Building record 1694/3/1 - Abington Abbey

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Summary

The manor house at Abington was built by the Bernard family between 1415-1669; it later became known as Abington Abbey. It was extensively altered by W.Thursby in 1669-71 and remodelling again took place in 1738-43 probably by Francis Smith for John Harvey. It was converted to use as a museum during the 20th century. The Bernards also appear to have laid out the small walled park and garden containing fishponds to the east of the manor house.

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Type and Period (9)

Full Description

{1} Manor house at Abington was built by Bernard family between 1415-1669; it later became known as Abington Abbey; it was extensively altered by W.Thursby in C17th; remodelling again took place in C18th probably by Francis Smith for John Harvey; now used as museum;

{2} Former Manor House now Abington Museum; south range is pre-Reformation; early C16th stained glass in windows relates to Bernard family& dates to building of hall; C17th alterations; courtyard; new façade built in front of old c.1740; architect was probably Francis Smith of Warwick; details of interior given;

{3} Only known as an Abbey since 1841. Early C16 of hollow quadrangular plan. Altered and largely rebuilt 1675-8. Refronted on south and east circa 1740; rainwater heads on south dated 1743. C18 work attributed to Smith of Warwick. Ashlar facades. 2 storeys and attics, first floor band, cornice, parapet, dormers. South projecting centre and ends, 1:4:1:4:1 sash windows in eared architraves. Central doorway has round arch, surround of rusticated Doric pilasters under entablature. East side elevation has projecting pedimented centre with cupola. 4:3:4 sash windows. Central doorway has entablature, segmental pediment, pilasters, round arch. Interior has many important features. 4 bay framed roof to hall with tall mullioned windows. Linen-fold panelled ground floor room. Fine plaster ceilings. Good C17 main stairway with newel posts, turned balusters; C18 secondary staircase. Plaster vaults in Gothic style, later C18. VCH, IV, pp 65-6. Scheduled Ancient Monument. Church of St Peter and St Paul, Abington Abbey and The Cottage, Christchurch Road form a group.

{4} Early history of manor given; Abington Hall or 'Abbey' was seat of Bernards & Thursbys from C15th; quadrangular building originally early C16th date; altered & largely rebuilt 1675-8 following acquisition by William Thursby in 1669; some time in C18th south & east sides refronted in plain classical style most likely by John Harvey Thursby after his succession to estate in 1736; possibly carried out by architect Francis Smith of Warwick; more details of structure given; held by Thursbys until sold to Lewis Loyd in 1841; instituted as private asylum in 1845 until 1892; Loyd's grand-daughter Lady Wantage presented Abbey with some of estate to Northampton Corporation; manor house then converted into museum during which works Collyweston slated roof replaced with red tiles;

{5} Survival of late medieval hall in south range can be attributed to John Bernard who inherited house in 1496; late C17th alterations by William Thursby who bought manor in 1669; details given; house remodelled again in 1730s & 1740s possibly by Smiths of Warwick for John Harvey; remodelling of house c.1800 worthy of note for introduction of Gothic element; after death of last of Thursby family in 1841 estate was purchased by Lewis Loyd of Overstone & leased to Dr Thomas Pritchard for use as private lunatic asylum; in 1897 house became museum; detailed architectural development given with plans & elevations & photographs;

{6} House shown on late C17th map with small houses to east & south which separate it from its park to north-east; [is this same as 1671 map?];

{7} Refronted for J H Thursby, c 1738-43. Attributed to Francis Smith, supported by the fact that the Thursby portait of Smith came from Abington;

{8} Payments to masons & bricklayers recorded between 1798 & 1802;

{9} Known for many years as Abbey together with its grounds is now property of Northampton Corporation & devoted to museum & public park; it never had any religious function; Bernard family owned property in C16th & built original house; in 1669 they sold it to William Thursby who demolished it & built new house; this in turn replaced by third house in C18th; from 1838 house & grounds were leased to Dr Pritchard for purpose of hospital for insane; use as asylum continued after 1841 when it was sold to banker Lewis Lloyd; hospital closed in 1892 after death of Dr Pritchard's successor, and eventually devolved upon Lady Wantage who made gift of property to Corporation for People's Park & for presentation of fine trees & maintenance of old & picturesque fabric of Abbey; house now used as museum; Sir Henry Dryden made measured drawings of house; certain improvements were made to grounds for their opening on Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee; Sir Henry Dryden made measured drawings of house; Fig 91: illustration by George Clarke;

{10} Name 'Abbey' by which now known does not appear to have been acquired until after sold by Thursbys in 1841; drawing of part of roof and ornamental figure thereon;

