Crowland

Reputedly the burial place of Hereward the Wake, Crowland originally stood on an island amidst fen marshes. Crowland offers an interesting visit any time of the year. The Abbey, founded by St Guthlac in 716 welcomes visitors all year round. Today only part of the Abbey remains, although this is still in use as the towns Parish Church. An exhibition tells the story of the Abbey, which now covers only a third of its former extent.

The town dates back to the 7th Century when the surrounding area was entirely march and wetlands, with a series of isolated and inhospitable islands. It was later to become one of the nation’s most important Benedictine monasteries.

There is a good assortment of local shops in and around the town, and a busy market takes place every Friday.

Back in the 14th Century, the unique Triangular (Trinity) bridge was built, when the streets were still waterways. The bridge stands in the centre of the town and has three arches but one over arching structure, hence the term Trinity Bridge Prior to the draining of the fens, the main streets were waterways and it was at this point that the River Welland divided into two streams.

The Crowland Flower Festival when the Abbey is brought to life with colourful flower displays takes place each year in August – a magnificent sight, and the annual Summer Show on the Snowden Field has many attractions including a display by the Percheron Shire horses.

There is a large Garden Centre on the outskirts of the town, which also includes an interesting range of shops and a large restaurant.