurant, or let us help you transform your home. Here at Hills Department Store, you'll find great value and an enjoyable shopping experience. So come and see why Hills Department Store never goes out of style. 18-19 Broad Street, Spalding, PE11 1TB www.hillsdepartmentstore.co.uk contact@hillsdepartmentstore.co.uk 01775767155 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:49 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 SPALDING © Pamela Kelly By now it should be obvious that there’s something special about Spalding. Truly it’s unique in Lincolnshire – perhaps even the UK. As well as aspects we’ve already touched on, one need only head on over to Broad Street, which houses the Museum of the Gentlemen’s Society of Spading. Founded in 1710, it is the second oldest museum in Britain after Oxford’s Ashmolean and boasts a varied collection covering hat pins, firearms, cameras, glassware, old coins, medals, stamps, silverware and a library. As one can deduce from its name, the Society was frequented by gentlemen and included several famous faces, including Lincolnshire’s very own Sir Isaac Newton. Today, membership is open to anyone aged eighteen or over, regardless of their gender. The Society also arrange professional lectures on a wide variety of subjects which are open to the public. As with the aforementioned Ayscoughfee Hall, Museum & Gardens, the town’s various ages can be glimpsed in its many historic buildings, most notably in its stunning churches. In 1284, the Prior of Spalding, William de Littleport, built a new church dedicated to St Mary and St Nicholas. The iconic tower and slender spire that can still be seen to this day were added in 1360 and in the 15th century, the large west window was installed. Of course, Spalding is set in vast open land which was once famed for its flowers – though the town’s Flower Parade came to an end in 2013 after fifty-five years due to funding issues. Needless to say, wildlife is a part and parcel of life in the town and a strong attraction for visitors. The Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre is home to one hundred owls, birds of prey and native British wildlife, as well as hosting flying displays, hands on experience sessions, animal adoptions and, of course, a gift shop. As wonderful as Spalding sounds for visitors, there’s no denying that a big pull for many is the shops, pubs and restaurants – of which it has plenty. For shopping, there’s the Springfields Outlet Shopping & Leisure on Camelgate. This sprawling open-air outlet mall boasts a massive array of shops covering everything from toys, books and crafts, to clothing and beauty and everything in between. There’s also coffeehouses and cafés. Not only that, the mall boasts the Springfields Adventure Land which lays claim to the UK’s biggest JCB Young Drivers Zone alongside climbing frames and various other attractions and activities for the whole family. Although Springfields is the town’s principle shopping locale, there’s stores dotted all over, so be sure and explore the high street and all those side streets. You never know what you’re going to find. We also mentioned pubs, didn’t we? There’s plenty to pick from, but perhaps you’ll want to stop into sample the food and drink at The White Hart Inn, which was built in 1377 and welcomed Mary Queen of Scots back in 1566. Although this article can in no way replace actually visiting Spalding, hopefully it has provided some impetus for those that have never been before to go and see it for themselves. It has a truly unique mix of attractions and features, as well as a fascinating history and plenty of beautiful wildlife and nearby nature. All that plus great pubs, restaurants and an excellent shopping experience. What more could you want? 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:49 Page 458 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING motors The emphasis is on luxury in this month’s motoring pages as we take a closer look at some of the most highly anticipated new car releases in the coming months, featuring exclusive hypercars and models redefining the very limits of electric vehicles. Luxury 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:52 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 COUNTY MOTORING Ferrari SP90 Stradale 2019 was a busy year for Ferrari as the Italian super car maker presented five new models. The second of which, the SP90 Stradale, was described by the marque’s CEO Louis Camilleri as a “milestone in Ferrari’s history”. That’s not just PR either, with the SP90 Stradale being the marque’s first ever plug-in hybrid. But don’t worry, that’s not come with any compromise in power or handling. The model’s turbocharged V8 is the most powerful of its kind to appear in a Ferrari with a 7.9kWh battery and three electric motors combined to give a total output of 986php and 800Nm of torque. That’s more horsepower than any roadgoing Ferrari ever built. If you’re still not convinced, the marque claims that the model will do 0.62 in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 211mph. Of course, this is a hybrid so that it means it can run on electric. The SP90 Stradale comes with a new power mode selector – called eManettino – which cycles through four driving modes: Hybrid is the default setting; eDrive keeps the engine switched off for as long as the battery lasts; Performance keeps the engine running to ensure the battery is fully charged; and Qualify allows maximum motor power for a certain time period to deliver all-out performance. All that and there’s two bodies to choose from with a standard option and the Assetto Fiorano packaging sacrificing some comfort for better track pace. All customers should receive theirs by summer. 60 Á Ferrari SP90 Stradale 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 25/03/2020 14:52 Page 2Next >