The second largest county in England, Lincolnshire is possibly one of the most rural.

The pace of life is altogether relaxed. Sunday tends to be very much still a traditional day of rest, with only shops in the larger towns and resorts opening. Some towns and villages still observe the traditional half-day closing on afternoons!

With often large distances between towns and villages, but they have maintained their individual community spirit. Most have shops, pubs, local halls and local churches that will host a variety of activities – social and business - for residents

The county originated when the territory of the ancient Kingdom of Lindsey merged with the borough of Stamford and was called 'Lindsey', as noted in the Domesday Book. However, separate administrations later split the running of the county into three parts until 1974 when all three joined. The northern Boroughs, including Scunthorpe Municipal and Grimsby County became part of Humberside, along with most of the East Riding of Yorkshire.

However, in 1996, a further initiative abolished Humberside, and south of the Humber became North and North East Lincolnshire respectively, (although for policing purposes are part of the Yorkshire and the Humber region).

The remaining districts are Boston, East Lindsey, Lincoln, South Holland, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, and West Lindsey.

The main cities and towns, in order of size, are: Lincoln, Grantham, Grimsby, Boston, Scunthorpe, Spalding, Stamford, Skegness, Louth, Sleaford, Gainsborough, Brigg, Cleethorpes, Bourne, Horncastle and Mablethorpe. Of course, several of these are on the East Coast of the county bordering the North Sea.

Market Rasen shot to fame on 27th February 2008 when one of the largest earthquakes in Britain for many years - reaching 5.3 on the Richter scale.

The often lower property prices and the more relaxed pace of life retired persons from other parts of the United Kingdom relocating to Lincolnshire. Many of the services, activities and events in the county reflect this trend. Sleaford is one of the fastest growing towns in the East Midlands, and many professional people are moving there.

Those born in the area are sometimes nicknamed “Yellowbellies”, the term believed to have derive from the uniform of the Regiment when they wore a very bright yellow waistcoat.

Some of the famous people to come from the county include scientist Isaac Newton, poet Alfred Tennyson, former prime minister Margaret Thatcher and Elton John lyricist Bernie Taupin, Henry Bolingbroke, who became King Henry IV and John and Charles Wesley, the founders of Methodism.

Lincolnshire