Gainsborough Old Hall, Gainsborough (Lincolnshire)

Gainsborough Old Hall is among the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England.

Summary 15th century buildings Information provided

Food and Drinks Tea Room

Introduction

A little-known gem, Gainsborough Old Hall is among the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England. Partly brick and partly timber-framed, and mainly later 15th century with Elizabethan additions, it has a kitchen with an enormous fireplace, a noble great hall, and an imposing lodgings tower.

History to the present day

The Burgh family were influential, wealthy and flamboyant and they constructed their home, Gainsborough Old Hall, on an impressive scale to reflect this.

William Hickman purchased the manor from the impoverished Burghs in 1596, following the death of the fifth Lord Burgh. Inflation throughout Europe was bankrupting many noble families whose income was fixed by rents whilst their costs were rising. Such a sale was part of a Europe wide trend, as those who could exploit new trade opportunities were able to make their fortunes and exploit the opportunities provided by the financial crises of the nobility.

In 1720 Sir Neville Hickman built a large new house on the outskirts of Gainsborough and his family left the 'old' Hall but did not sell it. The hall then experienced a rich and varied use as a theatre, Masonic lodge as well as lodging rooms. In 1949 after many years of neglect the hall was saved from demolition by the Friends of Gainsborough Old Hall and Sir Edmund Bacon gave it to the nation in 1970.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Gainsborough Old Hall, Lincolnshire, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

1 Mar-31 Oct, 10am-4pm Mon-Fri

1 Mar-31 Oct 11pm-5pm Sat & Sun

1 Nov-28 Feb 10am-4pm Mon-Fri

1 Nov-28 Feb 11am-4pm Sat

1 Nov-28 Feb CLOSED Sun

Closed for two weeks over Christmas. 

Admission prices:

Adult:£3.80

Children:£2.60

Concession:£2.60

Family Ticket: £10.00

Photographs copyright English Heritage Photographic Library.