Wainfleet St Mary

The name "Wainfleet" is derived from , a stream that can be crossed by a wagon (compare with 'wainwright', a maker of wagons). The first mention of Wainfleet St Mary as a separate and distinct place from Wainfleet All Saints, is in 1378 when it belonged to the Priory of Stixwould. The limestone Grade II listed church is dedicated to Saint Mary and dates from the 12th century, being restored in 1875 and 1892. The western tower dates from the 12th century although it was raised in the 15th century. Inside is a 15th-century font and a black and white marble monument, with broken pediment, to Edward Barkham who died in 1724. 100 yd south of the nave is the remains of a 14th-century stone cross,…