The village of Torksey lies on the A156, approximately nine miles north west of Lincoln and nine miles south of Gainsborough. There is some evidence of prehistoric activity, but Torksey did not develop as a settlement until the Roman period. The name is probably Saxon in origin, from Torca’s ey meaning Torca’s island.

The Roman road, which is now known as Tillbridge Lane, runs to the North of Torksey at Marton. However, Torksey’s importance is mostly due to the construction of a Roman canal, the Foss Dyke, which linked Brayford Pool and the River Witham to the River Trent. With the construction of the Foss Dyke Torksey begins to develop into a port, and it is thought that this waterway was the Roman supply route that carried grain to the northern legions.