Delapré Abbey was built in 1145. Originally a nunnery, but with the dissolution of the monasteries, 1536-1540 saw the demise of the nunnery. However, the mansion and outbuildings incorporate the remains of a former monastery, the Abbey of St Mary de la Pre, which can still be seen today. With over a 900-year history, there is much to investigate at this stunning Mansion.
History at its finest! –
WoW!! Delapré has played a big part in our history during the War of the Roses. The grounds are a nationally protected Wars of the Roses battlefield… sightings of residual hauntings of a battle still play out today.
In 1460, the Battle of Northampton between King Henry VI, Henry, and the Earl of March. The King was taken and held prisoner within the Abbey overnight before being transported to London the next day.
Families
The Abbey has changed hands on many occasions; from 1546 to 1764, Delapré was home to the Tate family, turning many historical renovations into a domestic building. Then, in 1764 the Bouverie family took up residence, made many more structural changes, and left behind a mysterious and colourful history.