Alford and The Lady in Green

Wednesday Wander 29th June 2022

Alford Manor House and the Lady in Green

A cloudy start to the mid-week wander to Alford with a stiff headwind but we had been promised some warm sunshine.

Tim Newbery and Paul Linder would depart Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre at 10.00 am and our outbound route would take us through Stewton and along Furze Lane to Legbourne. Within sight of the castle ruins at Castle Carlton, a turn southbound followed to meet up with Chris Owen at Authorpe, who would join us for the remainder of the ride.

Skies threatened sharp showers but the route to Alford proved uneventful and we were pleased to find not only Alford Manor Tea Rooms open, but a smiling Alan Hockham waiting patiently for our arrival. Refreshments were much enjoyed over a pleasant chat and catch up on the latest news. We were interested to see on the wall of the cafe a history of Alford Wheelers to include the achievements of Mick Hallam whose records still hold.

Alan would return directly home for duties but having had a suggestion from John Rickett to visit hidden churches at Rigsby and Haugh, Tim, Chris and Paul favoured a tour. By now clouds were clearing and increasing sunny skies had pushed the temperature to a very pleasant 23 degrees Celsius.

A slow climb through the attractive village of Well, cottages for all purposes looking like the scene off of a chocolate box so covered were they in abundant blooms of climbing roses. Cycle Route C4 took us alongside open fields to Rigsby where we paused to view St James’ Church tucked away as it is from the road. A first visit for Paul, the church was commissioned by the Rigsby family prior to 1086 and later sequestrated by William the Conqueror. It remains the Mother Church of Alford and Ailby.

A little further along Well High Lane and a short visit to St Leornard’s Church, Haugh. Originally the seat of the Hagh (Haugh) Family it later became the home of the Bolle family and the church, dating to the 11tc century is now little more than a monument to the Bolles.

Most famously, Sir John Bolle took part in the siege of Cadiz in 1596. It is said that a captive Donna Leonara Oviedo, a lady of noble birth, fell in love with Sir John. The Lincolnshire Knight was already married and stayed true to his wife. Retiring for the rest of her days in a nunnery, she bestowed many gifts for Sir John to take home to his wife, including a portrait of herself in a green dress. This hung at Thorpe Hall in Louth. It is said that the ‘Ghost of the Green Lady’ haunted the Hall for centuries, perhaps she still does!

A meander back to Louth followed, via Belleau, Muckton and Little Cawthorpe. A splendid 30 mile route, arriving home around 2 pm. Many thanks all. Normal service resumes next Wednesday.