The Original Manor: Not So Humble Beginnings
Collated by Sarah Linder, Harlaxton College, Spring 2016
Manor homes have been an integral part of the political, economic, and social spheres of England since the 14th century. Built for wealthy landowners, they provided physical protection and secured a position in the community. Land ownership was a status that subsequently brought a voice in county affairs for the Lord of the Manor. Wealth, manifesting itself in land, was inherited or bought and often included a Manor and the surrounding village. The original Harlaxton Manor was built in the 14th century by Edmund de Swynford and was later replaced by the one we see today by Gregory Gregory. The men of Harlaxton Manor have embodied all of the expectations of young gentlemen with inheritance in this period, being well versed in academia and world experience. However, Gregory Gregory could claim no higher, official title and therefore made unsuccessful attempts to receive one through the construction of the new Harlaxton Manor.
The ‘Old’ Harlaxton Manor
This line engraving by J. Rogers and J. Rhodes depicts the front of the original Harlaxton Manor. John Saunders published the image in 1831 and colour was added later.