What is special about the Winterton conservation area?
Winterton, once a thriving market town, is now mostly residential. But the relationship with the countryside by the integration of farm buildings and glimpses of the surrounding landscape is an essential part of its character.
The buildings in the Winterton conservation area span several centuries, but they are united by a predominant use of local limestone, brick and tiles. The informal streets are defined by properties, which generally front directly onto them. The earlier houses date from the 17th century but most of the historic buildings are late Georgian town houses.
History
Remains of a Roman settlement were discovered nearby in the 18th century, but the evidence in the town points to Saxon and medieval origins. There is Saxon masonry in the tower of All Saints Church, while the long narrow plots, necessary to achieve a compact plan around the High Street, date from the middle ages.
In the late 18th and 19th centuries, Winterton expanded dramatically as a result of the prosperity brought about by agricultural improvements. This made it a market town of regional significance. However, it was eclipsed by the even more dramatic rise of Scunthorpe in the late 19th century. This saw the regional headquarters of the Lincolnshire Constabulary move from Winterton to Scunthorpe in 1895.
Now, the loose-knit town, with a distinct emphasis on east-west streets, has been infilled by successive phases of development. This development continued well into the 20th century, making the town a provider of local housing needs, rather than employment.