Ancient Ellys Manor House (EMH) is indeed a rare building to our shores. The architectural language of the building reflexes the northern renaissance, perfectly encapsulating early European and British history. Although spelt with a "y", it is pronounced Ellis - affectionately known as EMH. Built of limestone from surrounding areas, the building stands impressively adjacent to the church of the Holy Cross in the village of Great Ponton, in the southwest corner of Lincolnshire. Great Ponton was the 'Ad Pontem' of the Romans. 

Historic notes credit Anthony Ellys, a wool merchant in the Staple of Calais, originally from Swineshead near Boston in Lincolnshire, as the builder of EMH and the adjacent Holy Cross church tower. The early Tudor house with its iconic stepped gable-end reminiscent of Flanders is of national and international interest. The main feature of the house is a fabulous scheme of late medieval wall paintings in the upper rooms. Said to be "the most complete, extensive and important domestic decoration of this date in the country". Lincolnshire is not just agricultural but cultural. To learn more visit EMH which is just outside the market town of Grantham - approximately an hour away from London Kings Cross.

Admission: Adult £7.50.

Opening Times: 1000 - 1700.

County: Lincolnshire

Further Information

Ellys Manor House, Dallygate, Great Ponton, Lincolnshire, NG33 5DP.