Pictures of Old Leake

About Old Leake

Old Leake is a traditional Lincolnshire village lying is spacious countryside a short distance from the coast. It's earliest mention is in the Doomsday Book of 1086, and judging by the population mentioned, even then it must have been a prosperous place in which to live and work.

The reclaimed landscape lends itself to farming, much of the land around the village is farmed. Over the years farming has proved the mainstay of village life, but the style of the industry is somewhat changed. No longer do we see the large mixed dairy herds, but rather fields full of lush vegetables, cereals and of course the Lincolnshire potato.

St. Mary's Church is the focal point of the village. This is a superb church building with parts dating back to Norman times. Its sturdy tower was built between the late 16th century and the middle of the 17th century. St. Mary's is rich in church history, well worth a look around. Outside, amongst the old tombs and gravestones, is an impressive cross commemorating the dead of World War II. The churchyard has much new planting, a number of Elms, some over 100 years old, were lost to Dutch elm disease and a new avenue of Elms has been planted on the original site, along with several other varieties so that in the years to come the churchyard will take on its former "tree-lined" glory.

The village enjoys all the usual village amenities, it has a well supported community centre and three pubs. A large open space provides the opportunity for sport, including football and cricket. There is also a well equipped children's playground.

Old Leake is just a few short miles from the famous Lincolnshire town of Boston, where you can find good shopping, an historic windmill and a museum where you can learn of the history and heritage of the region. The historic Sibsey Trader Windmill lies to the west of the village and on the seaward side is a lovely landscape of sea marshes covered with sea lavender and samphire. The coast offers delightful summer evening strolls with fascinating seascapes as the sun goes down, its rays lending a golden glow to wildly foaming waves.