This market town and river port has not lost its 18th century culture as shown by the old buildings such as the Gainsborough Old Hall. The town has origins as river-crossing area and inner seaport which is several mile from the sea but close to Trent River.
It goes through the western part of the urban hub up to the border of Nottingham City. The place prospered during the Middle Ages and after the Civil War in England.
Various industries contributed to its economic growth. Among the primary commodities were wool (for export) and the manufacturing sector’s contribution. Machineries and submarines were manufactured in Gainsborough.
Places to Visit
The foremost place that tourists should see in the town is Gainsborough Old Hall. It is a distinctive medieval manor right at the centre of Gainsborough. Sir Thomas Burgh constructed this abode between 1460 and 1480. A lot of original features still remain until today to the amusement of thousands of visitors annually.
The Old Hall is now owned by English Heritage and managed by Lincolnshire County Council. The Friends of the Old Hall Association still have an active role to play. The group’s members are involved in all aspects from guiding parties and catering to behind-the-scenes work. There is also an active programme of social events which is coordinated by a committee that works with the Curator.
The All Saints Church is a Georgian place of worship that was built in classical design in the middle of well-kept lawns.
It was constructed by Francis Smith, an architect from Warwick inspired by the Wren’s Church of Saint Martin in the Fields in London.
The early medieval church was refurbished and only the West Tower remains original. The structure is an example of Perpendicular Gothic flair.
Places to Stay
One of the preferred accommodations in Gainsborough is the Black Swan Guest House which is a renovated 18th century coaching inn. It is near the small hamlet of Marton and five miles south of the town. It has nine suite rooms and three of these are on the ground floor.
Owlett Cottage at Holme Farm lies at the tip of a 50-acre pine forest, where deer and owls are frequently seen. There are two charming cottages that present magnificent views for guests. Each chalet is a perfect lodging for short stays or family holidays. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for walking, cycling and bird watching.
The White Swan offers quiet and relaxing surroundings in which to enjoy a peaceful break for families and business travellers. It used to be a 19th century country inn that was converted into a first class hotel. However, it has lost none of its character and still retains an atmosphere of old world charm and comfort.
The Hickman Hill Hotel has charmed guests with its unique character, hospitality and intimate surroundings in the lovely market town of Gainsborough during the last 20 years. It used to be the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School dating back to 1795 until it became a hotel in 1982.
