Crowland

Civil Parish in Lincolnshire South Holland

England

Crowland

Drain and wheat field near St. James's Farm Credit: Jonathan Thacker

Crowland is a civil parish located in the district of South Holland, Lincolnshire, England. It is situated approximately 8 miles east of Spalding and 12 miles north of Peterborough. The parish is known for its historical significance and picturesque landscapes.

The most notable landmark in Crowland is the Crowland Abbey, a medieval abbey founded in the 8th century. The abbey played a significant role in the history of the area and attracts many tourists and pilgrims. The abbey's ruins are still visible today, providing a glimpse into the town's rich past.

Apart from its historical importance, Crowland is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The area is surrounded by rich agricultural land, with vast fields and meadows stretching as far as the eye can see. The River Welland flows through the parish, adding to its charm and providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.

The town itself is small and charming, with a population of around 4,000 people. It offers a range of amenities, including shops, pubs, and restaurants, catering to both locals and visitors alike. The community is close-knit, with a strong sense of pride in their town's heritage.

Overall, Crowland is a quaint and historic parish with a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Its abbey ruins, scenic landscapes, and friendly community make it an appealing destination for those seeking a glimpse into the past and a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

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Crowland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.68721/-0.149611 or Grid Reference TF2511. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Drain and wheat field near St. James's Farm

Jonathan Thacker

Stubble field near Manor Farm, Crowland

Jonathan Thacker

West Street and The Crown Inn, Crowland

Tim Heaton

Trinity Bridge, Crowland

"Crowland Bridge is unique. Built in 1360-90 by the Benedictine brethen over tributaries of the Nene and the River Welland it now stands high and dry near the market place." Link

The 18th century traveller Richard Gough regarded it as "The greatest curiosity in Britain, if not in Europe".

Tim Heaton

Crowland Abbey

"... founded in memory of St. Guthlac early in the eighth century ... destroyed and the community slaughtered by the Danes in 866 ... [further destruction and rebuilding, and finally rebuilt late 12th century] ... From this time the history of Crowland was one of growing and almost unbroken prosperity down to the time of the Dissolution. Richly endowed by royal and noble visitors to the shrine of St. Guthlac, it became one of the most opulent of East Anglian abbeys; and owing to its isolated position in the heart of the fen country, its security and peace were comparatively undisturbed during the great civil wars and other national troubles." Link

Tim Heaton

Crowland Abbey

Tim Heaton

Public conveniences, Crowland

Tim Heaton

Road junction outside Crowland

Tim Heaton

Monument to St Guthlac, Crowland Abbey

This is an early 21st century monument to the Anglo-Saxon saint Guthlac, who sought the 'green martyrdom' of the solitary religious life in a remote place, in his case an island in the Fens, Crowland, where he died in 714. Two years later King Aethelbald of Mercia began the building of Crowland Abbey, in the grounds of which this monument stands. It is suggestive of a Celtic cross, with four roundels, placed crosswise, inside the circle. They depict scenes from the life of St Guthlac and are based on illustrations on the Guthlac Roll, produced by monks at the abbey around 1200, and now held at the British Library. Similar scenes can be seen in another four roundels carved over the west door of the now mostly ruined abbey church. See this account from the blog A Clerk of Oxford Link

. See also Martin & Nigel Palmer, Sacred Britain: A Guide to the Sacred Sites and Pilgrim Routes of England, Scotland & Wales, Piatkus, 1997, pp141-144.

A J Paxton

A window at Crowland Abbey

Early spring sunlight streams through modern stained glass in a window of Crowland Abbey. The medieval abbey is largely a ruin, but a Church of England parish church occupies part of the medieval abbey church, including the north aisle and bell tower. For more on Crowland Abbey see TF2410 : Monument to St Guthlac, Crowland Abbey.

A J Paxton

View of South Street, Crowland, from Trinity Bridge

South Street can be seen here from the summit of the unique 14th century three-pointed bridge.

A J Paxton

View to Crowland

View across the fens to Crowland from Sheppard's Drove

Richard Croft

Seed Drilling

Fenland view from the Chase near Crowland

Richard Croft

View to Crowland

Fenland view from the Chase

Richard Croft

End of the road

The Chase now cut off by the new A16 (A1073)

Morris Doris

Crowland Abbey

mym

Statue on Trinity Bridge

The statue is believed to represent either Christ or the C8th King Ethelbald, founder of Croyland Abbey. The statue is believed to have been moved to the bridge from Croyland Abbey when a part of the structure was demolished.

Kokai