Boston
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Boston from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Boston's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Church House, 1 Wormgate
Boston
A mid-C17 house, later school and office, with C18 and C20 additions and alterations.
Parish Church of St Botolph
Boston
The Parish Church of St Botolph, begun in 1309, features significant restorations and architectural elements, such as an iconic tower known as 'The Stump' and intricate stained glass.
Fydell House and Wall and Railings and 2 Urns
Boston
Fydell House, built in 1726 and once owned by the Fydell family, now serves as an adult education center. It features historical architecture with Doric pilasters and Rococo plasterwork.
Hussey Tower
Boston
Hussey Tower, a medieval fortified house built in the 15th century, is linked to prominent figures and reflects high status architecture.
Boston Sessions House
Boston
Former Sessions House in Tudor Gothic style built in 1841-42 to the designs of Charles Kirk.
Swineshead War Memorial
Swineshead
Swineshead War Memorial, erected in 1920 to commemorate the dead of the First World War, with the added names of those who died in the Second World War.
Wrangle Mill
Wrangle
Wrangle Mill, built around 1825, is a red brick tower mill that operated by wind until the 1930s.
Maud Foster Windmill and Granary
Boston
Maud Foster Windmill, built for Isaac Beckitts in 1819, includes a seven-stage tower with original machinery. It was restored in 1988 and remains in full working order.
Leverton War Memorial
Leverton
First World War memorial obelisk in Portland stone, unveiled 1920, with additions for later conflicts.
Frampton War Memorial Obelisk
Frampton
First World War memorial obelisk, unveiled 1922, with later additions for the Second World War.
Chapel Hill War Memorial
Holland Fen with Brothertoft
First World War memorial cross, with later additions for the Second World War.
Old Leake War Memorial
Old Leake
First World War memorial designed by Temple Lushington Moore (1856-1920), unveiled 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Kirton War Memorial
Kirton
First World War memorial, by G Maile and Sons of London and unveiled on 12 November 1922, with further names added after the Second World War.
Freiston War Memorial and railings
Freiston
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Fishtoft War Memorial
Fishtoft
First World War memorial, 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
36-38 and 38A Dolphin Lane
Boston
36-38 and 38A Dolphin Lane is an early-C19 shop with accommodation over.
Cowbridge Footbridge
Fishtoft
Cast-iron pedestrian bridge constructed in 1811 by the Butterley Works.
Church of St Swithin
Bicker
The Church of St. Swithin, a Grade I listed building in Bicker, features architectural elements from the 12th to 19th centuries, showcasing intricate Romanesque and Gothic designs.
Church of All Saints
Benington
The Church of All Saints, designated as Grade I, showcases architectural elements from the 13th to 19th centuries, featuring a Western tower, nave, aisles, and a chancel with historical...
Boston through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Boston changes over time.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
We don't have an image for any of these list entries yet
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
We don't have an image for any of these list entries yet
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Boston
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Boston
Boston Dock and environs, Boston, 1930
Boston
The Fisons Ltd Fertilizer Works and environs, Boston, 1952
Boston
St Botolph's Church, the Market Place and the town, Boston, 1930
Boston
St Botolph's Church, The Haven and environs, Boston, 1930
Boston
The cattle market and environs, Boston, 1930
Boston
The Haven and the town, Boston, 1930
Boston
St Botolph's Church, The Haven and the town, Boston, 1930
Boston
Boston Utd Football Ground, Boston, 1971
Boston
St Aidan's Church, The Haven and environs, Boston, 1930
Boston
The Haven, the town and St Botolph's Church, Boston, 1930
Boston in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Boston's past.
Eric de Mare
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior view of the Maud Foster Mill in Boston, Lincolnshire showing a detail of a doorway.
John Gay Collection: Counties
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: Early 1950s
View along Church Street towards the tower of St Botolph's Church (Boston Stump) looming in the mist, showing a man working at a stall with rabbits...
Alfred Newton and Sons
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1910 - 1915
COLOUR TINTED POSTCARD SHOWING VIEW IN BATH GARDENS
Walter Scott
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1933
A view of a tank in front of the war memorial in Boston
Eric de Mare
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1945 - 1980
General view of the Maud Foster Mill in Boston, Lincolnshire showing the neighbouring cottages.
