St Giles

Stephen Langton was instrumental in the sealing of Magna Carta. He was sympathetic to the rebel Barons' cause and met with them in 1213 and 1214. He was able to influence many clauses in the document itself. At Runnymede on the 15th of June 1215, Archbishop Langton was in attendance as one of the King's Commissioners, along with Hugh of Wells who he had consecrated as Bishop of Lincoln in 1209. He witnessed King John seal Magna Carta. Copies were made to be sent across the land, including one inscribed 'Lincolnia.’ This copy still remains in Lincoln today, being housed in Lincoln Castle.

A 16.5 mile ‘Stephen Langton Trail’ is a fitting honour to Lincolnshire's connections to Magna Carta. Taking in the meandering and picturesque countryside it is a chance maybe to walk in the footsteps of those involved in its signing and to see the document for yourself.

A church is likely to have stood on the site since medieval times; the first recorded incumbent dating from 1215. St Giles church is a mixture of Victorian and medieval styles. The oldest part is the impressive perpendicular tower, probably dates from the 14th century. Although there are records of incumbents dating from 1215. The stained glass east window depicts the birth, death and resurrection of Christ. A second stained glass widow depicts Stephen Langton. Whilst at the church take a visit around the churchyard, it is reputed that two of the tombs are those of Crusaders.