The universal geography : earth and its inhabitants

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 Humber, 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. Epu-odh, 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 Humber, we reach the mouth of the Ancholme, on whose upper course
is situated the important market town, of Brigg, or Glamford Brigg, easQy acces-
sible by means of a navigation canal. Then follow Barton-upon-Hitmber, an
ancient town, formerly strongly fortified ; Neiv Holland, opposite to Hull, with
which it is connected by a steam ferry ; and Great Grimfihy, 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 Saltflect
and other fishing villages farther south are little frequented, because the marshy
coast is uninviting.
Louth is tlie most flourishing town at the eastern foot of the Wolds. A/ford,
with its " hoi}' well," said to be efficacious in scoi'butic complaints, lies to the
south-east of it.