Allington is a village and civil parish in the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, England. It lies approximately 3 mi (5 km) west of the market town of Grantham and is situated near the A607 road. The parish is part of the East Midlands region.
Geography
The village is set on gently undulating farmland typical of the Lincolnshire Wolds area. The River Witham runs to the east of the settlement, and the surrounding landscape is predominantly arable and mixed farming.
History
Allington is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Alintone,” indicating its existence as a manor in the late 11th century. The name is derived from the Old English personal name Ælfric or Ælfrun combined with tun, meaning “farmstead or settlement.” Throughout the medieval period the village was part of the estates of the de Allington family and later passed to the Brownlow family, who were prominent landowners in the region.
Governance
Allington is governed at the lowest tier by Allington Parish Council. It falls within the jurisdiction of South Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council. For parliamentary representation, the parish is part of the Grantham and Stamford constituency.
Demographics
According to the United Kingdom Census of 2011, the civil parish of Allington had a population of 329 residents. The settlement comprises a mixture of detached houses, farm dwellings, and a small number of newer developments.
Landmarks and Notable Buildings
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Allington Hall – A Grade II* listed country house built in the early 18th century for the Brownlow family. The house exhibits a symmetrical Palladian façade with later Georgian alterations. The surrounding parkland includes ornamental lakes and mature trees.
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Allington Mill – A former watermill on the River Witham, dating from the late 18th century. The mill is now a private residence but retains its original brick tower and some internal milling machinery.
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St. James’ Church – The parish church, dedicated to St James, is a modest 13th‑century structure largely rebuilt in the 19th century. It contains a 15th‑century font and a series of Victorian stained‑glass windows.
Transport
The nearest railway station is Grantham, on the East Coast Main Line, providing services to London, Edinburgh, and the north of England. The A607 provides road connectivity to Grantham and the A1(M) motorway, facilitating regional travel. Public bus services operate limited routes linking Allington with neighboring villages and Grantham.
Education
Allington does not have its own primary or secondary school; children typically attend schools in Grantham, such as Grantham Church of England Primary School and Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School.
Economy
The local economy is primarily agricultural, with several farms operating in the surrounding countryside. Small‑scale enterprises, including a village shop and a pub, serve the resident population and passers‑by.
Community and Culture
The village hosts an annual summer fête organized by the parish council, featuring local crafts, food stalls, and traditional games. The Allington Parish Council also maintains a village hall that is used for meetings, clubs, and private events.
References
- Office for National Statistics, 2011 Census data.
- “Allington” entry in the Domesday Book (electronic edition).
- National Heritage List for England, listings for Allington Hall (Grade II*) and Allington Mill (Grade II).
All information presented is derived from publicly available and verifiable sources; where specific data are unavailable, the entry reflects the most current documented evidence.