{11} Shows south front across parkland & garden;

{12} Large building shown to north-west of church;

{13} House plan shown;

{14} South-east prospect of house & formal gardens;

{15} House shown standing in south-west corner of parkland; J.H.Thursby Esq.;

{16} House shown;

{17} Engraving of east front of house;

{31} History of house given; most of what you see is 18th century; the Barnards were lords of the manor for over 200 years, the last being Sir John, whose wife was the grand-daughter of William Shakespeare; William Thursby moved into Abington Manor House in 1669, pulling down much of the old house and building a larger sandstone structure; John Harvey Thursby constructed an east wing and made sweeping changes to the house, and it is largely his work that we see today; another John Harvey Thursby was last to live in the house; in 1841 failing fortunes forced its sale to Lewis Lloyd, who bought it for an investment, letting it out for use as a private mental asylum until 1892; the estate became run down and was in danger of being sold as building land, until the grand daughter of Lewis Lloyd, Lady Wantage, offered the house and 20 acres to the town as a public park;

{33} At Abington the former open hall remains open to the roof. At Abington the hall, 11.8m by 6.5m (38ft 9in by 21ft 4in), is of four bays, three main trusses being supplemented by an additional truss against each gable wall. Carpentry is of single hammer-beam. Estimated felling date 1481-1507.

{34} Three photos dated 1990;

{35} Draft lease of Abington from J.H.Thursby to Robert Curwen Esq; lease of Abbey with sporting
over manor for 5 years; mentions stables, dog kennels, outhouses and hothouses.

{47} In good condition. See photograph.

{48} Abington Manor House, now used as a Branch Museum, built in 1500, but greatly reconstructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. A former Manor House existed on this site, the manor having been originally acquired in 1389-90.

{49} SP 77486149 Abington Abbey, number Northampton 90, is now descheduled.

{51} Collection of heraldic glass which reflects the connections of the Bernard family, principally through the marriage of John Bernard to Margaret daughter of the Henry, 4th Lord Scrope of Bolton- through this alliance his descendants could claim, however tenuously, royal descent through Edmund, Earl of Lancaster. Eight shields of arms survive. Also present are two Labours of the Months roundels (not in situ) and two Netherlandish roundels.


<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1985, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.210 (checked) (Series). SNN77383.

<2> Pevsner N.; Cherry B., 1973, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.344-45 (checked) (Series). SNN1320.

<3> Department of the Environment (DoE), 1976, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, p.10-11 (checked) (Catalogue). SNN3381.

<4> Salzman L.F.(ed), 1937, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.65-67 (unchecked) (Series). SNN100371.

<5> Heward J.; Taylor R., 1996, The Country Houses of Northamptonshire, p.47-48 (checked) (Book). SNN41757.

<6> 1680, MAP, (unchecked) (Map). SNN47289.

<7> Colvin H., 1995, A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects (1660-1840), 752 (unchecked) (Book). SNN54451.

<8> 1802, Estate Accounts, (unchecked) (Document). SNN47250.

<9> Gotch J.A., 1939, Squires' Homes and Other Old Buildings of Northamptonshire, p.34-5 (unchecked) (Book). SNN39616.

<10> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/2/1-2 (Archive). SNN115.

<11> Clarke G., 1850, P/2005-2261 UNFINISHED, 1014+2013 (unchecked) (Drawing). SNN45316.

<12> Grant V., 1671, Map of Abington (NRO Map 4524), (unchecked) (Map). SNN41646.

<13> 1742, Abington Map (NRO Map 2804), (unchecked) (Map). SNN59944.

<14> Cole J., 1750, Abington Abbey, (checked) (Print). SNN45598.

<15> 1840, Sale Catalogue, (unchecked) (Document). SNN59941.

<16> 1798, Abington Map (NRO 2829), (unchecked) (Map). SNN59942.

<17> Neale J.P., 1818, Seats of The Nobility and Gentry, (unchecked) (Drawing). SNN45325.

<18> Baker G., 1822-36, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.7-17 (unchecked) (Book). SNN10400.

<19> Bryant A., 1827, Map of The County of Northampton, (checked) (Map). SNN2733.

<20> 1742, Abington Estate Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN41652.

<21> 1850, MAP, (checked) (Map). SNN59019.

<22> Ordnance Survey, 1887, First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 Inch Mapping Series (45.06), (unchecked) (Map). SNN58994.

<23> 1895, DEED, (unchecked) (Document). SNN59896.

<24> 1669, ZA 1116, (unchecked) (Document). SNN59012.

<25> Northampton & County Junior Chamber of Commerce, Northampton: A Short Guide, (unchecked) (Guide). SNN628.

