The present Hall was completed in 1850 after a severe fire which destroyed most of the original Manners – Sutton family seat. The architect was Gilbert Scott. The Hall was sold to the society of the Sacred Mission in 1903 and housed the Monastic order for the next 70 years. During the 1920’s the Dome was constructed. The main accommodation building at the front of the Hall was completed in 1939 to house the Monks and the theological students but its first occupants were a garrison of the ‘Blues’ cavalry and also Texas and Oklahoma oil men who were involved in drilling for oil at the nearby Eakring oilfield.

After the war, the SSM Order returned to the site and, until their organisation was re-structured in 1972, continued to live there adding a certain charm and interest to the village.

Kelham Hall and grounds was purchased by the newly–formed Newark and Sherwood District Council in 1973 to accommodate staff when the Authority came into being as part of the Local Government restructuring which took effect from 1st April 1974. The Hall is set in 42 acres of grounds and has many acres given over to mature mixed woodland. There is a pleasant circular walk around the grounds which visitors may choose to meander along including several hundred metres following the River Trent.

Charles 1 surrendered at the end of the English Civil War at nearby Southwell and was held at Kelham Hall for several days afterwards. Newark itself attracts many visitors and the Tourist Information Centre, housed next to the historic castle, is a valuable source of information to the many local attractions, not the least being Sherwood Forest with its Major Oak at nearby Edwinstowe.

YOUR STEWARDS ARE: Mick & Sandra Forde.
You can contact us on 07771 831 007 or after 5pm on 01623 720 757