Even before the development of the port, Wainfleet (or Waynfleet, to use its old name) was a significant settlement.

Some contemporary leaflets and books have suggested that its title derive from Vainonica - in reference to its Roman origins. However, it is perhaps more likely that the name is a contraction, of two Anglo Saxon words 'waegn' and 'flete' - denoting where wagons cross the fleet or river.

But the site of medieval Wainfleet lies two miles west of the existing town. It is now literally a 'ghost' village. All that remains are the mounds that are doubtless throwbacks to the activities of a primitive agricultural community now long gone.