Directory: Whites Gazeteer and directory of Lincolnshire 1842

CROWLE, a small market-town near the channel of the old river Don, 6 miles N.of Epworth, and 17 miles N. by W. of Gainsbro', increased its habitants from 1889, in 1831, to 2235 souls, in 1841, and has in its township about 6000 acres of land, including the hamlet of Ealand, 1 mile S.E.; Crowle Wharf, on the Stainforth and Keadby canal 1. 1/4 mile S. of the town; and about 500 acres of moorland, laying within the Yorkshire border, and assessed to the county- rates of the West-Riding, though there is no dwelling upon it. Crowle parish includes also Eastoft township, and many parts of it has been fertilized by the warping process. Its market, formerly held every Saturday, is now only held every Monday fortnight, during the months of March, April and May. Here are two annual fairs for cattle, flax, &e., held on the last Monday in May, and on Nov. 23rd, or old Martinmus day; and another was formerly held on Sept. 4th. The old Don is now only a small brook, but the surrounding country is so intersected on every side by drains, canals, and embankments, as to give it the appearance of a Dutch settlement. Earl Manvers is lord of the manor of Crowle, but the greater part of the soil belongs to numerous freeholders and copyholders; the later subject to fines, varying from 1. 1/2 to 1. 3/4 years' annual value. Among the principal owners are the Lightfoot, Brunyee, Maw, Johnson, Margrave, Drury, and other families. In 1747, the body of a woman was found at the depth of six feet, in the Peat Moor, near Crowle, in an erect position; and though, from the antique sandals on her feet, she appeared to have been there several centuries, her hair and nails were as fresh as when living; and the skin was soft and strong, though of a tawny colour.