History

Skendleby Hall
Is a magnificent Grade II listed residence originally dating back to the mid 1700s with a later Victorian wing and additions in the early 1900s, most notably being the Roman Catholic Chapel. The property therefore provides a most interesting mix of architectural types particularly with the Victorian additions, which were designed by the renowned architect of the time, S S Teulon. The plans were exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1866. Much of Teulon’s work was centred round London but many examples of his work can be found in Lincolnshire. He was renowned for his gothic style.

Throughout much of its history, the Hall was in the ownership of the Brackenbury family and it is only in recent times that the property has undergone a comprehensive and extensive programme of renovation and restoration. Skendleby Hall is now truly a stunning residence benefiting from such modern features as mains gas fired central heating and en-suite bathrooms to all the principal bedrooms, yet still retaining many fine character features including original Georgian and Victorian panelling, shutters to some of the many windows, and some fine original fireplaces and cornices, most notably in the Drawing Room with its painted cornices and superb carved fireplace, both incorporating Masonic emblems.

Literary Allusions
When Sir Edward Brackenbury lived at Skendleby Hall during the middle of the 19th Century, there was a Literary Salon here with Alfred Lord Tennyson, the Thackerays and R S Surtees amongst frequent visitors to the House where the hospitality was notable. Surtees, who was the brother in law of Sir Edward Brackenbury, had his works published in newspapers, inspiring Dickens to serialise Pickwick Papers in the same way. Sir Edward’s successor was noted for his extravagance, and on his death, an order to his shirt maker for a new shirt every day, has to be cancelled with immediate effect. This profligacy was probably the reason for the sale of the Hall to the Gainsford family who were responsible for the building of the Chapel, the Clock Tower and the fine staircase.