Gainsborough Old Hall is a medieval manor house in the town of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, largely built in the later 15th century. The kitchen, with high ceilings and huge oak beams, is England’s most complete medieval example. The manor house hosted King Henry VIII twice, with grand architectural features like the Great Hall and tower showing off the wealth and power of the house’s builders, the Burgh family.
Gainsborough Old Hall later fell on hard times. Over time parts of the house became a linen factory, theatre, public house, ballroom, tenement building and church. In the 20th century a Friends group saved the building and opened it to the public. It is now owned and managed by English Heritage.
One aspect of the project we supported was creating the climate resilient house. This digital model of Gainsborough Hall helps people learn about how historic buildings can be maintained and adapted to climate risks such as increased rainfall intensity or temperatures.
Another side of the project focused on connecting the hall with its community. Activities, open days and volunteering opportunities were developed with local people's input, including:
- a community garden
- a youth-led film
- oral history research
- a community archaeology dig
- a social prescribing project
- new interpretation to help visitors learn about the building, such as its Second World War history
Louise Fountain, property manager at English Heritage, said: "We are so grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this grant which will allow us start the next chapter here. Gainsborough Old Hall has always, and will continue to be, at the heart of the local community and we look forward to a new era for this magnificent property."
