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THE Manor
Home of the Tudor Washington family
Sulgrave Manor was built by George Washington’s direct ancestor, Lawrence, in 1539. Today, the Manor tells the stories of the people who have lived in it through the centuries, from the busy family home of the Washingtons to a working Victorian farmhouse.
Get hands on with history by playing board games in the Great Hall, dressing up like a Tudor and grinding spices in the Kitchen.
George Washington: Life and Legacy
Discover the story of America’s first President. Chart his road to presidency and explore his relationships with those around him and how they influenced the course of his life. The exhibition asks visitors to question ‘why does America need a president?’ and ‘did George suspect that his legacy would live on centuries after his death?’.
Enjoy the opportunity to get up close to some of George’s personal belongings, including his velvet frock coat. Find out which stories about George are actually myths and have your say by voting on the issues wall.
Moving Story
Our hands on exhibition considers the challenges John Washington faced when travelling and settling in a new country.
Following on from his story we consider the challenges people face today when they move to a new community.
Sulgrave Stories
The exhibition tells the story of the purchase of Sulgrave in 1914 by donations from both the UK and USA to celebrate 100 years of peace between the two countries. Displays showcase a selection of objects that have been gifted to the Manor over the years, including more quirky items like a piece of George Washington’s hair. Visitors are encouraged to question what friendship means to them and what role it plays in their lives.
Explore the origins of its unique position as a symbol of peace and friendship between nations.
The Garden
Our Garden was designed in the early 1900s by Sir Reginald Blomfield: architect, garden designer and author. Yew hedges divide the garden into rooms, each one with its own atmosphere. Topiary peacocks welcome visitors at the front door and densely planted borders ensure botanical interest from spring through to autumn. The Tudor Villagers Garden boasts historic vegetables and herbs, whilst mature trees provide shaded seating and stunning autumn colour. Heritage fruit trees grow in the orchard and there’s a designated Silent Space should you wish to simply sit back and enjoy views of the surrounding rolling countryside.
There are lots of exciting changes happening the garden at Sulgrave Manor.
We have divided the modern herb garden area to create a series of new garden rooms and add interest to our planting. In the lower half of the current area we have created a Rock Garden as per Reginald Blomfield’s plans. These were very popular features in the early 20th Century as an Alpine craze led to the introduction of new plants and ways to display them. Our Rock Garden features a cedar Alpine House and cold frames, with lots of ventilation providing the correct conditions for Alpine plants.
In 2025 we will be working on the Upper Herb garden so watch out for changes in this area.
Silent Space at Sulgrave Manor
Time spent in the Sulgrave Manor Silent Space is likely to deliver a calming experience through exposure to many of the elements you would expect from a long established garden.
Set within the orchard, the area ensures that anyone choosing to sit on the bench or pause for a while is likely to find some peace. With views sweeping down to the front of the Manor, you can sit and enjoy the scene. Rural traffic is occasional with horses and dogs more frequent passersby. By and large, it is birdsong that predominates. Find out more about Silent Space.
Sulgrave Manor & Garden Map
Once you have visited the Manor, Garden and George Washington Exhibition a visit to our small gift shop which offers cards, locally produced goods and crafts, and Sulgrave Manor items is a must.
Visitors can also enjoy our Brewhouse offering tea, coffee and cakes.
Please note only assistance dogs wearing identifying jackets are permitted.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sulgrave Manor & Garden.