Friday, November 22, 2013

English Family Homes

As I discover my family history I am also discovering where they were born, wed, lived and died. I have been amazed that a number of the manors, halls and castles of my family's history continue to stand, weathering the test of time. I will keep this post simple with the name of the home, which family lived there, how they are connected to me and what condition it is in now. 

I intend to travel to some of these places and explore these magnificent homes. 

Here is a sample of some of the homes, more to come I promise!


Prudhoe Castle, Northumberland, UK.



The DeUmfraville Family c11th Century

Odinel DeUmfraville was succesful in making the castle secure against invasion by the Scots. Odinel was my 26th Great-Grandfather on my maternal Grandmother's side. The Castle still stands today but is classified as ruins. Public tours available.




Haddon Hall, Derbyshire, UK.



The Manners Family c16th Century to today.

Through marraige into the Vernon Family, Haddon Hall became the family estate for the Manners Family, The Dukes & Earls of Rutland. The stories of the family have been immortalised in musicals and plays and the home itself has been used as a location for many period films, including Jane Eyre & Elizabeth. 

Sir George Manners who was born in 1572 was my 11th Great-Grandfather on my maternal Grandmother's side.

The home is standing today and is in excellent condition, carefully maintained and restored by generations of The Manners Family. Open to public tours.




Bolton Castle, North Yorkshire, UK.



The Scrope Family c14th - 18th Centuries. 


My 9th Great-Grandfather on my maternal Grandmother's side, Scrope Howe, 1st Viscount Howe owned this castle during the 18th Century. He willed it to his illegitimate daughter Mary rather than his legitimate family.

Bolton Castle today boasts itself as one of the best preserved medievil castles and is currently owned by Lord Bolton, the direct descendant of the castle’s original owner Sir Richard le Scrope. I'm sure we are related as cousins many times removed. The castle is open to the public.

Ref - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolton_Castle



Otley Hall, Suffolk, UK.



The Gosnold Family c15th-17th Century

John Gosnold was my 15th Great-grandfather on my maternal grandmother's side. 







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