232 THE BRITISH ISLES. 



dral, which rises proudly upon the summit of the hill. In the early Middle Ages 

 Lincoln was a place relatively of greater importance than it is now, and the only 

 towns mentioned in the Domesday Book as having been superior to it were 

 London and York ; and although in course of time it became a city of monks, 

 with fifty-two churches in the reign of Edward VI., it only maintained its eminent 

 position until the discovery of coal and iron in Western England had deranged the 

 natural balance of population ; but even now it carries on a very considerable 

 commerce, and employs several thousand workmen in making agricultural 

 machinery. 



That portion of Lincolnshire which has not yet been considered belongs to the 

 basin of the Ilumber, or is drained directly into the German Ocean. Gainsborough 

 is the principal town on the river Trent, which forms part of the western boundary 

 of the county, and up which an " eagre," or bore, rushes with some impetuosity. Its 

 harbour is accessible to vessels of from 150 to 200 tons burden, and the town has 

 recently acquired some importance through the manufacture of agricultural 

 machinery. Epivorth, the principal market town of the district of Axeholme, was 

 the birthplace of John "Wesley, whose father was rector of the parish. Descend- 

 ing the Ilumber, we reach the mouth of the Ancholme, on whose upper course 

 is situated the important market town of Bngcj, or Glamford Brigg, easily acces- 

 sible by means of a navigation canal. Then follow Barton-upon-Humher, an 

 ancient town, formerly strongly fortified ; New Holland, opposite to Hull, with 

 which it is connected by a steam ferry ; and Great Grimsbg, at the mouth of the 

 Humber. The latter has grown into a place of very considerable importance 

 since 1849, in which year the clearance of the choked-up harbour began. Space 

 was thus gained for the construction of the present docks and piers, and the town 

 now possesses all the requisites of a modern maritime port. Lines of steamers 

 connect it with several continental markets, and trade has increased wonderfully. 

 Cleethorpe, its neighbour, has grown into favour as a watering-place, but Saltfleet 

 and other fishing villages farther south are little frequented, because the marshy 

 coast is uninviting. 



Louth is the most flourishing town at the eastern foot of the Wolds. Alford, 

 with its "holy well," said to be efficacious in scorbutic complaints, lies to the 

 south-cast of it. 



