Blyton is a village and civil parish within the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. It is situated approximately 4 miles (6 km) north-east from Gainsborough. From Blyton the village of Laughton lies to the north, and Pilham to the south-east, while the course of the River Trent runs nearby to the west.
Blyton had a population of 1,086 (including Thonock) in the 2001 census,[1] increasing to 1,383 at the 2011 census.[2]
History
According to A Dictionary of British Place Names Blyton derives from a combination of the Old Norse and Old EnglishBligr+ton, meaning "farmstead of a man called Bligr".[3] The settlement is listed in the Domesday Book as "Blitone".[4]
During the Second World War, Blyton was home to the bomber airfield RAF Blyton, just north-east of the village. It was abandoned in 1954. The B1205 road skirts the southern border of the old airfield, and the A159 runs through its western edge. Today the airfield has been converted into Blyton Raceway for motor sports and karting.
The Grade I listed Anglican church, established in the 11th century, is dedicated to St Martin.[6] The lower parts of the tower are Norman and sections of the aisle are Early English. The chancel was rebuilt in 1877, but retains a window from c.1300. The font is of Perpendicular style. The north wall of the chancel bears an inscription to the children (d.1613 and 1615) of Sir John Wray.[7]