Reported in the Sleaford Standard 11th September 2018 that :-

"This traditional event dates back to the middle ages and is always held on the third Saturday in October to mark the end of harvesting.

It has been saved twice in its history - once in the1960s and again in 2016.

The parish council has announced via its Facebook page that it has done everything possible to keep this tradition going, but it is "with great regret and sadness" that a decision has been made by full council for the event not to proceed in 2018"

https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/end-fayre-and-feast-2043328 

DB 18 October 2014

Community Library & Beacon facing High Street.

"This Beacon was presented to the Village of Metheringham to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II June 2012"

DB 1 June 2020

Not listed in White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856, or Kelly's Directories of 1919 or 1937.

Previously known as The Scarf & Goggles?

DB 7 June 2018

Name derived from the Earl of Londesborough who is mentioned in Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1937 as being lord of the manor.

Listed in 1937 as "Londesborough Arms P.H. (Fredk. W. Quincey)"

DB 7 June 2018

This house, with its Greek cross plan with stepped gables, was built for the Sir Thomas Skipworth in the seventeenth century.

It was badly damaged by fire in the nineteenth century.

It was twice occupied by agents of Henry Chaplin of nearby Blankney.

Hugh D Martineau c.1980

"Market cross. C14.Stone. Octagonal stepped base topped with much weathered octagonal shaft."

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1317180 

DB 22 April 2019

White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 states :-

"An ancient Cross, which stood in the village, was replaced by a new one in 1835, at the cost of about £25, and a market is now held round it on Saturday evenings"

Market cross demolished after being hit by a van on 2nd December 2020.

DB 6 December 2020 

This chapel opened in May 1908 and is still in use. It was the fourth Wesleyan Methodist chapel to be built in the village.

March 2016

Viewed from Fen Lane with the church hall in the foreground.

"Church and Hall. Circa 1900. Rock-faced coursed stone with red ashlar dressings"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1061945 

Despite having been put up for sale services continue, COVID-19 pandemic excepting, in the church hall. 

DB 1 June 2020

Chapel being offered for sale, with an asking price of £400,000, but is currently still in use.

Architect A.E.Lambert, Nottingham. 

DB 22 April 2019 

Notice inviting representations pinned to the For Sale notice.

DB 22 April 2019  

"A List And Brief Details Of Chapels In The Sleaford Circuit Past And Present" prepared by  Colin Shepherdson & Peter Robinson June 1996 states :-

"The Wesleyan Reform Union had a chapel in Middle Street known as the People's Hall.

Built in 1853, it closed in 1922 and is now a workshop"

DB 7 June 2018  

Date stone reads "PEOPLES' HALL 1853"

White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 states "The Reformers' chapel is called the People's Hall, from its being used for public meetings, &c."

DB 7 June 2018 

"House. Late C18"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1061908 

DB 1 June 2020

The water tower at RAF Metheringham (TF 102598).

The airfield was the home to 106 Bomber Squadron from 1943 to the end of the war.

Over 200 operations flew from here and 57 Lancaster bombers were lost.

There is a small visitor centre on the site.

Peter Stevenson

Crowds gather on Metheringham Station platforms prior to the arrival of Mayflower 61306 and Flying Scotsman 60103 on their way to York. 

Stopped at Metheringham for about 20 minutes to take on water from the red & yellow painted fire tanker visible in the background.

Super Sprinter 153318 in the foreground left on its way to Peterborough. 

"The British Rail Class 153 Super Sprinters are single-coach railcars converted from two-coach Class 155 diesel multiple units in the early 1990s.

The class was intended for service on rural and branch lines where passenger numbers do not justify longer trains"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_153  

DB 7 May 2019

Mayflower 61306 and Flying Scotsman 60103 stopped at Metheringham to take on water.

LNER Thompson Class B1 61306 was built in 1948 by the North British Locomotive Company, Works No. 26207.

Though built to an LNER design, it was delivered after nationalisation to British Railways (BR).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LNER_Thompson_Class_B1_61306 

LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman is a Pacific steam locomotive built in 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) at Doncaster Works to a design of Nigel Gresley.

The locomotive set two world records for steam traction, becoming the first steam locomotive to be officially authenticated at reaching 100 miles per hour (160.9 km/h) on 30 November 1934, and then setting a record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 422 miles (679 km) on 8 August 1989 while in Australia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LNER_Class_A3_4472_Flying_Scotsman 

DB 7 May 2019

View from Lincoln bound platform, towards signal box, at south end of station. 

"The station opened to passengers on 1 July 1882 as Blankney and Metheringham.

It closed to them on 11 September 1961 but reopened on 6 October 1975 as Metheringham"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metheringham_railway_station

DB 7 June 2018

Signal box at the south end of the station is labelled "Blankney" however it is no longer in use.

