|
Date: |
|
Description: | Print of the north view of the Hall early 19th Century, with sheep grazing, also present outhouses abutting the buttery wall.The Hall was purchase by William Hickman a wealthy London merchant. He put his mark on the hall by transforming the east range into a suit of rooms, which were the height of fashion for early 17th Century England.William was not popular amongst the people of Gainsborough, as the town was unincorporated and not protected by royal charter; this gave the Lord of the manor great power and William a tradesman by nature took full advantage of this. He levied tolls on the corn passing on the Trent, pulled down part of the parish church and refused to help pay for its rebuild. In 1603 James I knighted him, as he travelled to London to be crowned. His death in 1625 would not have been mourned by many. Fortunately for us at his death an extensive probate inventory of the halls contents were made, which gives us a good idea of how the hall was furnished and used at the time, including listing various outbuildings which no longer exist.The Hickman's remained at the Hall until the 1720s. In the intervening century the hall was central to some prominent national events, in the Civil War Willoughby (William and Elizabeth's son) tried to remain neutral. The town raised fortifications and a small force but declared for neither side. But with the town's position on the Trent neutrality was not maintained for long. In 1643-44 the town changes hands between Royalist and Parliamentary forces on several occasions. Cromwell played an important role in the actions around Gainsborough. Much of Gainsborough was destroyed during the battles but the manor house managed to survive intact. Willoughby did not suffer too much, being made baronet by the King in 1643; he was later fined by Parliament.Williams grandson also called William, had a better relationship with the town, he followed the usual lifestyle of the gentlemen of the time, going into politics and taking up appointments as a commissioner. He was also Sheriff of Nottinghamshire in 1653/54; records show that William divided his time between Westminster and Gainsborough, using the Hall as his home. | Subjects: | Country Estates | Source: | Lincolnshire County Council | Identifier: | http://www.lincstothepast.com/Records/Re... | Go to resource |
|
|