For centuries this key unlocked the door of Sulgrave Manor; today it unlocks a shared history between Northamptonshire and the USA. The key, made of wrought iron, belonged to Lawrence Washington, who built Sulgrave Manor between 1539 and 1560. It was Lawrence’s five times great-grandson, George, who became the first President of the USA in 1789, some 250 years later.
The key was presented to Sulgrave Manor in 1941 by Zula Woodhull in honour of her mother, Victoria Woodhull Martin (1838-1927). Born in rural Ohio to a poor family, Victoria led an exciting and at times controversial life. She was, at times, a clairvoyant, stockbroker, newspaper founder and lecturer. She was also a Suffragist and became the first woman to run for the president of the United States in 1872.
Towards the end of her life, Victoria retired to her country estate in Worcestershire. An active member of the ‘Sulgrave Movement’, she was the most generous contributor to the fund to buy Sulgrave Manor as a symbol of kinship between the United Kingdom and United States.
Usually kept at Sulgrave Manor the key is on display at Towcester library as part of the Beyond the 100
There is limited evidence of Viking influence in Northamptonshire and despite being minted during Viking rule this silver coin from Northampton depicts an Anglo-Saxon king.
© Sulgrave Manor
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NMAG
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NMAG
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NMAG
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NMAG