22 Sep A visit to Sulgrave Manor… the ancestral home of George Washington

Sulgrave Manor is the ancestral home of George Washington, located near Banbury in the heart of England.

Manorial Counsel embarked on a trip to Sulgrave at the end of the summer, once there we were greeted by a very enthusiastic and approachable team.  After initial introductions we met with the tour guide in the courtyard to begin a very informative and interesting guided tour of the manor and grounds.

We were fascinated to learn of just how Sulgrave Manor came to be as it is today, partly due to the ongoing support from The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA); a body of Ladies descended from the men of the thirteen colonies which formed the original United States.  In 1924 they began fundraising and set themselves a target of $100,000 as a fund to endow the Manor in perpetuity, but this they surpassed, and actually raised $112,000 and obtained no fewer than thirty-five thousand subscribers.  Thus the manor was restored and refurbished by joint British and American subscription. (Outtake from Sulgrave Manor guide book) The object of all involved is summed up in the words of the Marquess of Cambridge at the opening ceremony: “We have had one idea in mind.  We want this house to be a shrine for all Americans who visit the old country and a centre from which sentiments of friendship and goodwill between the British and American people will forever radiate; and these sentiments we believe to be the greatest security for the words peace.”

We understand representatives from the NSCDA make the trip over to Sulgrave every two years to continue to support the trust and ensure the “Special relationship” continues to thrive.  It was clear to see Sulgrave Manor as a symbol of unity, friendship and goodwill between the American and British people.

As well as visiting the Manor, we were able to enjoy the grounds, which incorporated an orchard and American herb garden.

Manorial Counsel would highly recommend visiting Sulgrave Manor a fabulous day out, made even better by the warm and professional welcome we received by the team there.  Being in the heart of England it is conveniently on the tourist trail.

Manorial Counsel have a selection of titles with links to George Washington’s ancestors and Sulgrave,  including; Ellel, Maryland, Tewitfield, Hutton, Melling, Nether Middleton.

To find out more about Sulgrave Manor > http://www.sulgravemanor.org.uk/ 

To find out about the NSCDA > http://www.nscda.org/

Enquire about any of our titles including those listed above