Sulgrave Manor
Washington Family Roots
Built by Lawrence Washington in 1539 this well preserved Tudor Mansion was home to the Washington family for 120 years. Lawrence was a wool merchant and had also been mayor of Northampton; the Washingtons held the manor till 1659 when it was sold.
In 1656 a descendant of the family Colonel John Washington the great grandfather of George, Americas first president left Essex bound for Virginia. In 1914 a joint partnership between the UK and the USA raised by public subscription funds to purchase the manor, by this time the building was dilapidated.
Now beautifully restored and with a new wing the house is full of interesting artefacts relating to the bond between Britain and America because of the Washington family connection. The door spandrels are decorated with the family arms; the house is set in a garden and orchard with nice views of the surrounding countryside.
Activities in Sulgrave Manor
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