Burgh Le Marsh brings together three different starting points for a stay: the architectural history of Dobson's Windmill, archaeological traces at Cock Hill and two walking routes, each with its own focus. They offer different ways to explore the place: through a historic building, a burial with a later interpretation, and the characteristics of the routes. You can tailor your visit to whether you are more interested in construction, archaeological context or landscape.
Dobson's Windmill: Construction Date and Sails
The windmill was built in 1813 by Oxleys of Alford and has five anticlockwise patent sails. The year of construction dates its construction, while the sails identify a specific architectural feature. The number and description serve different purposes: “five” counts the sails, while “anticlockwise” describes their design. Anyone interested in historic technology can connect the building's history with a specific construction detail. In contrast to Cock Hill, a built structure is the focus here, while there the focus is on a burial and the interpretation of a hill.
Cock Hill: Find and Interpretation
A burial with an associated bronze buckle fitting was found at Cock Hill. The fitting is dated to the late 6th or early 7th century; the deposits of the hill are uncertain. The date applies to the fitting, while the uncertainty concerns the deposits. It has also been suggested that Cock Hill was enlarged for cockfighting in the post-medieval period. This remains a historical interpretation, not a certainty. The two clues belong to different periods and also differ in how certain they are: a dated object is set against a cautiously worded interpretation of later use.
Walking Routes with Different Foci
The Burgh Le Marsh Short Walk starts at the Market Place in Burgh le Marsh and uses pavements alongside the road, field paths and quiet roads. The starting point and types of paths give a clear indication of the route's character. As conditions can change, it is advisable to check the route shortly before setting out.
The Burgh Le Marsh Long Walk has a different focus: the farmland along the route provides habitat for lapwings, skylarks, tree sparrows and fieldfares. Anyone interested in farmland birds can enjoy a specific connection with nature along the route. In addition, one section is managed for nature conservation. The two walks offer different points of reference to help you choose: for the Short Walk, these are the starting point and types of paths; for the Long Walk, the farmland birds and a section managed for nature conservation. You can use these differences to decide whether, when walking, you would rather focus on the character of the route or on the landscape and birdlife.
Discover more destinations: Norton Disney, Martin, Doncaster, Alford, Friskney, Keelby, Hemswell, Scunthorpe
For the wider travel overview: Lincolnshire.
