Theddlethorpe History Club

The loss of Mablethorpe St Peter's Church in 1287

Mablethorpe St Peter's

The parish of Mablethorpe St Peter's was part of the Northern part of Mablethorpe about 400 yards East of Bleak House and the current dunes line on the Theddlethorpe border. It could have been built of stone around 1230 but it is more than likely a wooden structure existed long before this. However the sea, before the 1200s was well back from the present water line - perhaps a mile east to judge from extensive grants of pasture rights to the seaward side of the bank. During the 13 century tides became higher and flooding was a serious problem.

On the 31st December/ 1st January 1287 a flood was recorded by the Louth Chronicles who said "The church of St Peters of Mablethorpe was torn apart by the waves" . This was confirmed by the Hagnaby Abbey Chronicles. The same Chronicler also recorded that on St Hillary's day (13th January) The sea overran the coastal area when the church of St Peters of Mablethorpe was wholly destroyed. He also went on to say that in the year 1288 (4th February) a flood reached Maltby Field and totally destroyed the church of St Peter. On that day many men perished along with an unknown number of cattle. Also on the 14th August the sea caused very great damage in Mablethorpe.

In 1290 the bishop of Lincoln instructed the Arch Deacon of Lincoln to allow Robert of Waddington, Chaplin, to collect tithes to have the church rebuilt.

In August 35 * note it does not say which 35. The sea again broke through the banks of Mablethorpe and along the nearby coast causing a flood which drowned sheep and crops and lasted 2 or more days.

We hear no more until the 16th Century. However, Mablethorpe must have been under threat. In 1425 the sea banks were breached and a greater part of the town was submerged.

In 1540 the church and Chancel was swallowed by the sea . This seems to have brought a complete end to the rebuilding of the church of St Peter's. The sea had won.