Sulgrave Manor is a superb example of a modest manor house and garden of the time of Shakespeare, and was home to the ancestors of George Washington.
First mention of the manor occurs in the Domesday Survey of 1086, and it later belonged to the Priory of St. Andrew, Northampton. It was surrendered to the Crown in 1539, and sold by Henry VIII to Lawrence Washington, who built the present house. His descendants were to live there for the next 120 years.
In 1656, Colonel John Washington left England to take up land in Virginia, which later became Mount Vernon. Colonel Washington was the great-grandfather of George Washington, first President of the United States of America.
In 1914, Sulgrave Manor was presented by a body of British subscribers to the Peoples of Great Britain and the United States of America, in celebration of the Hundred Years Peace between the two nations
THE DIRECT ANCESTORY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
LAWRENCE WASHINGTON - Amy Tomson
builder of Sulgrave Manor (c.1560)
born c.1500
died 1583/4
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ROBERT WASHINGTON - Anne Fisher
born 1540
died 1629
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LAWRENCE WASHINGTON - Margaret Butler
born 1568, sold reversion of Sulgrave 1610
died 1616
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Rev. LAWRENCE WASHINGTON - Amphyllis Twigden
born 1604
died 1652/3
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Col. JOHN WASHINGTON - Anne Pope
born 1632/3, emigrated to Virginia 1656
died 1677
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Capt. LAWRENCE WASHINGTON - Mildred Warner
born 1659
died 1697/8
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Capt. AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON - Mary Ball
born 1692/3
died 1743
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GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON - Martha Costis
born 22 Feb 1732
died 14 Dec 1799, without issue
The House
Each room in the house is furnished to suit either the Tudor or the Queen Anne period, and the difference between these two styles is particularly striking when stepping from the stone flagged Tudor Great Hall, to the cosy, wood panelled 18th century parlour.
One of the most fascinating rooms is the fully furnished 18th century Kitchen, complete with open hearth and a huge array of pots, pans and other curious equipment.
Upstairs, the two 18th century bedrooms are elegantly furnished with exquisitely embroidered bed hangings and period items, such as a spinning wheel, an embroidered waistcoat, shoes and samplers. The third bedroom provides, once again, the contrast created by 200 years of development in comfort, it is the Tudor Great Chamber; a large, high ceilinged room with a broad fireplace and sparce furnishing.
Beyond this room is a collection of fascinating items relating to the house and its famous connections. Outside the house, the Washington coat of arms, said to have been the inspiration for the American flag, can be seen above the main porch.
Gardens
One of the many attractive features of the manor is the garden. To the East is the Rose Garden with its 16th century sundial. Lavender grows in profusion, and many thousands of bags of Sulgrave Lavender have crossed the Atlantic since the house was opened to the public.
Beyond a yew hedge is the Kitchen Garden, which would have supplied fresh vegetables for the household. On either side of the porch are herbaceous borders, which in summer are a riot of colour, brimming over with flowers, which threaten to engulf the ground floor window. Stretching southwards is the well kept lawn with its fine topiary work.
On the terrace lawn there is a herb garden in the form of an Elizabethan Knot. The Orchard, beyond, is underplanted with bulbs, which provide a magnificent display each spring.
To the West of the formal gardens is a paddock planted with a variety of trees and shrubs. This affords a fine view of the house and gardens, and is set out with tables and benches for picnicing.
The Brew House and Courtyard
The 18th century Brew House has been converted to form a Visitors' Centre. It now comprises on the ground floor, a shop, the Brewhouse Tea and Coffee Room, and an Audio Visual Room. Upstairs, the loft houses a museum of the Manor and surrounding village of Sulgrave.
The Courtyard provides a delightful setting for refreshment, with tables and chairs placed outside in fair weather.
In one corner is the Brass Rubbing Centre, where rubbings can be taken of the Washington brasses and arms, amongst others.
Location
Approximately 17 miles south-west of Northampton, just off the B4525 road from Northampton to Banbury, which can be accessed from the A5 and M45.
Further Information and Opening Times
Visit the Sulgrave Manor web site.