History

The village is a documented settlement in the Doomsday Book of 1086 and was mainly an agricultural community until the late 19th century. Horse racing also took place on the heath land areas, which are now part of the RAF station. At various times other activities including malting, brick-making and stone-quarrying have taken place in the village.

High Dyke, the road that runs between the main RAF station and the service married quarters, lies on the line of the Roman Road Ermine Street. There is only minor evidence that High Dyke is Ermine Street, but the alignment is so exact that it is unlikely to be a coincidence. It is of note that Ermine Street, as it passes Byards Leap, 20 miles to the south, is also called High Dyke at that point. The traceable line of Ermine Street peters out in the adjacent village of Harmston and does not reappear until the other side of Lincoln.

Parish Church

The present-day Anglican parish church of St Michael is a modern stone building situated on High Street. Consecrated in 1954, it replaced an earlier 12th century church destroyed in a World War II air raid on the night of 8th May, 1941.

Buildings

The older part of the village primarily consists of buildings built of the local limestone. Some brick-built houses were constructed after brick making began to take place on the lower slopes of the village.

The newer residential areas are located in the lower part of the village and are of modern brick and tile construction.

Click here to visit historical pictures in our Gallery