The Kelmarsh Trust is an independent Charity responsible for the management of the historic Kelmarsh Hall (a Grade 1 listed building); it’s Grade 2* listed Gardens and the wider Kelmarsh Estate.
The Kelmarsh Trust's purpose is to promote, conserve and protect the heritage of the Hall and it’s environs, to make the Hall and Gardens open and accessible for public appreciation and to provide an education resource and facility for a variety of interested individuals and organisations.
Kelmarsh Hall is an 18th century Grade 1 listed property, set in iconic Grade 2* listed gardens at the centre of a traditional working agricultural country estate of 3500 acres.
The Kelmarsh Trust was established in 1982 following the death of the last member of the Lancaster family who had owned the estate since the beginning of the 20th century.
The Trust is working to make Kelmarsh one of Northamptonshire’s major visitor attractions with a variety of events open to the public – including garden walks, musical evenings, food and drink markets, children’s activities, picnics and seasonal fairs.
The Trust has a number of sources of revenue including rental income from six working farms and thirty residential properties (which comprise the wider estate); income from a successful Events business which utilises the Hall and grounds for weddings, festivals and corporate events; income from a wind farm located on the estate; returns from a tea room and shop; investment income and occasional grants from various external bodies. The total annual income is c£1m.
The management of the Trust is led by Lesley Denton our CEO, who leads a small dedicated and highly effective team of full and part time staff ably supported by our fantastic volunteers and our first class professional advisors.
