Hickling

The conservation area contains 25 Listed Buildings or structures and was first designated in 1990. There was then a review of the Hickling Conservation Area appraisal in 2008 when the boundaries were changed to include a listed building and the gardens and paddocks associated with many of the older buildings. This inclusion tripled the size of the conservation area expanding it from 13.5 hectares to 40 hectares. The revised boundary now includes the Grade 2 Listed Elm House and many of the small fields and paddocks which immediately abut the village.

The boundary encloses almost all the village and is characterised by an unusually long main street with little lateral development. There is no village core but interesting groups of traditional houses, for example around Holme Farm, and the Rectory, add interest.

A number of working farms, particularly in the northern part of Hickling, are also important to the overall character. Grantham Canal crosses Main Street at its northern end where a large Wynding basin provides an attractive focal point. The scenic tow path and basin are popular with walkers and anglers.

The largely 14th century church of St Luke underwent 3 major periods of restoration in the 1800’s. Inside its charming, tinted stone walls is one of only two priest brasses in the county dated 1521. There is also a mid-10th century Saxon coffin lid. The churchyard contains eight groups of 18th century Listed headstones and tombs with over 50 graves included.

For further advice, contact Design and Conservation.