The register dates from 1561. {180a} The communion plate consists of a cup, with inscription “Ashby Chappell, 1758;” a paten presented by “Elizabeth Pierce, Christmas Day, 1841,” and flagon, given by the same, in 1859. She was the wife of the Vicar of that day, the Rev. W. M. Pierce, and an authoress. In the churchyard are the tombstones of John Thistlewood and his wife; he was brother of the Cato Street conspirator, and died at Louth, having formerly resided at Ashby and Wispington. The late William Elmhirst, Esq., bought the lands here formerly belonging to the Bishops of Carlisle, and erected a handsome and substantial residence, in well-wooded grounds; which in later years passed by purchase to the Booth family, by whom it, and the estates attached, are now owned. It is at present occupied by Dr. and Mrs. Newstead. The Elmhirsts are at present represented by H. R. Elmhirst, Esq., son of the late General Charles Elmhirst, C.B., who resides at The Grove. HIGH TOYNTON. High Toynton is situated about 1½ miles from Horncastle, in an easterly direction, on the road to Partney and Spilsby. It would seem to have been formerly, like West Ashby, an appendage to the Manor of Horncastle. The old record {180b} says (as already quoted under West Ashby) “The church of Horncastre, and of Askeby, and of Upper Thinton, and of Maringes (Mareham), and of Hinderby, are of the gift of the lord,” _i.e._ the Lord of the Manor. As thus not being a separate manor, it is barely more than mentioned in _Domesday Book_, where it is called Todintune, and Tedingtone. Queen Editha, wife of Edward the Confessor, would be Lady of the Manor; but William the Conqueror took possession and held lands here, in demesne, with tenants and dependants.