Owston Ferry

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The parish of Owston forms the south-east part of the Isle of Axholme, and extends along the bank of the river Trent, the river forming its eastern boundary. It comprises Owston, West Ferry, Gunthorpe, Heckdyke and Melwood. Topographically, the land is mixed, the soil next to the river being rich and fertile but changing on the higher ground to strong clay. Most of the low grounds in this parish have been improved by the process of warping

The parish church, is situated at the Western end of the village of Owston Ferry, is dedicated to St. Martin, Until their reported removal to Burton upon Stather the remains of several members of the Sheffield family were interred. here. The Sheffields occupied a large estate within this parish and it was Sir Robert Sheffield who built a castle at neighbouring West Butterwick, then a part of this parish, in the late 15th century. On the south side of the Church the mound still remains of a "motte and bailey" castle, said to have been built shortly after the Conquest and held at one time by the powerful Mowbray family. It was taken by Geoffrey, Bishop elect of Lincoln, in 1174, on behalf of Henry the Second and was later destroyed. This particular site is known locally as Kinniard's Castle, from the original place name. Until the early 1940's the village ferry was in constant use.

The famous tidal bore known locally as the "Aegir" is seen to good effect from the banks of the Trent at Owston Ferry and can seen at its best in early Spring and late Autumn.

Low Melwood in this parish is the site of a Carthusian monastery, founded during the reign of Richard the Second. Very little remains of its existence but the moat which encircled the building is still evident and can be viewed from the roadway on the approach to Epworth.The present Primary School, St. Martin's Church of England School" on Burnham Road was built in 1966. The old school, situated in the Hgh Street, has now been converted into a private residence but still retains much of its original architecture.The river trade links with the ports of Gainsborough and Hull are long finished, a few of the warehouses still survive on riverside but are no longer used for waterway business.

St Martins Church

St Martins C of E primary school

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The Smithy

The Old Smithy on the High Street of Owston Ferry is just as it would have been in 1958 when its owner left the building. Owned by the Laming family the building was left undisturbed until 1989 when the Owston Ferry Society decided to open it as a village museum and heritage centre. Visitors will find the forge, including the grime, just as it would have been, and unusually two forges, with an array of fascinating tools and equipment.

A pleasant courtyard displays hand-made agricultural machinery that would have been used locally and up the stairs an intriguing museum provides an insight into living and working in Owston Ferry, with many items from the villages past and an impressive collection of photographs.