Spital‑in‑the‑Street is a small hamlet in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. It lies on the A15 road, which follows the route of the Roman Ermine Street, approximately 12 mi (19 km) north of the city of Lincoln, 9 mi (14 km) east of Gainsborough and about 1 mi (1.6 km) north of the A15/A631 junction at Caenby Corner. The settlement is split by the modern A15, placing its western part within the civil parish of Hemswell Cliff and its eastern part in the parish of Glentham.
The name “Spital” derives from a medieval hospital or almshouse that was established on the site to aid poor travellers; such institutions were often called “spitals” (from Middle English spitel, itself from Old French hospital). The original foundation is thought to have originated as a hermitage dedicated to St Edmund, later developing into a charitable hospital with associated chapel. Historical records indicate royal licences for land and rent were granted in the early 14th century, and that a market and fair were inaugurated there in 1324.
Throughout its history the hamlet’s chapel served various ecclesiastical functions, including as the venue for the Sessions of the Kirton division of Lindsey. The hospital survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries but was eventually seized by the Crown under Elizabeth I. By the late 16th century the original structures had largely fallen into disrepair; the chapel was rebuilt in 1661 and restored again in the 19th century, while the charitable institution declined and ceased operation by the end of the 19th century.
In the modern era the hamlet consists mainly of residential dwellings and agricultural land. It falls within the LN8 postcode district (post town Market Rasen) and is served by Lincolnshire Police, the East Midlands Ambulance Service, and Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue. The nearest notable landmarks are the former Ostrich Inn and Cromwell House, both visible from the A15.
Spital‑in‑the‑Street thus represents a typical small rural settlement whose name reflects its historic role as a place of hospitality for travelers along an ancient Roman road.