Pictures of Gainsborough

About Gainsborough

The lovely market town of Gainsborough flourishes along a sweep of the River Trent which opens up pleasant riverside walks revealing much of the areas flora and fauna as well as interesting pieces of modern sculpture.

It is a town with many visual delights with an 18th century three arched bridge taking traffic across the Trent towards Nottinghamshire. It has several distinguished buildings, amongst these is The Old Hall, a timber framed house built in the 1500's which is now a museum. The house, in virtually original state remains very much as it was left by its builder - Sir Thomas Burgh. Interestingly, the Pilgrim Fathers met at the Old Hall in the late 16th century.

Richmond House, in pretty Richmond Park is worthy of note, it is now licensed for wedding's and has an attractive lawned area to the front and a children's play area at the rear.

All Saints Church dominates the town, this has an impressive medieval tower and a nave which is a rebuild of the mid 18th century. It has lovely stained glass from the 19th and 20th centuries, one by Morris and Co. This is a calm, beautiful place, well worth spending time looking around.

Around a mile from the Old Hall lies Gainsborough Castle, an 11th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress founded by Roger de Poitou. The layout of the castle is traditionally Norman with two bailey's and the motte inbetween and is surrounded by wide, deep ditches. Lying beneath a tight cover of branches, this eyrie, atmospheric site is best visited in winter.

Gainsborough has an interesting history, it is sometimes referred to as "the capital that never was" this is due to King Cnut's alleged attempt to turn back the tide in the River Trent at Gainsborough. In the Dark Ages it was a capital city of Mercia. In more recent times the town grew prosperous from its river trade, the size of the Trent bridge prevented most barges from going beyond it, thus goods had to be offloaded at Gainsborough.

Visitors to Gainsborough will find much to absorb them, the streets are lined with pleasing shops, and there are cafe's, restaurants, pubs and hotel accommodation to suit all tastes. For relaxation there are leisure facilities including sporting, cinema and theatre with music being on offer in pubs and clubs.

An interesting feature of Gainsborough is the town sign bearing the motto "Striving for the Gain of All" and looking around at the warm red brick properties built since the late 17th century, the motto certainly bears more than a hint of truth!