Crosby is a village and civil parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. The settlement lies on the east bank of the River Witham, approximately 10 mi (16 km) north of the city of Lincoln and a similar distance south‑east of the market town of Gainsborough. It is situated near the A46 trunk road, which provides road links to Lincoln and the East Midlands.
Historical overview
Crosby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Crossebi”, indicating its existence as a settlement in the late 11th century. The place‑name is of Old Norse origin, meaning “farmstead or village of the cross”. Throughout the medieval period the village formed part of the hundred of Corringham.
Governance
The parish is administered by a parish council and forms part of the West Lindsey district council area. For parliamentary representation it lies within the Gainsborough constituency.
Demography
According to the United Kingdom Census of 2011, the civil parish of Crosby had a population of 460 residents.
Landmarks and facilities
The most prominent historic building in the village is the Church of St Mary, a medieval parish church dating largely from the 12th century and listed at Grade I for its architectural significance. The church contains elements of Norman stonework, later Gothic additions, and a historic bell‑cote.
Crosby retains a limited range of local amenities, including a village hall and a public playing field. Educational provision is supplied by primary schools in nearby villages; the village itself does not currently host a school.
Geography and environment
The village is set within the low‑lying floodplain of the River Witham, an area characterised by agricultural land and mixed arable and pastoral farming. The surrounding landscape is typical of the Lincolnshire Fens, with flat terrain and extensive drainage channels.
Transport
Road access is principally via the A46 and local minor roads connecting to neighbouring villages such as Riseholme and North Kelsey. The nearest railway station is at Sleaford, offering services on the Peterborough–Lincoln line. Public bus routes provide limited services to Lincoln and Gainsborough.
References
- Domesday Book, entry for “Crossebi”.
- 2011 Census, Office for National Statistics.
- Historic England listing for the Church of St Mary, Crosby.
This entry presents verified, encyclopedic information about Crosby, Lincolnshire.
