Nestled in the heart of Northamptonshire sits the magnificent Highgate House, a 17th-century manor. Although it is kitted out with state-of-the-art facilities for Christian conferences, it once served a different purpose. Here we take a deep dive into the history of Highgate House.
Early beginnings
In 1663, 18 years after the first English Civil War and only 3 miles from its battle site, Highgate House was built on the grounds of an old inn in the village of Creaton. This house served as a farmstead and inn. Among the residents of Creaton at that time was the great-great-grandmother of George Washington, the first president of the United States.
Amphylis Twigden (great-great-grandmother of George Washington) and George Washington, first president of the United States.
A coaching station
During the 1600s, the main road going North-West, on which Highgate House stood, was almost impassable. Coaches would struggle to travel, especially in the winter months.
However, in 1721, the road was improved and traffic grew. As an inn at the time, Highgate House became an important coaching and posting station. There was a hospitable welcome to travellers with food and drink, accommodation and stables for their horses.
For 200 years, Highgate House served as a coaching station. However, the introduction of the London to Birmingham railway in 1837 marked the conclusion of passenger travel by coach to this welcoming stayover. Regardless, it continued as an inn for some years.
The 1st Sunday school in Northamptonshire
In 1785, Reverend Thomas Jones came to Creaton as curate and found permanent lodgings at Highgate House. He ended up living there for 51 years and had a big impact on the community, becoming curate of the neighbouring village, Spratton.
Rev. Jones cared for his people and set up the first Sunday school in Northamptonshire. He noticed poverty in his parishes; so he organised a clothing club and a sick club, and also supplied food at prices the poorest could afford.
Who else owned Highgate House?
Highgate House was purchased in 1858 by a hunting enthusiast looking for a home in the centre of Northamptonshire, known for being the finest hunting county in England. A few years later, it was bought by the Langhams, residence of the neighbouring Cottesbrook Hall.
In the early 1900s, the Langhams sold Highgate House to Lt. Colonel Charles Eyre-Coote, a descendant of General Sir Eyre-Coote, the man who helped Robert Clive in the establishment of British rule in India in the 18th-century. They extended and modernised the house, building the Baronial Hall in the process.
Highgate House was purchased by the Chudleys in 1964 and they opened it up as a bed and breakfast. This led to the house becoming a residential training centre.
The Baronial Hall displaying the oak panelling which was obtained from an Elizabethan Hall.
In 2024, we purchased Highgate House and will be opening it this summer for Christian residential retreats. We hope to continue its history of warm hospitality and charity. The 83-bedroom centre welcomes up to 163 adults and 30 children.
