| Sutton Bridge is a small town in South Lincolnshire. It has a population of approximately 4000 and is situated at the junction of three counties, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire and is 3 miles from The Wash. Its' busy swing bridge spans the tidal River Nene and serves as a link between the counties. However, as little as 200 years ago, this area was salt marsh which has since been reclaimed from the sea bit by bit as the land was drained. 3 bridges have been built to span the Nene, the existing bridge (which was built in 1897) being the third. It was established as both a road and railway bridge. In 1959 the rail line was closed down and the bridge took on it's present day functions.The bridge often swings open to allow ships through to the port at Wisbech. The first short lived port was opened and closed in 1881 due to it collapsing. This was succeeded in 1987 by the present thriving Port Sutton Bridge.
The Anglican Church is dedicated to St. Matthew and is the only flintstone church in Lincolnshire. It was consecrated on 29th August, 1843.
On the East and west banks of the river mouth are two lighthouses built in 1831 to commemorate the opening of the outfall cut of the River Nene. These were never functional as lighthouses but act as markers for shipping. The East Bank lighthouse was once the home of Sir Peter Scott, the well known artist and conservationist after whom the coastal walk to Kings Lynn was named. Sutton Bridge is the hub of a busy arable farming community, it is fortunate in having several food processing factories and there is a gas powered power station as well, which provides employment for local people. In this area there are several British and American air bases. RAF Holbeach is situated in The Wash and a tornado jet recently crashed on the mudflats of The Wash whilst on a training exercise. It is possible just four or so miles away to sit on the sea defence bank and watch planes from Britain, Europe and the U.S, only 200 metres or so away, practise on RAF Holbeach bombing range. The planes actually fly at eye level with us, as we are on the bank and they are above the sea.   If you are enjoying this site, please show your appreciation by clicking the button above Thanks |