A Guide 2 Long Sutton

Description:

Long Sutton is a small market town situated near Spalding, close to the borders of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

With a population of more than 6,000, many shops and businesses and a busy street market every Friday this is a vibrant community, with a broad demographic mix.

Its selction of antiques shops form part of a Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge antiques trail and visitors can learn more about the story of King John, who is said to have lost the Crown Jewels in Long Sutton in 1215, by following a cycle trail.

Historically Long Sutton can trace its origins back to Norman times and possibly to the 9th century.

It has links with John of Gaunt and the legendary Dick Turpin. The Parish Church of St Mary was founded towards the end of the 12th century and boasts a unique lead covered wood spire.

Architecturally there are some fine domestic buildings from the 18th century, reflecting the town's prosperity.

Today Long Sutton has all the facilities associated with a small town, including primary and secondary schools, a medical centre, dentist, library etc.

A regular bus service runs to Spalding and feeder mini-coaches connect to it from the outlying villages.

For the sporty there are football, hockey and bowls clubs and many other recreational clubs and societies. A number of footpaths lead from the town into the neighbouring countryside.

The town boasts two public parks with children's play areas and a recently installed skate park.

The annual Flower Festival takes place in the parish church and attracts many people from far and near to see the high standard of flower arranging. Each year Long Sutton takes part in Britain in Bloom and throughout the summer the town is decked with flowers.