The Honour of Grafton

In 1542 Grafton was transformed from a relatively unimportant manor to the centre of a large collection of estates in South Northamptonshire - the "Honour" of Grafton. The term dates from feudal times when a barony, often including manors from several counties became known as an "honour."

Henry VIII amassed the manors of Abthorpe, Alderton, Ashton, Blakesley, Blisworth, Cold Higham, Furtho, Grafton Regis, Greens Norton, Hartwell, Passenham, Paulerspury, Potterspury, Roade, Stoke Bruerne, Shutlanger, Silverstone, Towcester, Whittlebury, and Yardley Gobion, and  Whittlewood Forest. It was therefore a huge and coherent tract of land encompassing a large part of south Northamptonshire - the hundreds of Cleyly, Greens Norton and Towcester, mostly. This is quite a contrast to the honours established during the time of William I, which were usually scattered manors in several counties.

Grafton at this time became known as Grafton Regis, a name which it still holds. Henry VIII liked this manor and went there frequently every summer and as a result of the park he created was able to enjoy hunting there.

The honour eventually passed to the 2nd duke of Grafton in 1705. The 1st duke of Grafton was Henry Fitzroy, Charles II's illegitimate son by the duchess of Cleveland, The dukedom dates from 1675. The 2nd duke established Wakefield Lodge as his primary residence since Grafton House was occupied at the time by his mother and her second husband.