Dating from the early 14th century and owned successively by three families - the Knyvetts, Lynnes, and Caprons - Southwick Hall illustrates the development of a manor house, and still remains a family home.
Sir John Knyvett, Lord Chancellor to Edward III, his father and grandfather, built the medieval house of which two stair turrets and the adloining rooms remain.
Between 1571 and 1580 his descendant George Lynn, who was a bannerol-bearer at the funeral of Mary Queen of Scots, re-built the South Wing on the foundations of the Medieval hall, and in about 1750 another George Lynne added a small wing to the West and altered some of the interior, decorating it in Georgian style. In the 19th century George Capron, great-great-grandfather of the present owner, rebuilt the East Wing and the stable block.
Eleven rooms in the main house are open to the public. Two of these house an exhibition of Victorian clothes worn by members of the Capron family, together with lace, children's toys, and other artefacts of the period.
In the stable block and former laundry there are exhibitions of farm and carpentry tools, named bricks, and local archeological finds. Also featured are reconstructions of a cottage kitchen and a maid's bedroom, as well as other memorabilia from Southwick parish.
Visitors may also walk around the grounds, which contains impressive old Horse Chesnut trees, Sycamores, a Persian Ironwood, and a huge Birch, sometimes known locally as the Elephant Tree. In the Spring there is usually a magnificent display of daffodils.
An ornithologist recently logged forty-nine different species of birds, and a map showing his research can be found in the stable block.
Home-made teas are available on open days.
Location
Between Oundle [A605 and A427] and Bulwick [A43]
Opening Times
Sundays and Mondays of the Easter, May Day, Spring and Late Summer Weekends. 2-5pm
Groups at other times by arrangement