Donington

There has been a settlement in Donington since the 7th century. The town itself is slightly higher than the surrounding Fens and was situated on the south side of Bicker Haven. There was an important salt industry on the Bicker Haven and salt would have been transported to Donington and then onto Leicestershire. Sadly the salt industry declined due to Bicker Haven silting.

The 43 metre high steeple of the parish church of St Mary and the Holy Rood dominates this former market town which was once the centre for the local hemp and flax trade. Donington is also the birthplace of explorer Matthew Flinders and although his birthplace no longer exists, there is a plaque on a house built on the same side. He was born on March 16th 1774, and spent his early education in Donington. Instead of following the family profession into medicine, Matthew Flinders chose to go to sea, reputedly after being heavily influenced when reading Robinson Crusoe. After taking control of HMS Investigator, he discovered, charted and named most of the South Australian coast including Cape Donington. There is a monument inside the church, as is a stained glass window recalling his exploits.

The town has one of the oldest schools in the county – Thomas Cowley’s, School was founded in 1719 and had too be rebuilt after being gutted by fire in 1812. It faces the towns pleasant green, near King’s Cross House. There are still former coaching inns along the main street, and a collection of local shops, a post office and a library.

Useful link:
www.doningtonidea.org