Julian's Bower

On the Western side of the village of Alkborough is a medieval turf maze. It was first recorded on this site in 1697 and is known locally as Julian’s Bower. This maze lies in a small basin-like depression on a small plateau, where nearby once stood a Benedictine monastery,1080 to 1220 AD.

View of the Maze Mike Fuller

It stands on a hillside overlooking the River Ouse and River Trent, with an earthwork known as Countess Close above it. No-one knows who originally cut this 12 metre maze or when although several theories exist. There is an information plaque in a wall nearby which gives an explanation.

Interestingly, the nearby Alkborough church has a copy of the maze inlaid into its porch floor, and this is used as a template for the periodic re-cutting of the turf. There is also a copy in the east window, while a short distance away in the cemetery a stone cross marks the grave of J. Goulton-Constable which also bears a copy of it.

Whatever its origins it has played an important part in the lives of the locals, and games are known to have been played here on May Eve until well into the 19th century.

Information Plaque Gordon Kneale Brooke

Location: Julian's Bower, Alkborough, Lincolnshire Grid Reference: SE879217 Ceremonial County: Lincolnshire Map Link: StreetMap  Aerial photo: Google Map Getting there: From the B1430 follow the road to Alkborough, turning left into Tee Lane following the road round, after about 2 miles bear left into Walcot Road, in village through gates off of Back Street. Access: From the village through a large gate and across a field. Website: www.stone-circles.org.uk/stone/juliansbower.htm Other Useful Websites: www.alkboroughandwalcot.co.uk   Wiki Email: Address: Postcode: DN15 Telephone: Opening Times: All the time Charges: Free Nearby Locations: Normanby Hall Country Park Other Location Pages: Lincolnshire's Top Attractions Notes:

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