Barton-upon-Humber is a small historic town situated on the south bank of the River Humber, in the old north Lincolnshire area of Lindsey.

It is almost opposite the large city and port of Kingston-upon-Hull. The name is derived from ‘Beretun', which meant ‘Barley Town', a tribute to its importance in the supply and trading of barley malt, the basis of beer brewing. Indeed, there was a time in the early Middle Ages when Barton was far more important than Hull, supplying more ships and men for the king's service. But after Edward I conferred his royal favour on Hull in the late 13th century, Barton steadily lost its pre-eminence on the Humber, although it remained an important base for river trade and ferries. My own connection with Barton is that my father's family comes from there and it is practically the only area where they don't think my surname is strange or ask how to spell it!