Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire lĭngˈkənshĭr [key], county (1991 pop. 573,900), 2,662 sq mi (6,895 sq km), E England, on the North Sea and The Wash. The county seat is Lincoln. It was formerly divided into three administrative counties: the Parts of Holland, the Parts of Kesteven, and the Parts of Lindsey. These were abolished in 1974 when Lincolnshire was reorganized as a nonmetropolitan county with seven districts: North Kesteven, South Kesteven, East Lindsey, West Lindsey, South Holland, Boston, and Lincoln. North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire, areas which were part of Humberside (1974–96), are now administratively separate boroughs.

The county is generally low and flat, with extensive marshes along the coast. It is crossed by many dikes and canals, some of which, notably the Foss Dyke, date back to Roman times. Lincolnshire is an important agricultural area; potatoes, vegetables, and sugar beets are the chief crops. The area also profits from tourism. Great Grimsby is a fishing port, and the county's industries include engineering and steelmaking. In Anglo-Saxon times, Lincolnshire was variously under the control of Mercia and Northumberland. Relics from a number of medieval churches remain.

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