Named after the “alder trees growing by the ford” and granted a market charter by King Edward I in 1283, Alford became the market town serving the rural community with markets on Tuesdays and Fridays, cattle markets (now finished) and latterly craft markets. The ford in question is now a bridge, and the Wold Grift “stream” flows into Alford alongside the Manor House and runs underground to emerge near South Market Place car park. Linking into it is the Old Mill Rundle Drain which runs alongside the Memorial Park. The buildings in town represent most of the architectural periods since the 14th century and the centre of town is a Conservation Area. The Market Place was given a complete makeover, and a marble fountain, commemorating Queen Victoria and fed by a natural spring exists in North Market Place.
Corn Exchange
Built in 1856 at a cost of £1,400 (Kellys directory 1896), the building bears the Hamilton family motto “Ride Through”. A Grade II listed building used as the Civic Offices of the Town Council and for functions and events.
Built in 1856 at a cost of £1,400 (Kellys directory 1896), the building bears the Hamilton family motto “Ride Through”. A Grade II listed building used as the Civic Offices of the Town Council and for functions and events.
Manor House
Owned and run by the Alford Civic Trust the Manor House was extensively refurbished over many years, and now serves as a museum and venue for a variety of functions from weddings to birth ceremonies. Venue for the May and August Craft Market.
Owned and run by the Alford Civic Trust the Manor House was extensively refurbished over many years, and now serves as a museum and venue for a variety of functions from weddings to birth ceremonies. Venue for the May and August Craft Market.
St Wilfrids Church
Built around 1350 it is the town’s oldest building, built to replace the earlier church on site since 1150. The grammar school began life here in a school room above the porch.
Built around 1350 it is the town’s oldest building, built to replace the earlier church on site since 1150. The grammar school began life here in a school room above the porch.
Alford Windmill
Set on the approach to Alford from Mablethorpe and still milling flour, the Windmill is a well known emblem of the town. Built in 1815 and the sole survivor of four mills in Alford. Now open to the public with tea rooms and antiques.
Set on the approach to Alford from Mablethorpe and still milling flour, the Windmill is a well known emblem of the town. Built in 1815 and the sole survivor of four mills in Alford. Now open to the public with tea rooms and antiques.
Memorial Park
Formerly known as “The Rec” and given to trustees as a Childrens Play Park, the area was subject to extensive refurbishment since 2000 and is now the town’s Memorial Park, named as a dedication to those who died in WW II
Formerly known as “The Rec” and given to trustees as a Childrens Play Park, the area was subject to extensive refurbishment since 2000 and is now the town’s Memorial Park, named as a dedication to those who died in WW II
Sir Robert Christopher - together with his wife Dame Elizabeth, responsible for the Manor House.
Captain John Smith - explorer, first governor of Virginia USA (immortalised by film Pocahontas) - born in Willoughby near Alford and educated at Alford Grammar.
Sir Gilbert Scott - designed improvements to St Wilfrids and also designed St Pancras Station and Albert Memorial.
Thomas Paine - Author Rights of Man & Age of Reason, excise officer 1764 from Windmill Hotel emigrated to America 1774.
Anne Hutchinson - Alford born in 1851, emigrated to America 1638 and became first woman preacher there.
Mr Beeching - closed the railway in Alford.
High Street
Shortest High Street in the land.
Conlie
Twinned with Alford, Conlie is a French village with a population of around 2000.
www.alfordtwinning.co.uk
Shortest High Street in the land.
Conlie
Twinned with Alford, Conlie is a French village with a population of around 2000.
www.alfordtwinning.co.uk