You might easily miss this one

With an hour or so to kill we decided to drive in to Gainsborough In Lincolnshire.

This is not a town I had ever visited before. I had always associated the name Gainsborough with the eighteenth-century landscape painter Thomas Gainsborough and quite though the town might be full of old masters wandering around with paint pots on their shoulders, easels under their arm and a three legged stool to perch on. Then it was pointed out that Thomas Gainsborough came from Suffolk!

What a surprise though to find Gainsborough Old Hall, probably one of the largest and complete manor houses in the country. It is right in the middle of town and has been so well looked after – mainly by local enthusiasts.

This is the main hall
Even the roof is impressive

As far as I can tell (but I am no expert) it appears to be exactly as it was 500 years ago. The rooms are intact and appropriate furnishings have been provided and even the kitchen appears to be as it would have been with a massive fireplace.

What a fireplace
and well stocked cupboards

I am used to wandering round all sorts of ruined and semi ruined structures and being asked to imagine what the place must have been like. Gainsborough Old Hall simply displays halls, rooms and domestic areas just as they would have been.

This is a bay window in the main hall

It is a gem and I had always missed it. I hope there is enough here to wet your appetite to visit the place. It’s not difficult to find and is right in the middle of the town.

Upstairs
there are bedrooms
Even the lighting was thoughtful

Amazed I was – and I wished I had taken my other camera with me instead of the little point and shoot.

Have fun exploring. If I find anywhere else, I’ll let you know.

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