Once owned by the powerful Percy family, the Gainsborough estate came into the ownership of Thomas Burgh on his marriage to Elizabeth Percy in 1431. There was probably an earlier fortified manor house in existence, but no records exist to substantiate this. However, there is reference to a residence being demolished in 1470, and Thomas Burgh's building of Gainsborough Old Hall has been dated to between 1464 and 1480 so this may suggest his 're-building' incorporated some part of the original house. It is known to have been completed before 1500.

Thomas Burgh, knighted in 1464, became the most important man in Lincolnshire, holding many official posts and honours throughout his lifetime. It was, therefore, only fitting that his home should reflect his great wealth and status. The core of a typical medieval manor house was a central hall, and Thomas Burgh's was a magnificent example of a timber-framed structure, finished with an arched, oak beam ceiling. To one end of the hall, a vast semi-octagonal stone bay window was added to provide natural light at ground level. Equally as impressive is the kitchen arrangement, which contains many original features and is without doubt one of the best preserved medieval kitchens in the country.

Following the death of Sir Thomas Burgh in 1496, Gainsborough Old Hall was inherited successively by Edward, Thomas, William and Thomas. However, when the last Thomas Burgh died in 1596, the estate was sold to William Hickman.

The Hickman family were responsible for many improvements to the Old Hall during the early 17th century, including new brick front faces to the east and west wings, and the superb oak panelling internally. By the time of his death in 1625, Sir William Hickman's residence was described as being the centre of a farming estate - although the central hall appeared to be little used, all other rooms in the house were well furnished. His son, Willoughby, inherited but there are few details of his life, except that he was created Baron Gainsborough in 1643. Throughout the development of Gainsborough, the Hickmans do appear to have remained prominent, and continued to live at Gainsborough Old Hall until 1720. By this time, Sir Neville Hickman's new house on the edge of town had been completed, and the old family home was abandoned.

Throughout the following 200 years, parts of Gainsborough Old Hall were used variously as a place of worship, a factory, a theatre, and a town ballroom. At the same time, other areas were leased for residential purposes. Naturally, this resulted in a general deterioration of the structure and when, in 1970, it was presented to the nation, much restoration was required. Work has continued on the property, and it is now jointly managed by Lincolnshire County Council and English Heritage.

This stunning medieval manor house, owned by just two influential families throughout six centuries, seems something of an anomaly located in an urbanised area of Lincolnshire. Impressive chimneys, towers and battlements set against the warm Tudor bricks and the traditional 'black and white' timber structure, give Gainsborough Old Hall the appearance of an idyllic country residence - but it does seem to sit quite happily with its neighbouring 20th century homes!