Sulgrave Manor
Sulgrave Manor The Ancestral home of George Washington
Sulgrave Manor, the ancestral home of George Washington, was built by Lawrence Washington, the five times great-grandfather of George Washington, in 1539 and is located northeast of Banbury in the village of Sulgrave.
History
As mentioned, Sulgrave Manor was constructed in 1539 by Lawrence Washington, the entrance porch was completed soon after Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne in 1558, and her coat of arms and initials were fashioned in plaster work upon its gable.
Just above the door is the Washington family’s coat of arms carved in stone. Known as the “mullets and bars” with three stars over two stripes, it is widely believed to have served as the inspiration for the American flag. Having said this, there is no discernible evidence to support the two being linked in any way and both have very different looks. Because of this, some people think that this is an urban myth… but we’ll let you guys decide that for yourself!
The house, constructed of a local limestone, was occupied by Lawrence Washington, his wife, and their eleven children. As was typical for Tudor houses, the center of the house was the Great Hall, which still looks much as it did in its day, furnished with authentic furnishings of the Tudor period. The complex included courtyards, walled gardens, grass paddocks, and various outbuildings including a barn, brew house, buttery, and shop.
Descendants of Lawrence Washington continued to occupy the house until 1659, when they immigrated to America. By 1700, when John Hodges added a north wing, the western portion of the house (to the left of the entrance porch) had already been destroyed.
In 1914 the Manor was presented by British subscribers to the peoples of Great Britain and the United States of America to celebrate one hundred years of peace between the two countries. Sulgrave Manor represents a superb example of a small manor house and garden of the Tudor period in England. An Endowment Fund, begun in 1924 by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, assists in the maintenance of the property. The Friends of Sulgrave Manor, a U.S. charity raises funds in the U.S. to support Sulgrave Manor.
The Manor Today
Sulgrave Manor is home to an accredited museum collection and is open to the public during the open Season April - September. Within the Manor stories are shared about Sulgrave Manor and its owners. Today Sulgrave Manor is an independent charity, existing entirely through the generosity of donors, supporters and visitors.
If you are looking to visit a delightful Tudor manor, with a country garden, and unique history with links to George Washington then Sulgrave Manor is the place. We can’t wait for you to discover the history and stories of Sulgrave or to simply relax with in the garden, creating great memories with your loved ones. There really is something for everyone at this site as you can see the wide range of herbs in the Herb Garden, find the oldest Apple tree in the picturesque Orchard and stroll through herbaceous borders. Do you have a young artist or adventurer or an eco-warrior in your family? Our explorer backpacks are full of exciting activities for families to enjoy. They are free to borrow, so you can pick them up from the shop on arrival!
Whilst researching this famous historical site I came across this quote which I think sums everything up about the Manor perfectly which I will end this blog with…
“It’s not huge but it’s beautiful, it’s important, and it’s ever-changing, under the care of wonderful people who are passionate about it. In every sense, it’s a house for the people… ‘of the United Kingdom and the United States’”.
We look forward to taking to you to this site as part of our American Legacy Package!
Christmas at Sulgrave Manor
This Christmas 2021 they are delighted to be holding a Festive Fun Day on 12th December. There will be a number of activities available for children to do while parents can enjoy some tasty food and drink in there incredible tea room.
Why not go join them for some festive fun!
£5 for children (garden entry included)
£3 for adults (garden entry included)
Festive Fun at Sulgrave Manor
Sources Used:
https://nscda.org/museum-properties/sulgrave-manor/
https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/coat-of-arms/
https://sulgravemanor.org.uk
https://www.historichouses.org/founding-forefathers-the-story-of-sulgrave-manor/