Lamport Hall in Lamport, Northamptonshire is a fine example of a Grade I Listed House. It was developed from a Tudor Manor but is now notable for its classical frontage. The Hall contains an outstanding collection of books paintings and furniture. The building includes The High Room with a magnificent ceiling by William Smith. It also has a library with 16th-century volumes and an early 19th-century cabinet room with Neapolitan cabinets which depict mythological paintings on glass. In 1568 John Isham, a wealthy wool merchant, built a manor house on the Lamport Estate. His grandson, also named John, became the first baronet in 1627 during the reign of Charles I. He extended the house considerably. However, the only remains of this structure is a section of the present stable wing. It was Sir Justinian Isham who built the main existing building. In 1655 he commissioned John Webb, a pupil of Inigo Jones, to design a large two-story home. The next major additions were to the south-west front and the north. These were completed in 1741.
Charles Isham inherited Lamport Hall at about the age of 26 in 1846 when his elder brother Justinian died. He had a particular interest in gardening and his garden featured in many of the journals of that day. Of particular interest to many of the journalists was the rockery which still exists today. In 1872 the Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener and Country Gentleman made the following comment, "This rockwork is the great feature of the gardening at Lamport, and is a striking evidence of Sir Charles Isham's fine taste and wonderful patience. The whole is his own handiwork, and has occupied a period of two and twenty years to bring it to its present high perfection."
In 1897 the Gardeners Chronicle said, "It may be said here that every stone of which the structure is composed has been placed in position by the owner himself, or by his direction, and in his presence. He has done the planting and no other person has anything to do with it unless by his instruction ... We should have been none the wiser had Sir Charles not explained that he had chiseled a small hole through the center of the stone, and put soil into it, so that the roots of the plant could by that means reach the ground through the stone. No plant that grows quickly is a favorite for this structure. Everything is in miniature, and if the plants are not so naturally, then their cultivation is directed to that end. It is full of plant curiosities. A stunted individual that refuses to make free growth is just the kind of plant that is sought. Dwarf Conifers form one of its features, and Sir Charles has been at some trouble to procure them. Some of them are known to be upwards of seventy years old, and have not made more than 3 feet natural growth."
This rockery was particularly noted for the gnomes that it housed. The magazine called The Garden contained the following description of them. The caves and recesses with the fairy miners are another distinctive feature. These miniature figures (only a few inches high) are in various attitudes and in strange association with the dwarf trees. In one section they are on strike, hands in pockets, with a general aspect of disdain and indignation. One of the gnomes in this remarkable rockery survives and is on view at Lamport Hall today. Sir Charles Isham, 10th Baronet is credited with beginning the tradition of garden gnomes in the United Kingdom.
Tours last approximately 75 minutes. There are two tours per afternoon leaving at 2.15pm and 3.00pm. There is no need to book in advance. The car park is only a short distance from the Hall or alternatively, visitors may use the area at the front of the Hall as a drop off point. A disabled toilet is available in the lavatory block at the front of the Hall. Hall: The ground floor of the Hall is fully accessible. Access to the house is via the garden door, please notify a member of staff on arrival for instructions on how to reach this entrance. Mobility scooters are not suitable for use within the house. The first floor of the Hall is not accessible to wheelchair users. Gardens: The gardens are fully accessible although please note that many of the paths are gravel. They recommend that wheelchair users bring a companion. Assistance Dogs are welcome.
Location : Lamport, Northamptonshire NN6 9HD
Transport: Kettering (National Rail) then bus. Bus Routes : 77 and X7 stop nearby.
Opening Times : Wednesday and Thursday guided tours. Bank Holidays 14:00 to 17:00.
Tickets House: Adults £8.50; Concessions £8.00; Children (11 - 18) £3.00.
Tickets Gardens: Adults £5.00; Concessions £4.50; Children (11 - 18) £2.50.
Tel: 01604 686272
