| Official Name: | Wainfleet St Mary |
| Static Image Name: | St Mary, Wainfleet St Mary - geograph.org.uk - 105792.jpg |
| Static Image Caption: | Wainfleet St Mary Church |
| Country: | England |
| Region: | East Midlands |
| Population: | 1,025 |
| Population Ref: | (2011) |
| Os Grid Reference: | TF469591 |
| Coordinates: | 53.1093°N 0.1932°W |
| Label Position: | left |
| Postcode Area: | PE |
| Postcode District: | PE24 |
| Dial Code: | 01754 |
| London Distance Mi: | 110 |
| London Direction: | S |
Wainfleet St Mary is a village and civil parish in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. It is situated directly south of Wainfleet All Saints on the A52 road, 5miles south-west from Skegness and 14miles north-east from Boston. The 2001 Census recorded a population of 1,106,[1] reducing to 1,025 at the 2011 census.[2] It includes the hamlet of Wainfleet Bank.[3]
The name "Wainfleet" is derived from English, Middle (1100-1500);: Wegn fleot, a stream that can be crossed by a wagon (compare with 'wainwright', a maker of wagons).[4]
The first mention of Wainfleet St Mary as a separate and distinct place from Wainfleet All Saints, is in 1378 when it belonged to the Priory of Stixwould.[5]
The limestone Grade II listed church is dedicated to Saint Mary and dates from the 12th century, being restored in 1875 and 1892.[6] The western tower dates from the 12th century although it was raised in the 15th century. Inside is a 15th-century font and a black and white marble monument, with broken pediment, to Edward Barkham who died in 1724. 100yd south of the nave is the remains of a 14th-century stone cross, which is both a scheduled monument and Grade II listed.[7]
There is a Grade II listed windmill at Mill Garage built of red brick in the early 19th century. It ceased working in 1947 and has been converted into a house.
Within the garden of Pinfold Lodge, lying at the junction of Vicarage Road and Low Road, is a brick-built octagonal pinfold roofed with slate. It is Grade II listed and thought to date back to approximately 1800.
Wainfleet St Mary C of E Primary School originated in the Bethlehem Hospital School, built in 1831. It was known as Wainfleet St Mary Church School by 1903, and as Wainfleet St Mary C of E School by 1913 and until 1981. The school was closed in 1987.[8]