RASEN (MARKET), a market-town and parish in
the southern division of the hundred of WALSHCROFT,
parts of LINDSEY, county of LINCOLN, 12 miles (N. E.)
from Lincoln, and 144 (N.) from London, containing
1166 inhabitants. This town is situated near the
source of the river Ancholme, on a small stream, called
the Rase, whence it derives its name, and has a very
neat appearance; the surrounding country is beautiful
and fertile. The market is on Tuesday; and a fair is
held on the 25th of September. The living is a discharged
vicarage, in the archdeaconry and diocese of
Lincoln, rated in the king's books at £10, and in the
patronage of the Crown: the incumbent is entitled to
the tythe on ale brewed in this parish. The chureh, dedicated
to St. Thomas, is a commodious- edifice, with an
embattled tower, the upper windows of which are of a
curious form, having a pointed arch, divided into two
pointed lights, and a quatrefoil head; a strong mullion
runs up the centre, crossed by a transom, terminating at
the imposts. On the south side of the tower is a representation
of Adam and Eve under a fruit tree, on the
trunk of which is the dart of death. There are places
of worship for Independents and Wesleyan Methodistsi
also a Roman Catholic chapel. A National school was
erected in 1822, at which period the revenue of the free
grammar school, of unknown foundation, amounting to
£25 per annum, was appropriated towards its support.
Sir George St. Paul, of Snarford, having bequeathed £40
per annum, arising out of lands, for the support of
eight poor bachelors or widowers, three of whom must
be of this parish, and £100 towards the erection of an
almshouse for them, the design was carried into effect
by his widow, afterwards Countess of Warwick, who, at
her own cost, furnished eight apartments, besides a
chamber' for the sick.