Ditched enclosures and boundaries of possible prehistoric or Roman origin have been found,[2] and earthworks of Medieval origin, with tofts and crofts, are evident within and around the village.[3]
In the Domesday account the village is written as "Holtone". It was within the manorofTetney in the then Lindsey North Riding, and prior to the Norman conquest under the lordships of a Swein and Thorgisl. By 1086 the manor had fallen under the lordship of Ivo Taillebois.[4][5]
The village Grade II* listed Anglican church of St Peter is dedicated to St Peter.[8] It consists of chancel, nave, and an embattled tower with three bells. Tower, chancel and nave arch are of Saxon or of very early Norman date. It was repaired and partly rebuilt in 1850 by William Hay, and restored and repaired in 1868.[6]Cox noted that it was "nearly rebuilt in brick in 1850, but the tower is one of the many Lincolnshire instances of late Saxon architecture",[9] and in 1964 Pevsner described it as "A rough and, at the time of writing, neglected church", with an 11th-century tower and west window, Decorated bell-openings, a Normanfont, and a 1636 Paten cover.[10] Within the churchyard is a 14th-century cross base and shaft.[11]
Holton Lodge farmhouse in 2022
Further listed buildings include ca.1800 Holton Lodge farm house,[12][13] with attached pigeoncote.[14][15]
The village has convenience shops, a pharmacy and two hairdressers, kebab, pizza, and fish and chiptakeaway outlets. On Pinfold Lane is a pizza outlet and an Indian restaurant.[19] The former Coulbeck's Hardware store on Louth Road in the heart of the village now hosts Four Candles cafe, a play on words attributed to The Two Ronnies comedy sketch as a tribute to the building's former purpose.[20]
The parish council has renovated the former Etherington Arms into a village facility 'The Hornet's Nest' which holds village events. The facility was officially opened in May 2014.[21]
The Royal Oak public house
The village has three public houses. Local food establishments score very highly with the Food Standards Agency for hygiene, with 19 out of 21 businesses scoring the maximum 5 rating (Very Good) and 2 businesses scoring a 4 rating (Good).[22]
Other facilities include Peacefield Business Park.[23] which has the North Thoresby GP surgery, a children's daycare centre, and a beauty salon.
Holton-le-Clay Cricket Club is off Tetney Lane, providing football, cricket and entertainment activities. The Eight Acres Playing Field has two full sized grass football pitches and children's play facilities, situated off Picksley Crescent.[24]
Public transport is provided by the Stagecoach Group[25] which runs a regular bus service to Grimsby and Louth. The bus service is equipped with WiFi for passengers.[26]
Holton le Clay Cricket Club holds two main annual events. Holton Rocks!!! is a showcase of independent artists and since its launch in 2010 attracts visitors of all ages and is family oriented. Some acts are tribute acts. The event culminates in a firework display.[27][28]
Also at the club is a firework display to coincide with Bonfire Night during November. A bonfire is lit just before a large fireworks display. The event is usually held on a Friday or Saturday night.
A summer fayre is held during July at the village hall, with amusements, a display of vintage cars and tombola stalls.
Holton-le-Clay is policed by the Louth Rural team of Lincolnshire Police. A small local police station operates part-time in the village and residents can sign up for an e-mail alerting service to keep track of local policing issues and incidents. Reported crimes for the village from January to August 2014 numbered 73.[30]