Stowe

Stowe is mentioned in the Domesday Book as a combined civil parish with Barholm in the Ordnance Survey, although today it does not merit a mention in most gazetteers. The name comes from the Old English stöw meaning a place of assembly but today it is little more than an isolated signpost on King Street, the old Roman way, where it crosses the country road between Langtoft on the A15 and Greatford four miles south of Bourne. But it does have one notable building, an attractive mediaeval stone manor house, beautifully kept, and still in use as Stowe Farm.

In 1856, this place was equally isolated, a churchless parish consisting of only one farm of 355 acres belonging to Sir J W Smith and tenanted by William Bullock, and 14 inhabitants. White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Lincolnshire however recorded that there had been a church here dedicated to St John but when it became dilapidated in the late 18th century it was pulled down and the benefice united with  Barholm.

There are extensive sand and gravel workings south of Stowe and some of the abandoned land has been excavated to create a lake. 

There is also a legend that this place is haunted by the black dog of Stowe. The animal is supposed to have been seen by travellers passing by on the main road to Greatford and many have claimed that a huge black dog has suddenly appeared beside them and then the next minute it was gone although recent sightings have been few.

This Stowe should not be confused with Stow Green near Folkingham or Stow near Lincoln.

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