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"METHERINGHAM is a parish and large improving village, with a station called Blankney and Metheringham on the Great Northern and Great Eastern joint railway from Spalding to Doucaster, and is 10 miles north from Sleaford, and 9 south-east from Lincoln by rail"

DB 7 June 2018

Alongside Metheringham station was a small brick building with the remnants of heavy steel shutters around its windows.

It was built during World War II as an emergency railway control building.

If the control office at Lincoln station ten miles away had been knocked out by enemy bombing then the trains and traffic would have been controlled from here.

It was one of 20 such buildings in the country and was a rare survivor, having been used as a railway store for almost 70 years until it was demolished in 2011.

Stewart Squires, 2010

Former school house now a private house.

Kelly's Directory 1919 states "Village (mixed & infants), erected in 1840 as a reading room & afterwards purchased by Viscount Chaplin & presented to the vicar & churchwardens, who are sole trustees ; it has since been enlarged and will hold 230 children; Joseph Bean, master; Miss Caudwell, infants' mistress"

DB 1 June 2020 

Ashlar plaque facing High Street.

DB 25 May 2020

A fire of 1599 destroyed much of Metheringham village, and badly damaged St Wilfred's church.

By 1601, the nave was rebuilt, with Tuscan columns now supporting the original 13th century arches.  The clerestory dates from this time also.

Further alterations were carried out in the 19th century, when the chancel was extended, and the north aisle rebuilt.

Undated postcard

The tower of St Wilfrid's is unbuttressed.

The clerestory, with its two-light windows, dates from c.1600.

March 2016

A view of St Wilfrid's from the south-east.

March 2016

The nave of St Wilfrid's was restored in 1858-59 and the north aisle added in 1870.

March 2016

The east window is ninetheenth-century in the style of the Decorated period.

The original east window has been repositioned in the south wall of the chancel (to the left in this photo).

March 2016

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"The church of St. Wilfrid is a large building of stone in the Norman and Gothic styles of the 13th and 16th centuries, consisting of chancel, nave with clerestory, aisles, south porch, and an embattled western tower, chiefly of Norman date, with four pinnacles and containing 8 bells:

there are mural tablets to Sir Thomas Skipwith bart. serjeant-at-law, ob. June, 1694, and Elizabeth Lathom his wife, ob. 1674, and Sir Thomas Skipwith bart. their son, ob. 1710,  all of whom were buried at Upminster, Essex; the "tablet was. erected by Sir George Bridges Skipwith, last bart. died in June, 1756; the other tablet, erected "by Mrs. Isabella Pitt, is to Mrs. Lucy Skipwith, daughter of sir Thomas Skipwith, died 1763 :

the old church was burnt down in 1599 and restored in 1603, when. the clerestory and battlements of the nave and tower were added and new piers furnished to the arcades of the nave:

the nave was restored in 1858-9 and the church reseated in 1867; in 1870 the north aisle was rebuilt, and druring 1895-6 a sum of £500 was spent upon a new organ chamber and the restoration of the chancel :

in 1908 a new screen, pulpit and choir stalls, all of carved oak, were erected, at a cost of £400, under the direction of Mr. H. Bailey, architect, of. London, the total cost of all these restorations amounting to £1,953:

there are sittings for 450 persons"

DB 1 June 2020 

Looking east towards the altar. 

White's Directory 1872 reports :-

"The Church (St. Wilfred), which consists of nave, chancel aisles, and a square embattled tower with five bells, is a large stone built structure. The chancel was rebuilt in 1601; and the church was restored in 1858, at a cost of £700, and contains a handsome monument to one of the Skipworths, and about 300 sittings. The north aisle was enlarged in 1870, at a cost of about £300, defrayed by the vicar and parishioners"

DB 21 October 2023

Kelly's Directory 1919 has "in 1908 a new screen, pulpit and choir stalls, all of carved oak, were erected, at a cost of £400, under the direction of Mr. H. Bailey, architect, of. London, the total cost of all these restorations amounting to £1,953" 

DB 21 October 2023

Chancel screen presented by the Serving Society in 1908.

Lincoln Directory 1919 has "Much restoration has been done, such as the Tower and Chancel, and a magnificent screen of carved oak, pulpit and choir stalls, were dedicated by the late Bishop King in 1908. The greater part of the money has been provided by St. Wilfred's Sewing Society"

DB 21 October 2023

A closer view of the altar.

DB 21 October 2023

Glass depicting the ascension of Jesus dedicated 1913.

DB 21 October 2023

Organ chamber and vestry built 1895. 

A plaque on the organ reads "REBUILT BY WALKER & TAYLOR LINCOLN"

DB 21 October 2023

Piscina to the south side of the altar.

