Grantham House
Sightseeing attraction | Grantham | England | United Kingdom
The "Grantham House" in Grantham, England, is a historic townhouse that is considered one of the oldest surviving residential buildings in the city and is now owned by the National Trust. This impressive building, which dates back to the late 14th century, around 1380, is a fascinating example of the development of English architecture over several centuries. Located in the heart of Grantham, a market town in Lincolnshire known for its rich history and famous figures such as Isaac Newton and Margaret Thatcher, the Grantham House combines medieval origins with later renovations, providing insight into the lives of wealthy families who inhabited it over the centuries.
Originally known as "Hall House," the building was constructed by the Hall family, an influential dynasty of wool merchants who operated in the Staple of Calais in the late Middle Ages – an exclusive trading association that controlled wool exports to Continental Europe. This wealthy family used the house as their residence from the late 14th century to the early 17th century, hosting significant guests such as Princess Margaret Tudor, who stayed here in 1503 on her journey to Scotland, and Cardinal Wolsey on his final journey north. These visits underscore the social significance of the house in its early days. Later, the property passed through various hands, including the Skipwith and Secker families, before being acquired in 1734 by Sir Richard Cust, whose widow, Lady Anne Brownlow, used it as a widow's residence after inheriting the nearby Belton House.
Architecturally, the Grantham House is a mix of different eras. The original 14th-century structure was built from Ancaster stone, a hard limestone also used for the nearby St. Wulfram's Church. In the 16th century, around 1574, the house was extensively remodeled in the Elizabethan style, as evidenced by a date inscription on a chimney. This renovation brought an asymmetrical entrance facade and elaborately decorated interiors that reflected the wealth of the residents at the time. In the 18th century, the south side received a Georgian facade, giving the house an elegant, symmetrical appearance, while the older parts retained their Tudor style. This "split personality" – Tudor elements on one side, Georgian on the other – makes the Grantham House particularly charming. Notable features include a 16th-century chimney, 17th-century windows, and an exquisitely crafted 18th-century staircase that showcases the evolution of residential culture over time.
The house is surrounded by approximately seven acres of walled gardens that stretch to the banks of the River Witham. These gardens are an unexpected highlight, especially in an urban setting, offering a variety of landscape designs – from formal beds to wilder, more natural areas. A medieval gate in the garden wall, dating back to the 13th century, adds another historical dimension to the property. The gardens were once part of a larger estate that was gradually limited by the town growth of Grantham over time, but they remain a peaceful retreat that complements the house's past.
In the 20th century, the Grantham House changed hands multiple times. In 1921, it was purchased by James Hutchinson, who bequeathed it to his sister Emma Hutchinson in 1924, who had been a tenant there since 1884. Their daughters, Winifred and Marion Sedgwick, transferred the house to the National Trust between 1944 and 1950, along with a substantial plot of land known as "Sedgwick Meadows," which was preserved as a valuable green space in the town center. Later, the house was occupied by Major-General Sir Brian Wyldbore-Smith and his wife Molly Cayzer, who were connected to the Thatcher family, as Wyldbore-Smith was Margaret Thatcher's campaign agent. Since 2020, the property has been leased by St. Wulfram's Church, which uses the premises and gardens for events such as weddings, charity functions, and as a well-being center.
The interior of the Grantham House reflects its long history. The rooms showcase a mix of architectural styles, from the medieval Great Hall, later fitted with a ceiling, to Georgian living areas with elegant details. Art treasures include three large still lifes of flowers and fruits, which were likely once used as door decorations in the Belton House, as well as a rare painting, "A Kitchen Scene" by Pieter Aertsen from 1563, which was rediscovered after restoration. These works give the house a cultural depth that goes beyond its architecture.
In summary, the "Grantham House" is a sight that combines history, architecture, and nature in a fascinating way. It tells the story of Grantham's prosperity in the Middle Ages, its prominent residents, and the architectural changes over the centuries. The loving care by the National Trust and the current use by the community make it a vibrant heritage that immerses visitors in the past of this historic site. For anyone exploring Grantham, it offers a rare opportunity to experience a piece of English history up close.
