Manor House

Heritage Site in Northamptonshire

England

Manor House

Watford Locks Halfway up the staircase section. The flight of 7 locks is Listed Grade II. — Watford Locks Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

Manor House, located in Northamptonshire, is a significant heritage site that holds immense historical and architectural value. Dating back to the 16th century, this magnificent house is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Manor House is a prime example of Elizabethan architecture, featuring a symmetrical design and intricate detailing. The exterior is adorned with characteristic mullioned windows, gables, and a beautiful stone façade. The house is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and a picturesque landscape, adding to its overall charm.

Inside, visitors can explore the various rooms that showcase the luxurious lifestyle of the former inhabitants. The Great Hall, with its impressive oak paneling and ornate plasterwork, provides a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. The library, filled with a vast collection of rare books, offers insights into the intellectual pursuits of the estate's owners.

The Manor House has witnessed several significant historical events, including visits from prominent figures such as Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. Its rich history is further enhanced by the presence of original artifacts and furniture, giving visitors a tangible connection to the past.

Today, the Manor House serves as a museum and heritage site, offering guided tours and educational programs. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the fascinating history of Northamptonshire and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the region. Manor House is a true treasure, preserving the heritage of the area for generations to come.

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Manor House Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.312/-1.157 or Grid Reference SP5768. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Watford Locks

Halfway up the staircase section. The flight of 7 locks is Listed Grade II.

Alan Murray-Rust

Kilsby Road - M1 southbound

Dave Thompson

Matrix Board - M1 southbound

Dave Thompson

South end of Kilsby Tunnel

The West Coast Main Line enters the south end of Kilsby Tunnel. This tunnel is 2,216m (1 mile 663yards) long and took 3 years to build due to many problems in its construction. It was opened in 1838 for the London & Birmingham Railway and was designed by Robert Stephenson. At the time it was the longest railway tunnel that had been built.

Bob Walters

M1/M45 Junction 17

The M45 splits off from the M1 at Junction 17 and heads west towards Coventry, but seems to be lightly used these days, note no traffic leaving or joining the M1 here.

Bob Walters

Watford locks

Grade II listed. Listing number 1342732. Staircase of 4 locks; as part of flight of 7 locks. Early C19, refurbished 1902 (datestones). Retaining walls blue brick with stone coping. Wing walls at top of flight blue brick. Wooden gates, balance beams in steel to some locks. C20 footbridges. The paddle gear is probably 1902 but may incorporate some earlier work.

Andrew Abbott

Overhead Sign Gantry on the M1 near Watford

Variable message signs (VMS), also sometimes referred to as matrix signs, are electronic traffic signs used on motorways (and some other major routes) to give drivers information about special events and to warn them about traffic congestion, accidents, incidents, roadworks or speed limits on specific sections of the route. They may also suggest (or instruct) drivers to take alternative routes, limit speed, warn of the duration and location of the incidents or just inform of the traffic conditions. The large VMS on the gantry is giving drivers an indication of how long it is likely to take to reach the junctions ahead (and hence, an idea of how congested the motorway is ahead). In this case, the message shows the predicted journey times to some of the junctions ahead.

David Dixon

Bridge over M45/M1 junction southbound

Colin Pyle

Watford Locks Pumping Station

This small brick building is located at the foot of the seven Watford locks. There are now no further locks until the Grand Union Main Line is reached at Norton Junction.

Stephen McKay

Watford Locks

The arrangement here at Watford is that there are seven locks of which four are arranged as a 'staircase' - where the bottom gate of one lock is also the top gate of the lock below. Staircase locks are fairly unusual, although there are two sets on the Leicester section of the Grand Union Canal - these here and the famous flight at Foxton. They are notorious for confusing even experienced boaters and at busy times a lock keeper is on duty to ensure that all runs smoothly.

Stephen McKay

Watford Locks

Locks 3-6 of Watford's seven locks are arranged as a staircase, seen here at the bottom. After negotiating these locks the boater has over 20 lock free miles to enjoy before reaching Foxton.

Stephen McKay