Gainsthorpe Medieval Village (Lincolnshire)

Deserted medieval village site

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

 A deserted medieval village, one of the best-preserved examples in England, clearly visible as a complex of grassy humps and bumps. According to legend demolished as a den of thieves, the real reason for its abandonment remains uncertain.

History to the present day

Gainsthorpe is one of the best preserved examples of a deserted Medieval village site. Gainsthorpe was mentioned in the Domesday Book, and recorded as having both a windmill and chapel in 1208. The village was last referred to in 1383 and the further references that can be found from the late 17th century indicate that the village was deserted by that time with the remains of over 200 buildings still visible.

The village centres on a pair of streets which are laid parallel to the Roman Ermine Street 500 metres to the east. This suggests the possibility that settlement patterns at Gainsthorpe were established as early as the Roman period. 

The visible remains are probably part of a manor house complex and it is likely that the main village was some 200 metres or more to the north. Some of the visible remains include a fishpond, two dovecotes, barns, longhouses, and croft buildings can be seen as turf covered foundations on the field.

The true reason for Gainsthorpe's abandonment is not known. One local legend suggests the village was a known haven for theives, and this infamy is what led to its destruction. Another plausible suggestion is that the devastating effects of the Black Death in the mid 14th century played a central part, as they did elsewhere in the country.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Gainsthorpe Medieval Village, Lincolnshire, , United Kingdom

Opening times:  All year. Any reasonable time. Monday - Sunday

Admission prices:    Adult:Free    Children:Free    Concession:Free

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photographic Library.