Boston in Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Wide Bargate

Photographed by Ray Gurganus

1. Wide Bargate Marker

Inscription. Situated to the north of the historic port and market town of Boston, Wide Bargate is an open and airy space that is surrounded by many fine examples of Georgian buildings from the 1700's Historically it was the main overland route into town from the north, a Toll Bar was located here which required a fee to be paid to pass it. This gave rise to the name 'Bargate'.

The central wide space was home to large livestock markets and fairs, which took place throughout its history, a reminder of the time when Boston's medieval wealth was based on the trade in Lincolnshire Longwool fleeces. The May Sheep Fairs filled Wide Bargate with sheep pens from one side to the other, with sheep being brought from miles around to be traded. The Boston artist George Northouse, who lived close by, famously records this scene in the 1840 painting 'Boston Sheepfair'.

The Georgian buildings that surround Wide Bargate reflect a time when Boston had become very wealthy through changes in agriculture and in addition to trading livestock, the town provided one third of London's demand for grain from granaries situated along the riverside.

The trade in livestock from the area now known as the Cattlemarket ceased in the 1970's and it became a space for car parking and hosting part of the annual Mayfair. The Bargate Green area continues to host a weekly market and auction, the two spaces are separated by the appropriately. named 'Pen Street' again reflecting the rich history of this fabulous space.

Erected by Boston Borough Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 52° 58.87′ N, 0° 1.197′ W. Marker is in Boston, England, in Lincolnshire. It is on Wide Bargate. The marker is part of a larger informational sign close

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to the Bargate Roundabout. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Wide Bargate, Boston, England, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Central Park (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Strait Bargate (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Reverend John Cotton and Boston's American Legacy (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Puritan Vision (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Boston: A Short Introduction (approx. 0.8 kilometers away).

Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on October 2, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.