The Hall is a rare survivor and remarkably fine example of Queen Anne style architecture, built in 1729. It was designed as a home, to be lived in and used. Nearly 50 different families and inhabitants have resided at Rainham Hall, including merchants, artists, vicars and architectural historians.
Due to the many changes in ownership, Rainham Hall does not have an indigenous collection of furniture or objects relating to any era in its history. Since opening to the public in 2015 following a major £2.5 million conservation and interpretation project, Rainham Hall, Garden and the Stables Café have become a focal point of the vibrant local community.
The Hall now hosts exhibitions showcasing different former residents. Community participation is central to our exhibitions, ensuring a minimum of 60% of all exhibits are created in partnership with local makers and groups. The exhibitions have been Everything Harle Left Behind (7 October 2015 - 31 December 2016); Remembering the Day Nursery (10 Feburary 2017 - 31 December 2018); and The Denney Edition (29 June 2019 - December 2021).
In our current exhibition, The Denney Edition, the Hall is transformed into a 'living magazine' to explore the life and career of influential Vogue photographer, interior designer and former Hall resident, Anthony Denney.
Since Rainham Hall was built in 1729, the Gardens have been altered many times, and until a few years ago, had been very neglected. With nearly 300 years of history for inspiration, the Gardens are going through a transformation, thanks to staff and volunteers.
The Rainham Remembers project began in 2014, training local volunteers as oral historians. These interviews continue to take place on a regular basis with almost 100 recorded so far, and a new podcast making the archive available to the public.
