Hemswell

Hemswell is a village and civil parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. It is located approximately 13 miles (21 km) north-east from the city of Lincoln.

History

Hemswell's history dates back to the Roman era, with evidence of Roman settlement in the area. The name "Hemswell" is believed to derive from the Old English "Hemel's well" or "Hemel's spring."

In the Domesday Book of 1086, Hemswell is recorded as "Hecheswell." The manor was held by various families throughout the centuries.

RAF Hemswell

During the Second World War, RAF Hemswell was a major Bomber Command station. It opened in 1937 and housed several squadrons of heavy bombers, including Wellingtons, Lancasters, and Avro Lincolns. After the war, it was used as a Thor missile site during the Cold War. The airfield closed in 1967. Today, the former RAF Hemswell site is home to a thriving industrial estate and a popular Sunday market.

Modern Hemswell

The village of Hemswell is relatively small and rural. Modern Hemswell is largely shaped by its proximity to the former RAF base. The industrial estate provides employment opportunities, and the Sunday market attracts visitors from across the region. The parish includes the hamlets of Harpswell and Spital-in-the-Street. The parish church is dedicated to All Saints.