Monument record 291/1/1 - Late/ post medieval manor house, Greatworth

The site of a post medieval manor house with medieval origins and the remains of the garden. The manor house was rebuilt in the early 18th century by Charles Howe but was destroyed by fire in 1793. although original gate piers and stabling survive. Earthworks of the contemporary garden cover circa 1 hectare, forming a rectangular area including stone walls, a terrace walk and a rectangular pond.

{1} SP 552 421: Site of manor house and garden. The medieval manor house of Great worth was rebuilt in the early 18th century by Charles Howe (1661–1742). In 1752 the estate was sold to William Higginson who leased the house to George Montagu from 1753 to 1768. The house was destroyed by fire in 1793. The present manor house appears to contain fragments of the 18th-century house and to judge from a painting of 1721 this earlier building stood immediately to the south-east. It was a large rectangular building of three storeys with a symmetrical south elevation surmounted by a balustrade. The original gate piers, topped by elaborate pineapples, survive to the west, as well as parts of the stabling to the north The site of the house itself is now covered by a modern garden. Earthworks of the contemporary garden cover circa 1 hectare, forming a rectangular area including stone walls, a terrace walk and a rectangular pond. Further remains have been destroyed by a recent track across the area.

{2}Rev. Mr Higginson.

{3} Illustration of Greatworth 1721 - house of Charles Howe, Esq. Drawing by Tilleman /Eyre. 24th December 1793 destroyed by fire. House rebuilt early 18th century by Charles Howe (1661-1742). Sold 1751 to Will Higginson of Holborn. May 1753 - house leased to George Montague 1753-1768. Walpole visited Greatworth July 1753. Rev William Higginson son of William Higginson seems unlikely to have lived at Greatworth.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.65/Site 9 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<2> Eyre T. (Revised by Jefferys T.), 1779, Map of the County of Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Map). SNN1852.

<3> GIBSON J.S.W., 1976, Three Lost Northamptonshire Houses and Their Owners, p.311-14 (unchecked) (Article). SNN41445.

<4> STAGEMAN W., 2004, Charles Howe of Greatworth, p.31-40 (unchecked) (Article). SNN109356.

<5> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, A/P (RAF VAP CPE/UK/1926, 3214-5) (Photographs). SNN104890.

Record last edited

Feb 2 2024 9:54AM