Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire is over five hundred years old and one of the best preserved medieval manor houses in England.
The Hall was built by Sir Thomas Burgh around 1460. The Burghs were rich, flamboyant and powerful people. Gainsborough Old Hall was not only their home, but also a demonstration of their wealth and importance. Architecturally it has changed very little over the years.
It is principally a timber framed building, giving it its characteristic ‘striped’ or ‘black and white’ appearance. On the north east corner is a brick tower. A splendid view of the town awaits those who brave the fifty-nine step climb to the top.
The Hall is a fine example of upper-class buildings in medieval England, and, because of this, students in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire are taken to the hall as part of their Historical studies.
There is a story that a daughter, supposedly called Elizabeth, of Thomas Burgh fell in love with a servant or poor soldier. As punishment she was locked in a room where she starved to death. Over the years people have reported sightings of her especially in the tower room.
The house is now owned by English Heritage and is open to the public as a museum.