The beautiful, sinuous lines of a Bronze Age sword are unmistakable.

Although fragments of Bronze Age swords are not uncommon, complete swords are still rare finds.

This sword, from Billinghay, was found in 1852.

It belongs to a series of swords known as the 'Ewart Park' type, dating to the late Bronze Age, c.950-800BC.

Billinghay is a large village in the Witham fen between Lincoln, Horncastle, Sleaford and Boston. The Roman Car Dyke passes through the parish.

The major land drain in the area, the Billinghay Skirth, runs to the east of the village and up to the Witham near Tattershall Bridge.

The New Bridge crosses this drain to give access from the village to the A153, the former Horncastle to Sleaford turnpike road.

The tall chimney in the centre background is thought to be at the Billinghay North and Walcot Dales Pumping Station (TF 177559). The pump was operated by steam engine from 1864 to 1940.

undated postcard (by B. Smith of Heckington)

The Early English west tower of St Michael's church, Billinghay.

The broach spire with flying buttresses was added in 1787.

August 2012

St Michael’s Billinghay has an Early English west tower, with a broach spire with flying buttresses added in 1787.

Much of the church is Early English and Decorated, with a Perpendicular clerestory to the nave.

August 2012

The windmill is South’s or Black Mill.

It worked until just before the Second World War. Only the derelict bottom two storeys remain.

undated postcard