LAMPORT HALL
HX Suggested Reasons to Visit
Discover the High Room's ceiling crafted by William Smith, admire the first garden gnome introduced to Britain by Sir Charles Isham, and delve into the Bryan Holden Working Horse Collection.
About
Home to the Isham family for over 400 years, Lamport Hall is a historic country house that has evolved through centuries of architectural refinement and eccentric custodianship. Originally built in 1568 by John Isham, a successful wool merchant, the house was later expanded during Charles I’s reign. However, the present structure largely reflects the vision of Sir Justinian Isham, who in 1655 commissioned John Webb—a pupil and son-in-law of Inigo Jones—to create a grand house in the classical tradition, while Gilbert Clarke designed its gardens. Successive enhancements followed, with major rebuilding completed in 1862, solidifying Lamport’s distinctive character.
Perhaps the most eccentric chapter in Lamport’s history belongs to Sir Charles Isham, 10th Baronet, who inherited the estate in 1846. A teetotal, non-smoking advocate and staunch opponent of blood sports, Sir Charles was also an enthusiastic gardener. In 1847, he constructed a crescent-shaped rockery beside the house, using local ironstone to build a 24-foot craggy wall, a feature so elaborate it was later compared to one built for the Emperor of Austria.
By the 1850s, Sir Charles introduced Britain’s first garden gnomes, importing porcelain figures from Germany and placing them in the rockery as if hard at work mining. His daughters, however, disapproved of the gnomes and had them removed after his death in 1903. Only one—nicknamed “Lampy”—survives today, making him the oldest known garden gnome in the world, now insured for £1 million.
Throughout the 20th century, Lamport Hall saw varied use, including periods when it was let to tenants. Its fate changed in the 1950s, when Sir Gyles Isham, 12th Baronet, a former actor, inherited the estate. Recognising the house’s historical significance, he began an ambitious restoration, reviving both the house and gardens. In 1974, he opened Lamport Hall to the public for the first time, ensuring its legacy could be shared.
When Sir Gyles passed away in 1976 without heirs, he bequeathed the house and its extensive collection of art, books, and furniture to the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust, which continues to conserve and manage the estate today.
Now a protected historic site, Lamport Hall invites visitors to explore its architectural beauty, remarkable interiors, and rich collection, from William Smith’s High Room ceiling to the Bryan Holden Working Horse Collection. The estate also hosts seasonal exhibitions, events, and garden tours, ensuring that Lamport’s fascinating past remains alive and accessible.
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House and Gardens
The Hall is open on Wednesdays and Thursday from 11.00am - 3.00pm (last entry at 2.15pm). Discover this stunning Grade I listed stately home, featuring an impressive collection of art, furniture, and books, alongside intriguing family …
Gardens
Gardens open 10.00am - 4.00pm (last entry at 3.00pm). Boasting one of the country’s largest walled cut flower gardens, along with elegant formal parkland and gardens, Lamport offers a rich array of botanical delights.
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Upcoming events at Lamport Hall
May 1, 2025
In this workshop you will make your own unique copper framed garden ornament with a display …
May 10, 2025
Discover over 70 talented stallholders showcasing beautifully handcrafted, designed, and painted products, from homeware and pamper …
June 3, 2025
Head to Lamport Hall for a captivating Study Day, featuring renowned historians, authors, and heritage experts …
June 8, 2025
Welcome to Lamport's Motor Vehicle Show! Explore a diverse range of vehicle classifications, from vintage & …
June 27, 2025
Founded by Michelle Igwilo, ogoisfooding is a culinary studio that curates supper clubs, provides conceptual catering …
July 12, 2025
Illyria's production of Jane Austen's glorious social comedy has attracted sell-out audiences for a total of …
July 13, 2025
Enjoy traditional New Orleans Jazz with The Tame Valley Stompers Allstars – back by popular demand! …
July 18, 2025 to July 20, 2025
Grosvenor Shows presents their first event at Lamport Hall. Featuring quilt displays from well-known quilters and …
July 26, 2025
On Saturday 26th July, the gardens at Lamport Hall will be open 10am-4pm in order to …
July 26, 2025
This is a vintage cinematic styled shoot with Gavin Hoey as Lighting Director hosted by Creativity …
Aug. 9, 2025
Put on your headset and don your best pair of dancing shoes for the first ever …
Aug. 24, 2025 to Aug. 25, 2025
Northamptonshire's premier antiques, vintage and collectors fair organised by Stag Head Events return for two weekends …
Aug. 6, 2025 to Aug. 28, 2025
Tudor Queens Portrait Gowns Exhibition A display of historically accurate replicas of gowns worn by each …
Sept. 13, 2025
Lamport Hall will be opening entirely for free as part of Heritage Open Days. Come along …
Sept. 19, 2025
After the success of last year's performance of The Taming of the Shrew, Lampoirt Hall are …
Oct. 25, 2025
Lamport Hall are delighted to welcome back award-winning chef Danny Tompkins to join them in celebrating …
Dec. 6, 2025 to Dec. 7, 2025
Lamport Hall's Christmas Market will again run over two weekends. Join them on Saturday 6th & …
Dec. 13, 2025 to Dec. 14, 2025
Lamport Hall's Christmas Market will again run over two weekends. Join us on Saturday 6th & …
Read more about Lamport Hall
Established in 1568 by wool merchant John Isham and later transformed by his descendants, Lamport Hall …
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