Sulgrave Manor

Sulgrave Manor was built in 1539 for Tudor wool merchant Lawrence Washington, a direct ancestor of George Washington, the future first President of the United States. It remained in the ownership of the Washington family for only two generations, and was sold out of the family in 1659. Substantial alterations were made to the house in the 18th century and during the following century it was inhabited by a succession of tenant farmers.

Sulgrave Manor was rescued from dereliction in 1914 when it was purchased by the Anglo-American Peace Centenary Committee as part of the commemorations of the Treaty of Ghent, which established peace between Britain and the USA in 1814. The house and gardens were restored by arts and crafts architect Sir Reginald Blomfield and opened to the public in 1921.

Sulgrave Manor Trust was established in 1921 to preserve the Manor for public benefit, to promote its historic and symbolic role in Anglo-American relations and to encourage friendship and goodwill between the British and American peoples. Set in a picturesque village, close to both Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, our compact size, peaceful gardens and unique story make us an ideal place to explore.