Swinstead is a village and civil parish in the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire. It is situated 5 miles (8.0 km) west from Bourne, 9 miles (14.5 km) north from Stamford and 11 miles (17.7 km) south-east from Grantham. It is a village of just over 120 households, the population of the civil parish being measured at 234 in the 2011 census.
Swinstead Parish Church is dedicated to St Mary. St Mary’s church contains some monuments to the Ancaster family from Grimsthorpe Castle, notably to the last Duke, 1809.
Swinstead village Cross is a good example of the stepped base of a medieval
standing cross. Situated at a road junction in the village centre it is
believed to stand in or near its original position. Limited development of the
area immediately surrounding the cross indicates that archaeological deposits
relating to the monument's construction and use in this location are likely to
survive intact. The cross survives in good condition, having continued in use
as a public monument and amenity from medieval times to the present day.
Swinstead Hall on a hillside overlooking the village and 19th century Dower House to Grimsthorpe Castle, now known as Swinstead Hall, stands the handsome towered Vanbrugh designed Summer House.
The Summer House was designed as part of Swinstead House built by Vanbrugh in the early part of the 18th century and later taken down. The Summer House and one of the service buildings – the old brew and bake house, used as a village school in the 19th and 20th centuries are the only standing parts left of Swinstead House. Vanbrugh’s Swinstead House was built to enlarge and incorporate an older former Swinstead House for the Ancaster family.
Along Swinstead High Street parts of Swinstead House can be seen re-used in some
of the houses.
The village’s last public house closed in 2008, and the nearest amenities are 2 miles (3.2 km) away at Corby Glen. Adjacent villages include Creeton, Swayfield and Grimsthorpe.