John Gay Collection: Counties
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1950s
View across Maud Foster Drain towards houses on Willoughby Road and Maud Foster Windmill, with a cyclist crossing Hospital Bridge in the foreground
Alfred Newton and Sons
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING ACROSS THE RIVER WITHAM FROM THE WEST
Walter Scott
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1933
A view on Market Place, showing buses and the exterior of the Peacock and Royal Hotel, Boston
Eric de Mare
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior view of the Maud Foster Mill in Boston, Lincolnshire showing the tower.
Alfred Newton and Sons
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING RIVER WITHAM AND FISHERMAN IN FOREGROUND AND THE STUMP IN THE BACKGROUND
Walter Scott
Boston, Lincolnshire
Date created: 1933
A view of Market Place showing the exteriors of the shop fronts, Boston
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Boston.
The Bennets, the Bridgertons, and Now You: Assembly Rooms Past and Present
Mentions The Assembly Rooms
Regency romance has returned to our screens with the likes of Bridgerton and a flurry of Austen adaptions.
Where to Find Egyptian Style Architecture in England
Mentions Freemasons' Hall
‘Egyptomania’ was the height of fashion in Regency England. Here are some of the places you can see its impact.
5 Memorials that Chart Life and Loss in the First World War
Mentions Skirbeck War Memorial
There are few towns or villages in Britain that do not have a public memorial to commemorate those who died in the First World War; a sobering...
A Brief Introduction to Boston, Lincolnshire
Mentions Parish Church of St Botolph, Shodfriars Hall, Guildhall and attached gate
With its two marketplaces and ancient warehouses, Boston is full of rich heritage.
The National Pipe Archive
Mentions Boston
Historic England funding enables online access to digital resources and guidance notes from the National Pipe Archive.
Historic England Uses Cutting Edge Technology at York Minster
Mentions Boston
Historic England and York Minster have joined forces to showcase some of the cutting-edge technology available to heritage sites facing disaster.
Historic England Research and Place: the Past and the Future
Mentions Boston
John Cattell, Head of Research at Historic England sets the strategic context for recent research into England's Historic places.
Made in England, but Do We Know It? New Poll Reveals We Attribute Key Moments in English History to Other Nations
Mentions Boston
Help us create a list of the 100 places which best tell the story of England and its impact on the world
Boston's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Willer & Rileys Factory, Boston, Lincolnshire
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
Exterior view of the Willer & Riley's Factory in Boston, Lincolnshire showing vehicles.
Willer & Rileys Factory, Boston, Lincolnshire
The Mill, Donington Road, Kirton, Lincolnshire
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This tower mill was built in 1833. It was built to replace a post mill and worked until c1936 when the sails were removed.
The Mill, Donington Road, Kirton, Lincolnshire
Strait Bargate, Boston, Lincolnshire
Period: World War Two (1939 - 1945)
A view along Strait Bargate towards the War Memorial on Bargate Green. This photograph was taken during WW2 and a soldier can be seen in uniform.
Strait Bargate, Boston, Lincolnshire
St Botolphs Church, Church Close, Boston, Lincolnshire
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
The 'Boston Stump', the tower of the Church of St Botolph viewed from the River Witham. The river is clearly tidal at this point.
St Botolphs Church, Church Close, Boston, Lincolnshire
St Botolphs Church, Church Close, Boston, Lincolnshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This view shows the church before 1862 when a statue of Herbert Ingram was put up in front of the church.
St Botolphs Church, Church Close, Boston, Lincolnshire
St Botolphs Church, Boston, Lincolnshire
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
The West tower has the famous octagonal lantern called the 'Boston Stump'. Work on the tower started in 1450 and was completed in 1520.
St Botolphs Church, Boston, Lincolnshire
Pillbox, Freiston, Lincolnshire
Period: World War Two (1939 - 1945)
This pillbox is one of several strategically located defensive systems on the coastline. It is concrete and dates from World War II.
Pillbox, Freiston, Lincolnshire
Odeon Cinema, South Square, Boston, Lincolnshire
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
Built in 1937 for Odeon, the first screening was 'Dark Journey' starring Onrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh.
Odeon Cinema, South Square, Boston, Lincolnshire
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