DB 21 October 2023

"St. Wilfrid's Serving Society Founded A.D. 1887 presented This Screen, Pulpit and Choir Stalls A.D. 1908. The Society's restoration work includes many other gifts to this Church"

DB 21 October 2023

Looking up to the chancel roof.

DB 21 October 2023

Looking east towards the altar.

DB 21 October 2023

"TO THE GLORY OF GOD IN LOVING MEMORY OF SLATER & ANNIE THOMPSON AND THEIR CHILDREN JOHN & JENNIE. THIS WINDOW WAS GIVEN BY THEIR DAUGHTERS ANNIE & ELLEN 1957."

DB 21 October 2023

"IN DEAR MEMORY OF THOMAS and MARY ANN BOOTH and JOHN ROBERT and FANNY BRADSHAW - 1959."

DB 21 October 2023

Close to the church fronting on to Church Walk.

DB 25 May 2020

Date stone reading "1906".

DB 25 May 2020

Looking east towards the chancel.

"After fire in 1599 nave was restored by John Tirrel"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1165640?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 October 2023

There is an inscription in memory of James Hicks who died in 1900.

DB 21 October 2023

Pulpit presented by the Serving Society in 1908.

DB 21 October 2023

Looking up to the clerestory and nave roof.

DB 21 October 2023

Looking east.

"North aisle added circa 1870, has 4, 2-light pointed windows, and small doorway"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1165640?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 October 2023

Looking west towards a modern kitchen the former choir vestry.

White's Directory 1872 reports "The north aisle was enlarged in 1870, at a cost of about £300, defrayed by the vicar and parishioners"

DB 21 October 2023

Looking from the north aisle, across the nave, and into the south aisle.

"Interior has 3-bay nave arcades, with Tuscan Doric columns of 1601 supporting medieval arches"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1165640?section=official-list-entry 

DB 21 October 2023

Altar at the east end of the north aisle.

DB 21 October 2023

Banner celebrating 400 years since the church was rebuilt in 1602.

Half of the village and much of the church was badly damaged by fire in July 1599. 

DB 21 October 2023

Hanging depicting St Wilfrid preserved in a modern case.

DB 21 October 2023

Looking up to the north aisle roof.

DB 21 October 2023

A window depicting St Ignatius of Antioch and St Wilfred.

DB 21 October 2023

"To the Glory of GOD in loving memory of George & Jane Kirk and their children, this window was given by their daughters Elizabeth & Jane Kirk 1937"

DB 21 October 2023

"To the GLORY of GOD and in loving memory of CHARLES GREEN 1898-1972 Given by his devoted wife ELLEN LOUISA 1975"

DB 21 October 2023

Memorial plaque inside the porch. 

"THE GATES TO THIS PORCH ARE GIVEN IN REVERENCE TO GOD AND IN MEMORY OF JOHN HENRY ELLIS DEAN M.C.& BAR CAPTAIN I3 BAT. CHESHIRE REG WHO WAS KILLED BETWEEN RHEIMS AND SOISSONS 27TH MAY 1918 AGED 23 YEARS"

DB 21 October 2023

Looking east.

DB 21 October 2023

Looking west towards the font.

DB 21 October 2023

Oak reredos by George Rawson.

DB 21 October 2023

C19 font.

DB 21 October 2023

Memorial plaques set in a recess. Apparently theses plaques were found in the church coal bunker and put here about 1908.

DB 21 October 2023

"To the Memory of Mrs LUCY SKIPWITH Daughter of Sir THOMAS SKIPWITH of METHERINCHAM, Bart. Who departed this Life Jany 23d 1763, Aged 73.

In her Behaviour she was Easy, Affable, Instructive and Engaging The goodness of her Heart which appear'd in her Sentiments Never fail'd to gain, the Esteem and Affection of all ; When the Ear heard her, then it bless'd her, and when the Eye saw her, it gave witness unto her. In those Relations in Life where she was most intimately connected as a Daughter and a Sister she was what every one should wish to be. In her Friendships: what all Mankind ought to be, In her Charities to the Virtuous distress'd unbounded: In her Piety she was Uniform, Sincere, Steady, and unaffected. Thus Liv'd, and thus died, the much Lamented (& rarely to be equall'd ) Mrs LUCY SKIPWITH - may her Virtues be recorded. And her Example followed throughout all Generations to the latest Posterity.

This Monument was erected by Mrs ISABELLA PITT As a Testimony of her Gratitude and Affection"

DB 21 October 2023

"To the memory Of Sir Thomas Skipwith late of this Parish Bart. and Serjeant at Law: and of Elizabeth his first Wife, Daughter of Ralph Lathom of Upminster In the County of Essex Esquire: and also of Sir Thomas Skipwith Bart. their Son and Margaret his Wife, Daughter Of George Bridges late Lord Chandois They all lye buried in St. Mary's Chapell in the Parish Church of Upminster, except Margaret who lyes buried in Henry The VII'ths Chapell Westminster Abby Jan. 8th. 1742. The first Sir Thomas June 2d. 1694. Elizabeth his Wife Sept. 5th. 1671. Sir Thomas their Son June 15th. 1710.

