It is well-known that Laneham was the site of one of the network of medieval palaces belonging to the archbishops of York which included Scrooby and Southwell. This was important enough for one archbishop to die there and at least two kings to visit, but after the Reformation the property was passed under rather dubious circumstances to relatives of Archbishop Sandys. They had no need of the house, and so it was demolished.

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Our problem is that the demolition was so thorough that the site of the palace has been lost. There are several options including Manor Farm, the Fleet Plantation, a site off Rampton Road…or any number of other local speculations. Traces of old stone can be seen in the village and especially in the cellar at Manor Farm, but a proper investigation with the support of someone knowledgeable about medieval stonework is needed to confirm the site of a major historical house.

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If you would like to get involved with this exciting new investigation, please contact us through our website