<26> 1798, Abington Map (NRO 2830), (unchecked) (Map). SNN59943.

<27> 1798, T(A) 18, (unchecked) (Document). SNN58970.

<28> 1840, Sale Catalogue, (unchecked) (Document). SNN54722.

<29> Littledale W.A., 1908, Some Notes on The Family of Thursby of Abington, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN54721.

<30> Mowl T.; Hickman C., 2008, The Historic Gardens of England: Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Series). SNN106082.

<31> Burman, A., 2004, Still Growing into History, (unchecked) (Article). SNN104707.

<32> Jenkins S., 2003, England's Thousand Best Houses, p.548-49 (unchecked) (Extract). SNN104722.

<33> Moir J.; Moir M. (Editors), 1995-2005, Vernacular Architecture, Vol 18/p. 38 (Journal). SNN102633.

<34> Photographs of buildings in Northampton (Photographs). SNN114989.

<35> 1836, NRO T(A)44, (unchecked) (Document). SNN47205.

<36> 1841, Sale Catalogue, (unchecked) (Document). SNN59940.

<37> 1840, Abington Tithe Map (NRO Map T12), (unchecked) (Map). SNN54912.

<38> 1798, Abington Map (NRO 470), (checked) (Map). SNN41653.

<39> Meirion-Jones G.I. Et al., 1987, Dating by Dendrochronology of Three Northamptonshire Halls, p.34-40 (unchecked) (Article). SNN59979.

<40> Napier-Higgins S., 1903, The Bernards of Abington & Winchendon, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN59980.

<41> Hickman C., 2013, Theraputic Landscapes: A History of English Hospital Gardens Since 1800 (Book). SNN109142.

<42> 1742, YZ 3214, (unchecked) (Document). SNN54703.

<43> 1851, Census, (unchecked) (Document). SNN54683.

<44> Eyre T. (Revised by Jefferys T.), 1779, Map of the County of Northamptonshire, (checked) (Map). SNN1852.

<45> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.400-405 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<46> 1800, ACCOUNTS BOOK, (unchecked) (Document). SNN58971.

<47> Baird, J, 1969, Field Investigators Comments, F1 JB 26-FEB-69 (Note). SNN111452.

<48> 1953, The Archaeological Journal (110), p. 185 (Journal). SNN59424.

<49> Historic England, Unknown, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments, Eng Heritage SAMs Letter and Maplet 8 Oct 1989 (Oral Report). SNN111577.

<50> Historic England, Undated, ABINGTON HALL, NORTHAMPTON, BF061837 (Archive). SNN115612.

<51> Marks R., 1998, Stained Glass Of Northamptonshire, p. 151-5 (Book). SNN101533.

<52> Perkins, P, Whittaker, R and Denton, A, 2022, A Guide to the Industrial Heritage of Northamptonshire, p. 66/ Site 290 (Book). SNN113793.

Sources/Archives (52)

