Drayton House
DRAYTON HOUSE VISIT
LOWICK, NEAR THRAPSTON
WEDNESDAY 26TH APRIL 2023
In a quiet, tucked away area of Northamptonshire lies Drayton House, hidden, mysterious, rarely open, guarding its secrets across more than 700 years. Drayton resembles a small fortified village in a parkland setting.
The original core of the house was built in 1300 and still survives today. Over the centuries there have been changes and additions but the house still remains a family home, the descendants of the original owner, Sir Simon de Drayton who live there today.
Ten of the history group, met up at the entrance of the estate, and after a problem in getting through the security barrier, we slowly drove up the long driveway and entered the gravel courtyard of Drayton House. The silvery grey walls and the tiered roofline of battlements, turrets, and towers were a magnificent sight. We were greeted by Bruce Bailey, the curator of Drayton, who showed us around the fascinating home. In 1605 King James 1st was entertained with musicians and singers in the Kings room with his wife Anne of Denmark. One of the highlights was the unique spiral cantilever oak staircase dating around 1680, alsothe remarkable State bedroom with stunning embroidered drapes and furniture.
After a short stroll around the gardens, it was time to leave for Waddenhoe where lunch awaited us at the Kings Head.
Avril