Ingoldmells is a Norse word meaning “the sand dunes of Ingulf”.
Ingoldmells in the early days was of greater importance than the neighbouring town of Skegness and it is established that Henry of Bolingbroke (Henry IV) held his Courts here. The grave of William Skegness, who was Chief Steward to the Court, can be seen in the Church.
It is know that the greater part of Ingoldmells as it was then is now under the sea. Owing to the land being at sea level the sea has gradually consumed parts of the parish. At low tide stumps have been visible which have been taken to be the remains of part of the old village. Further erosion has been prevented by the erection of the concrete sea defence wall which will be so familiar to visitors. This was completed in 1929 and land which was formerly marsh has been completely reclaimed. Butlins Holiday Village at Ingoldmells stands on land which was marshland. West of the sea defence will runs the Roman Bank and prior to the building of the new sea defence wall it was the last line of defence from the sea.
At Ingoldmells Point evidence of Roman salt works were discovered when the work of building the concrete defences was being carried out. Prehistoric pottery-kilns have also been discovered during excavation work. They are about half-way between high and low water line, some 500 yards to the north of Ingoldmells Point. The remains consisted of whole kilns, circular in shape and composed mainly of fragments of rough baked pottery and burnt clay.
Ingoldmells has only a small history but a great future.
Why not visit us now? In the future you will be able to tell your grandchildren of the changes that have taken place.