North Lincolnshire (pop. 169,680) is a region on the east coast of England. It is a unitary authority established in 1996, a unit of government responsible for all local government services within its boundaries. North Lincolnshire lies on the south side of the River Humber. The River Trent runs through the district. Agriculture is important in North Lincolnshire. On the west bank of the Trent lies the Isle of Axholme, an area of low hills surrounded by wetlands.
The industrial town of Scunthorpe dominates the region. Scunthorpe was a small village until the 1800’s, when the discovery of iron ore promoted its growth as a center for iron and steel production. Scunthorpe has other industries, including electronics, food processing, and the manufacturing of clothing, furniture, plastics, and telecommunications equipment. The town remains the main center of employment, education, and retailing for North Lincolnshire.
Places of interest in North Lincolnshire include Normanby Hall Country Park, which is the site of the annual Scunthorpe Horse Trials, and the rectory at Epworth, birthplace of John and Charles Wesley, the founders of Methodism. See Wesley, Charles; Wesley, John.
