The Book-in-Hand, Mablethorpe, from the west side

Image: © Chris Taken: 31 Oct 2013

Part of this building was the hotel of that name. In a far-off day, a ship was wrecked upon the coast at Mablethorpe, and the only person saved was the captain, who came ashore with a Bible in his hands. It is thought that this is the origin of the name. Or on the other hand it may have been named after a ship. In any case in 1842 it was just a thatched whitewashed building with two steps down for an entrance. It used to have two bays protruding out into the street but these were destroyed by a fire in 1981. It no longer accommodates staying guests. For the fascinating history see: http://www.my-mablethorpe.com/my-community/groups/viewbulletin/1-book-in-hand-history.html?groupid=4 Alas there was no longer any sign of the hand and the book over the door, though it was there until recently.

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