Boston in Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Strait Bargate
Boston and the Water
Photographed by Ray Gurganus
1. Strait Bargate Marker
The town developed around a fording point where the coastal road around the Wash crossed the River Witham. It soon grew as a port town eventually becoming wealthy as a result of trade and opportunities presented by the water.
The port developed in the medieval period and by the late 1200s, three million sheep fleeces were being exported every year. Timber and luxury goods such as silks, furs, wine and dried fruits were brought back and sold in Boston's famous markets and fairs. Maritime trade with the Hanseatic League of Germany, Lowland Europe and the Baltic States brought great wealth to the town.
Wildfowling, fishing and summer grazing for cattle in the waterlogged fens was a way of life around Boston. The drainage and enclosure of the fens brought control of the water and led to a new age of agriculture that made the town prosperous again in the late 1700s.
The building of dykes, drains and sluices to control the water have also helped to define the modern countryside and townscape. In particular, the Grand Sluice and Black Sluice are examples of innovative Georgian engineering solutions separating the tidal Haven from the inland waterways.
Erected by Boston Borough Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 52° 58.767′ N, 0° 1.353′ W. Marker is in Boston, England, in Lincolnshire. It is on Straight Bargate. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Straight Bargate, Boston, England PE21 6QX, 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,
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Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Reverend John Cotton and Boston's American Legacy (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Central Park (about 120 meters away); The Puritan Vision (about 180 meters away); Wide Bargate (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Boston: A Short Introduction (approx. 0.6 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.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?
