Caythorpe, Lincolnshire

Caythorpe is a village and civil parish in the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, England. The population at 2011 census was 1,374. It is situated on the A607, approximately 3 miles (5 km) south from Leadenham and 9 miles (14 km) north from Grantham. Caythorpe Heath stretches east of the village to Ermine Street and Byards Leap.

Arnhem Heritage:

Caythorpe is known for the soldiers based in the village during the Second World War. The 1st Airborne Signals Regiment took part in Operation Market Garden and fought for the bridges of Arnhem against the Nazis. Survivors of the Battle of Arnhem return to the village every late summer with the 216 Signals Regiment for Arnhem Weekend. There is a church service held in Saint Vincents Church, a Gala, parade through the village of the veterans and soldiers and other events in the village. The Paratroopers HQ was Holy Cross House to the south of the village which no longer stands (which was known to be haunted by ‘the grey lady’), now there is a small housing estate. There is a stained glass window memorial in Saint Vincents Church.

Anglo-Saxon and Norman History:

Before the Norman Conquest, Aelric (son of Mergeat) was the lord of the parish. After the Conquest of England by William the Conqueror the lord (as recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book) was Robert de Vessey. He was most likely rewarded with land by King William I after the invasion as he didn't own land prior. The Domesday Book noted that Caythorpe was in the hundred of Lovden and had a population of 172 (top 20% of settlements recorded).