Gainsborough Old Hall, Lincolnshire

Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire is over five hundred years old and one of the best preserved medieval manor houses in England. It was built by Sir Thomas Burgh in 1460. It is part timber-framed but mostly brick-built.

In 1510, Sir Thomas Burgh's son, Edward Burgh, 2nd Baron Burgh, was incarcerated at the Old Hall after being declared a lunatic. He died in 1528 and the following year his son and heir, Sir Edward, married Catherine Parr, later Queen consort to Henry VIII.

King Henry VIII visited Gainsborough twice; in 1509 and again in 1541 with the doomed Queen Catherine Howard. The Queen was accused of indiscretions both at Gainsborough and Lincoln and she was executed. Catherine Parr, by this time a widow, became Henry's sixth wife.

The Hall was sold in 1596 to William Hickman, a merchant from London, who made many improvements, especially to the east wing.

Today, the Hall with its elaborate timber roof survives as well as the kitchen—possibly the most complete medieval kitchen in England. The kitchen still contains many original features, including two open fireplaces, each large enough to roast an ox, and two bread ovens served by a third chimney.

The tower of the Old Hall is supposedly haunted by the Grey Lady, thought to be the daughter of the Lord of the Manor who fell in love with a poor soldier and planned to elope with him. Her father discovered the plan and locked her away in the tower where she died from a broken heart.

Opening Times

Adults: £6.00
Children: £4.00 (under 5s free)
Concessions: £4.00
Family Ticket: £16.00

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Ticket Prices

Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm
Sat 11am to 5pm
Sundays from 1st March to 31 Oct - 11am to 5pm

The Old Hall will be closed for two weeks during Christmas/ New Year [dates to be determined]

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01427 612669
Email: gainsborougholdhall@lincolnshire.gov.uk

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