Stephen Langton Trail
A 15-mile long-distance path in Lincolnshire commemorating the man instrumental in the sealing of the Magna Carta. Starting from where Archbishop Stephen Langton was thought to have been born, at Langton-by-Wragby, the walk crosses Lincolnshire countryside to end at Lincoln Cathedral. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: TF 149 768
Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
Time: 6–8 hours
Duration: 1 day
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
272 Lincoln, Sleaford, Metheringham and Navenby
273 Lincolnshire Wolds South, Horncastle and Woodhall Spa
Summary
The Stephen Langton Trail is a footpath in Lincolnshire commemorating a leading figure in the creation and sealing of the Magna Carta. The trail leads from Stephen Langton’s birthplace to the historic city of Lincoln and Lincoln Castle, home to an original copy of the 1215 Magna Carta. The route leads from Langton-by-Wragby to Apley through the Lincolnshire Limewoods Nature Reserve, Thistle Storr Wood near Apley, the remains of Barlings Abbey, Fiskerton (along the Viking Way), and the River Witham Valley to Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter.
Archbishop Stephen Langton, who originated from the tiny village of Langton-by-Wragby, played a key negotiating role between King John and his barons and was instrumental in the sealing of the Magna Carta. Being sympathetic to the rebel barons’ cause, he met with them in 1213 and 1214, influencing many clauses in the document itself. Copies were made to be sent across the land, including one inscribed ‘Lincolnia’ that still remains in Lincoln today.