Gainsborough

Gainsborough, a market-town of Lincolnshire, on the right bank of the Trent, 21 miles above its embouchure in the Humber, and 16 miles by rail NW. of Lincoln. The parish church, with the exception of a fine old tower, dating from the 12th century, was rebuilt in 1736. The Manor House, built by John of Gaunt, now forms part of the corn exchange. The grammar-school was founded in 1589. Vessels drawing 12 feet of water can ascend the Trent to Gainsborough, which ranks as a sub-port of Grimsby. The town manufactures linseed cake and oil, malt, cordage, and machinery. Pop. (1851) 7506; (1891) 14,372. See the history by Stark (2d ed. 1843).