Lacock Abbey's collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Lacock Abbey on the National Trust Collections website.
Things to see and do in the house at Lacock
A home for nearly 800 years sets the scene for world-changing ingenuity. Step inside a house that evolved over the centuries, from a medieval convent to a country residence that became the Home of Photography.
Discoveries might look different each day
Different rooms may be open on different days, with the upper rooms closed from November-March for the winter clean. We'll always aim to open as much as possible for you to explore, with something intriguing at every turn.
The Upper Rooms
The upper rooms of the abbey are open to visit between March and November each year. They're the result of renovations to the abbey after it was dissolved during Henry VIII's reformation and are an intriguing mix of architectural styles, with hints to Lacock's monastic past around every corner.
The Stone Gallery
The Stone Gallery was designed by the Tudor residents, with items on display from this period onwards. The Sgabello chairs are among the finest in the country, dating to approximately 1630.
The Tower Room
Two heavy doors guard the Tower Room where Lacock’s valuables used to be safely locked away. The stone table in here features a scorpion – the emblem of Tudor resident William Sharington – and a unicorn looks down from the ceiling.
The South Gallery
Stand where history was made. The very first photographic negative was created in this room. The latticed window in the middle of this long gallery was captured by Henry Fox Talbot’s ‘mousetrap camera’ in 1835, the first image of its kind.
The Great Hall
A room of grand proportions. The original Tudor Hall was re-designed in the Gothick Revival style in the 18th century. High ceilings decorated with coats of arms and terracotta statues forged on site aim to impress.
Cloister
The cloister, or covered walkway, and its adjoining rooms survive from Lacock's early history as a medieval nunnery. The magnificent architecture and beautiful craftsmanship can still be fully appreciated, inspiring a sense of peaceful contemplation and of stepping far back in time.
The Cloister through a lens
First captured in the early photographs of Henry Fox Talbot the cloister has been inspiring photographers, artists and filmmakers ever since. Today it is well known for scenes from popular film and TV such as Harry Potter and the BBC's Pride and Prejudice.
The Warming Room
In the early days of the Abbey this room is the only place where the nuns could have warmed themselves by a fire, the fireplace here is the oldest on site. The large cauldron you can see is original and was used in the kitchen until 1747.
The Chapter House
A room originally used for daily meetings and the running of Abbey business. The tiles underfoot are 19th century, with a display case of medieval tiles hinting at the original decor.
Ela's Tomb
Elas's tombstone in the Cloister is an important memorial to Lacock's founder, described as 'one of the two towering female figures of the mid-13th century', The inscription on her tombstone, written in Latin, reads:
Below lie buried the bones of the venerable Ela
Who gave this house as a home for the Nuns
She also lived here as holy Abbess and Countess of
Salisbury, full of good works.
Activities to inspire
To enjoy with the family or on your own, there are free activities in the house to enhance your visit.
In the Servant’s Hall there’s dressing up and a prop camera – be sure to pose very seriously to get the perfect Victorian snapshot. Inspired by Henry Fox Talbot’s invention borrow a Snap Pack (descriptive activity pack) to take on your journey around the house. Use the prompts and tools inside to explore colour, light and composition.
Wizard, king or regency gentleman? What stories have you seen acted out in the Cloister? There’s history and atmosphere in abundance here. Watch how the light changes from season to season in the walkways. Seasonal spotter trails will help you explore the medieval architecture, and don’t forget to look up!