An architectural gem

My first year as a Heritage Steward is coming to an end and I want to share with everyone my discovery of the jewel in our Lincolnshire heritage crown. Ellys Manor House, Great Ponton, near Grantham.

Between 1500 and 1520 the Ellys family of rich Hanseatic wool merchants built an imposing new home of Ancaster limestone. They chose to have the inside walls of the upper rooms covered with paintings of trees, animals, birds and foliage. Pevsner has described these as “the most complete, extensive and important domestic decoration of this date in the country."

500 years later it is still possible to stand and marvel at these glorious scenes painted by those medieval artists. There have been some changes over the centuries, including the use of the house as a rectory, but it is still owned by a family dedicated to preserving this wonderful unique part of our Lincolnshire heritage. Ellys Manor House is a treasure whose paintings are at risk and need our support.

Celia, Heritage Steward

To find out more about Ellys Manor House visit http://www.ellysmanorhouse.com