South East - Oxfordshire

Sulgrave Manor – the birthplace of a Superpower?
This modest Tudor Manor House, set in the rolling countryside of the Northamptonshire/Oxfordshire borders, can lay claim to this title. It was here that, in 1602, a child was born whose political beliefs and activism resulted in his ruin. However his son, John, was not letting this hold him back and using a small inheritance from his step-grandfather he sought his fortune in foreign lands. A ship wreck, a lawsuit and a pretty girl led to him settling in Colonial Virginia. The family name was Washington and John’s great grandson was the first President of the United States of America.

At Sulgrave Manor we tell entertaining stories of this remarkable family. It all starts in County Durham in the late 12th Century and travels through time, touching down in the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries. We will take you  not only on a tour through time but also through the places that the Washingtons lived, including, of course, the 120 years that they owned the Manor of Sulgrave and Stuchbury.

Today Sulgrave Manor stands as a symbol of the peace that has existed between the United Kingdom and United States for nearly two hundred years. Owned by the Sulgrave Manor Trust, a registered charity, the objects of the Trust include the phrase :-  “To promote friendship and goodwill between the British and American peoples and Sulgrave Manor’s historic and symbolic role as a centre for such sentiments.”

As well as the original Tudor part of the house there is a Georgian wing and 3 acres of beautiful gardens that were designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield in the 1920s. It is also home to the National Garden of the Herb Society and our resident herbalist produces tisanes from this source.

Special events are put on throughout the year which of course includes a celebration of Independence Day, when American activities and entertainments are available for all visitors. In 2013 this is happening on June 30th.

There are also Harvest celebrations, Christmas Markets and themed tours both at Christmas and Easter time, when guests will  hear about the way people celebrated at these special times of the year and the origins of many of our modern day festivities and traditions.  The Lord of the Manor, Lawrence Washington himself, now 513 years old, turns up to welcome you and his cook, Meg, describes festive food of times past.

Our Buttery offers refreshment – again with an American theme, so you can enjoy a classic BLT or Bagel with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese, followed by a “Sulgrave Sundae” with flavours devised from the Manor and America.

Groups and Private Tours are welcome all year round, for Public opening times please see our website –  www.sulgravemanor.org.uk or telephone 01295 760205.