Evie: Eleanor, how did Lamport Hall begin, and what makes it such a unique place today?

Eleanor: The land Lamport Hall stands on was purchased in 1560, and from that moment until 1976 it remained in the hands of the Isham family — an unbroken line of ownership for more than 400 years. When Sir Gyles Isham passed away, the estate became the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust Ltd, which still owns and runs it today.

We’re mostly self‑funded, working the estate and welcoming the public through open days, events, weddings and private functions. What makes us unique is that continuity — centuries of history, preserved and shared with visitors in a living, breathing way.

Evie: With so much history and so many events, you must have so many memorable moments. What stands out?

Eleanor: The Isham family’s 400‑year story is extraordinary, and we’re lucky to have a huge archive available at the Northamptonshire Record Office. It’s a remarkably complete record of the Hall and the people who lived here.

As a Preservation Trust, we’ve been operating for 52 years, and visitor numbers continue to grow — especially after the lockdown years. One of our biggest successes is our Christmas Market, which has expanded from one weekend to two weekends plus the week in between. We put a huge amount of energy into curating stallholders and entertainment, and this year we sold all stall spaces within 48 hours.

Evie: That's incredible, I look forward to seeing your Christmas activity this year! What else can visitors look forward to in 2026?

Eleanor: Our Makers’ Market and Food Festival is growing fast. After a successful one‑day trial last year, it’s expanding to two days — and every stallholder will be selling something they’ve made themselves. There are lots of busy makers preparing already.

We’re also delighted to continue hosting the central exhibition for Northants & Rutland Open Studios, which has grown significantly since we first welcomed them in 2022. Their exhibitions and events bring wonderful creativity to the Hall.

Evie: That's the thing with the Hall and surrounding land - it's such a versatile space! Do you have a favourite spot on the estate?

Eleanor: It has to be the Hall itself. Each room has its own character — the Library still decorated in its original 1735 colours, the Victorian dining room, and the stunning double‑height High Room with its ornate plasterwork ceiling. It was once known as the Music Room, and it’s still a perfect setting for recitals and concerts. Every space has a story.

Evie: It's lovely that the original stories are still preserved and celebrated. Are there any little-known facts or bits of history that might surprise people?

Eleanor: Absolutely — Sir Gyles Isham, the last Isham to live at Lamport, was an actor of stage and screen. He even appeared in the 1935 film Anna Karenina alongside Greta Garbo. After WWII he returned to Lamport permanently, becoming a dedicated local historian and estate owner. His love for the Hall led him to establish the Preservation Trust, ensuring its future long after his lifetime.

Evie: That's fantastic. The Isham family sound like they were extremely passionate about not just the Hall, but the area, too.

Eleanor: Yes, people love hearing the story of the Isham family — it’s their legacy. We have portraits of nearly everyone, so we can put faces to names and trace who made which architectural changes. And we’re always learning. A few years ago, while cleaning the Library’s books, we found handwritten margin notes by one of the Ishams. It was an incredible moment — a direct connection to someone who lived here 400 years ago.

Evie: How exciting! Being able to put faces to names really allows visitors to appreciate the local connections and stories, here.

Eleanor: Oh, 100%. We often welcome visitors whose relatives worked here or who played in the grounds as children. They come to reconnect, reminisce and soak up the atmosphere and we can't wait to welcome even more people this year who may not even be aware of a connection the may hold with the Hall!

Evie: And what better week than English Tourism Week to pay a visit! Do you have any plans for English Tourism Week this year?

Eleanor: We do indeed! We're excited to be offering a fantastic competition prize of entry to the hall and gardens with tea and cake in the café for two people! Full details on how to enter can be found on the Discover Northamptonshire Facebook and Instagram channels.