Page 28 - Thrapston Life May 2023

GLANCE AT
THE PAST
Eric Franklin looks back
Northamptonshire is well served for historical houses – Althorp, Boughton House, Kelmarsh Hall, Rockingham Castle and Sulgrave Manor to name just a few. Many years ago, I was fortunate to be part of a small group who were given a rare, guided tour of probably the least well-known of this multitude of properties, Drayton House, which is less than 3
de Drayton in about 1300 during which century permission was granted to crenellate the roof (form battlements), some of which can be seen on the pictures above. The house passed to the Sackville family in 1770, with whom it remains today. During its entire history, the estate has never been put up for sale. Sir Simon’s ancestors
miles from Thrapston but hidden from view from roads. It is in extensive grounds in the triangle formed between Islip, Lowick and Slipton.
During its entire history, the estate has never been put up for sale
were the de Vere family, a name remembered with a road in town, as also are the Sackville’s
The house is approached through
the gates shown, which date from 1701, and seen on this postcard produced
by H. Evans, Kettering, in 1904. Other views from over 100 years ago show the extent of the buildings. These two views
The first picture (above) is a Victorian photograph of a 1729 engraving of the
house as it was then, and some of the grounds. It was produced by Joseph
Mason, a Thrapston photographer, on a CDV card which I have in my collection of old local views.
were also produced locally, by Taylor & Downes of Thrapston and another by H. Evans.
Drayton has much history which can be discovered by searching online. Although not
The core of the house was built by Sir Simon
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