Burton Coggles: Church, Architecture and Village History

Burton Coggles brings together a long village history and buildings dating from several centuries. The Church of St Thomas a Becket, a red K6 telephone kiosk and historic buildings at Manor Farm each make a distinct impression. The village also has church traditions and a described walk to Lower Bitchfield and Inglesby. This gives visitors a range of themes to consider when planning a holiday—from architecture and history to a longer walk.

Church and village history

The Church of St Thomas a Becket is listed as a Grade I building. Its fabric combines elements from the 12th, early 13th, early 14th and 17th centuries; the church was restored in 1874. This sequence makes several building phases tangible in a single structure. One distinctive detail can be found in the porch: two knight figures dating from the early 14th century stand there, depicted with crossed legs. For visitors interested in architectural history, the church offers both an overview of different periods and a specific, unusual feature.

The village’s history also reaches far back. Burton-le-Coggles was originally called “Byrton-en-les-Coggles”; the name referred to a paved road that ran through the area. Burton-le-Coggles is also mentioned in the Domesday Book. This history of the name adds another perspective to the architectural evidence: the village can be explored not only through individual buildings, but also through the development of its name.

A K6 and the buildings at Manor Farm

The K6 telephone kiosk in Burton Coggles is a Grade II listed structure. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed it in 1935; the telephone box is made of red-painted cast iron. It has a strong visual relationship with the adjoining listed barns. The K6 is therefore not only a small structure in its own right, but also has an explicitly noted connection with its built surroundings.

The Barn at Manor Farm dates from the mid-18th century. Its features include limestone rubble walls, a tiled roof and gables roofed with stone. The Pigeoncote at Manor Farm tells a different building story: it dates from the late 17th century, received additions in the mid-18th century and was altered in the 19th century. The different dates make comparison interesting: the barn’s appearance is shaped by its building materials and roof form, while the Pigeoncote is notable above all for the sequence of its origins, additions and later alterations.

Church traditions and planning a walk

The Church of St Thomas a Becket is also associated with regular events. Holy Communion is celebrated there on the first Sunday of each month. An annual Harvest Festival service and meal, as well as a Christmas carol service, are also held. If one of these traditions matters to your travel plans, check the relevant date in advance. The church’s opening times are posted outside.

For a different focus, a walking account from September 2019 describes a 9½-mile route: it leads from the village of Burton le Coggles to Lower Bitchfield and Inglesby, then back to the starting point. Check the route and access locally before setting out. The walk is a separate way to plan your stay; it should not be confused with a short walk through the village.

Burton Coggles Embankment is also among the village’s listed nature conservation features. A local overview from 2017 identifies it as a grassland site of nature conservation importance. Alongside the buildings and walking description, this landscape aspect adds a nature perspective to the historical themes.

Plan a stay to suit you

When looking for a holiday cottage in Burton Coggles, you can first consider which of these interests will shape your stay: the church’s architectural history, the building styles at Manor Farm, church events or the longer walk. Someone focused mainly on architecture will plan differently from someone for whom the route to Lower Bitchfield and Inglesby is important. For events, the specific dates matter; for the walk, the route and access should be checked in advance. This way, you can choose a place to stay to suit your planned activities without assuming that a particular property has specific amenities.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Hemswell, Wragby, Sandtoft, Gainsborough, Humberston, Hackthorn, Woodhall Spa, Cranwell.

For the main travel overview: Lincolnshire.