Gainsborough Old Hall was originally a 14th century defensible manor house, which was encased by a moat. In 1464, Thomas Burgh founded the large timber-framed open courtyard house, with a magnificent brick kitchen and Great Hall. In 1469, the house was damaged by fire after an attack by the Lancastrian forces of Lord Welles. In 1479, a new three storey west range was built and a crenellated polygonal three storey brick tower, was added to the north-east angle of the east range. There are indications of a curtain wall and the south range which was demolished in the Civil War, possibly had a gateway. How fortified the Old Hall was when visited by King Richard lll in 1483 and King Henry Vlll in 1541, is subjective. A mile north is Castle Hills Thonock and 7 miles south is Torksey Castle.