  • <1> Series: Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England. 1985. An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton. 5 (+Microfiche). H.M.S.O.. p.210 (checked).
  • <2> Series: Pevsner N.; Cherry B.. 1973. The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire. The Buildings of England. Northamptonshire. Penguin Books. p.344-45 (checked).
  • <3> Catalogue: Department of the Environment (DoE). 1976. List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Northampton Borough. Dept. of Environment. p.10-11 (checked).
  • <4> Series: Salzman L.F.(ed). 1937. The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire. 4. University of London. p.65-67 (unchecked).
  • <5> Book: Heward J.; Taylor R.. 1996. The Country Houses of Northamptonshire. R.C.H.M.E.. p.47-48 (checked).
  • <6> Map: 1680. MAP. (unchecked).
  • <7> Book: Colvin H.. 1995. A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects (1660-1840). Yale University Press. 752 (unchecked).
  • <8> Document: 1802. Estate Accounts. NRO T(A) 17. (unchecked).
  • <9> Book: Gotch J.A.. 1939. Squires' Homes and Other Old Buildings of Northamptonshire. p.34-5 (unchecked).
  • <10> Archive: Dryden H.E.L.. 1842-1895. Dryden Collection. DR/25/2/1-2.
  • <11> Drawing: Clarke G.. 1850. P/2005-2261 UNFINISHED. P/2005-2261 UNFINISHED. 1014+2013 (unchecked).
  • <12> Map: Grant V.. 1671. Map of Abington (NRO Map 4524). NRO Map 4524. (unchecked).
  • <13> Map: 1742. Abington Map (NRO Map 2804). NRO MAP 2804. (unchecked).
  • <14> Print: Cole J.. 1750. Abington Abbey. (checked).
  • <15> Document: 1840. Sale Catalogue. T(A)75. (unchecked).
  • <16> Map: 1798. Abington Map (NRO 2829). NRO Map 2829. (unchecked).
  • <17> Drawing: Neale J.P.. 1818. Seats of The Nobility and Gentry. (unchecked).
  • <18> Book: Baker G.. 1822-36. The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire. p.7-17 (unchecked).
  • <19> Map: Bryant A.. 1827. Map of The County of Northampton. (checked).
  • <20> Map: 1742. Abington Estate Map. NRO Map 471. (unchecked).
  • <21> Map: 1850. MAP. NRO MAP 342. (checked).
  • <22> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1887. First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 Inch Mapping Series (45.06). 25 inches to 1 mile. Sheet 45.6. Ordnance Survey. (unchecked).
  • <23> Document: 1895. DEED. 0.666. (unchecked).
  • <24> Document: 1669. ZA 1116. ZA 1116. (unchecked).
  • <25> Guide: Northampton & County Junior Chamber of Commerce. Northampton: A Short Guide. (unchecked).
  • <26> Map: 1798. Abington Map (NRO 2830). NRO Map 2830. (unchecked).
  • <27> Document: 1798. T(A) 18. T(A) 18. (unchecked).
  • <28> Document: 1840. Sale Catalogue. T(A)73. (unchecked).
  • <29> Notes: Littledale W.A.. 1908. Some Notes on The Family of Thursby of Abington. (unchecked).
  • <30> Series: Mowl T.; Hickman C.. 2008. The Historic Gardens of England: Northamptonshire. The Historic Gardens of England. Northamptonshire. Tempus. (unchecked).
  • <31> Article: Burman, A.. 2004. Still Growing into History. Chronicle & Echo. (unchecked).
  • <32> Extract: Jenkins S.. 2003. England's Thousand Best Houses. Northamptonshire. p.548-49 (unchecked).
  • <33> Journal: Moir J.; Moir M. (Editors). 1995-2005. Vernacular Architecture. Vernacular Architecture. V.A.G.. Vol 18/p. 38.
  • <34> Photographs: Photographs of buildings in Northampton.
  • <35> Document: 1836. NRO T(A)44. NRO T(A)44. (unchecked).
  • <36> Document: 1841. Sale Catalogue. T(A)85. (unchecked).
  • <37> Map: 1840. Abington Tithe Map (NRO Map T12). NRO MAP T12. (unchecked).
  • <38> Map: 1798. Abington Map (NRO 470). NRO Map 470. (checked).
  • <39> Article: Meirion-Jones G.I. Et al.. 1987. Dating by Dendrochronology of Three Northamptonshire Halls. Vernacular Architecture. 18. p.34-40 (unchecked).
  • <40> Uncertain: Napier-Higgins S.. 1903. The Bernards of Abington & Winchendon. 1. (unchecked).
  • <41> Book: Hickman C.. 2013. Theraputic Landscapes: A History of English Hospital Gardens Since 1800. Manchester Univ Press.
  • <42> Document: 1742. YZ 3214. YZ 3214. (unchecked).
  • <43> Document: 1851. Census. PRO HO 107/1739. (unchecked).
  • <44> Map: Eyre T. (Revised by Jefferys T.). 1779. Map of the County of Northamptonshire. NRO Map 1119. (checked).
  • <45> Book: Bridges J.. 1791. The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire. 1. p.400-405 (unchecked).
  • <46> Document: 1800. ACCOUNTS BOOK. T(A) 17. (unchecked).
  • <47> Note: Baird, J. 1969. Field Investigators Comments. F1 JB 26-FEB-69.
  • <48> Journal: 1953. The Archaeological Journal (110). The Archaeological Journal. 110. Royal Arch. Society. p. 185.
  • <49> Oral Report: Historic England. Unknown. Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments. Eng Heritage SAMs Letter and Maplet 8 Oct 1989.
  • <50> Archive: Historic England. Undated. ABINGTON HALL, NORTHAMPTON. BF061837.
  • <51> Book: Marks R.. 1998. Stained Glass Of Northamptonshire. The British Academy. p. 151-5.
  • <52> Book: Perkins, P, Whittaker, R and Denton, A. 2022. A Guide to the Industrial Heritage of Northamptonshire. NIAG. p. 66/ Site 290.

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (8)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Location

Grid reference Centred SP 7746 6150 (46m by 52m) Central
Civil Parish NORTHAMPTON, West Northamptonshire (formerly Northampton District)

Protected Status/Designation

Other Statuses/References

  • NRHE HOB UID: 343527

Record last edited

Feb 27 2025 11:04AM

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