This Monument was erected by Sir George Bridges Skipwith Baronet, Lord of this Manor, intending it for them and himself: And desires to be interred in the Vault underneath which he has prepared for that Purpose

Here Lyeth the Body of the said Sir George Bridges Skipwith, Who dyed the Third day of June 1756, In the 70 Year of his Age"

DB 21 October 2023

Ogee-headed piscina.

DB 21 October 2023

"TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN CHARLES THOMPSON ONLY CHILD OF CHARLES & ELLEN GREEN, WHO DIED 16TH APRIL 1959, AGED 17 YEARS. THIS WINDOW IS GIVEN BY HIS FATHER AND MOTHER"

South aisle, west window behind the font.

DB 21 October 2023

"In Loving Memory of JOHN WILLIAM SKINS and his wife EMMA BEAL SKINS This Window was given by their daughter HELENA A.D.1947"

Window in the south wall above the font. 

DB 21 October 2023

"To the Glory of God and in grateful remembrance of CYRIL and FRANCES BALDOCK - - 1969"

Cyril Baldock was a former manager of the village co-op. 

DB 21 October 2023

"To the Glory of God and in loving Memory of Frank younger son of Patrick and Ada Townsend ... died 27th March 1926 aged 26 years"

DB 21 October 2023

"To the Glory of God and in memory of WIS Rawson Vicar of this parish 1881-1922 and Rural Dean, and of Mary his beloved wife. Given by their children"

Glass by Henry Gustave Hiller (1865–1946).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._Gustave_Hiller 

Above the altar at east end of the south aisle. 

DB 21 October 2023

Memorials to those killed in the First World War. Located in the north aisle.

DB 21 October 2023

"TO THE GLORY OF GOD & IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF THE MEN OF METHERINGHAM WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918"

DB 21 October 2023

"William Pearson Green Killed in Action - 28th June 1916 Bellringer at St Wilfrid's Metheringham"

"George Henry Cooke Killed in Action - 20th December 1917 Bellringer at St Wilfrid's Metheringham"

DB 21 October 2023

"Public House. Early C19"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1061909 

Kelly's Directory 1919 has a listing "Star & Garter Family & Commercial Hotel (Ernest James)"

DB 19 March 2020

Known to locals as "Meg", Metheringham is a large village some 9 miles south of Lincoln.

The Blankney Hunt was founded in 1871 when it split away from the old Burton Foxhounds.

undated postcard

An early 20rth century scene in Metheringham with a variety of vehicles, including a basket-work bath chair.

The village Post Office and Baldock's the stone mason are on the right.

Made by Frederick William Baldock and unveiled 12th December 1920. Attended by Marshioness of Carisbrooke. 

https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/3131 

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1360534 

DB 22 April 2019

"Public House. Late C18"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1061946 

White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1856 lists :-

"Bell Charles, vict. White Hart"

Also listed were :-

Grantham Peter, vict. Star & Garter

Wilkinson Fras. vict. Oat Sheaf (Metheringham Fen) 

& 4 beer houses. 

DB 22 April 2019

This was once a fine mill with seven floors and six sails. It was built in 1867.

Lincolnshire Echo photograph, 1930s

Presumably the Miller's house in the foreground but in a state of some disrepair. 

White's Directory of Lincolnshire 1872 has an entry " Burbank Henry, corn miller"

Geoff Swain Collection 24 June 1994

The tower of the windmill at Metheringham is listed Grade II.

Location of mill: TF 064 613

"Windmill. Mid C19. Red brick with white brick bands. Brick cornice. Circular plan, 6 storeys"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1360557 

DB 1 June 2020

Tanvats is a hamlet in the parish of Metheringham. 

"A List And Brief Details Of Chapels In The Sleaford Circuit Past And Present" prepared by  Colin Shepherdson & Peter Robinson June 1996 states :-

"i) The first chapel was erected in 1835.

ii) The foundation stone of the second chapel was laid on the 4.8.1887. The last service was held on the 28.12.1969 and the chapel is now standing derelict and for sale for housing development"

Geoff Swain Collection 24 June 1994

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"TANVATS is a hamlet, 5 miles east, at which is a school, licensed for church service, and a Wesleyan chapel, erected in 1887"

Geoff Swain Collection 24 June 1994

Alfred Cooling had been a dealer in a wide range of products - glass, chine, oil lamps, paperhanging, washing machines - as well as agricultural implements.

His business was taken over by Frederick Townsend in 1896 who, in 1913, was joined later by his son. They were agricultural implement agents and dealers until the Second World War.

This photo show the firm's stand at the 1898 County Show.