Crowland (5mi/8km south of Spalding; pop. 2,900) is famous for the Benedictine Abbey which King Ethelbald of Mercia built over the grave of a hermit in the eighth century. Of the church there survive the beautiful 12th century west front (begun 1170 in Early English Perpendicular style), with old statues; a Norman arch from the crossing; the bell
-tower (1427), from which there are extensive views : and the north aisle, now used as the parish church.
Crowland is also home to the notable Trinity Bridge, a triangular bridge built between 1360 and 1390. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll on the footpaths along the River Welland.