Knightley (Fawsley) c.1200-1932, 3325 docs., 32 boxes, ref. K
Fawsley was bought in 1416 by Richard Knightley a successful lawyer from Staffordshire. He was the first of many in his family to represent the county in Parliament, in 1420. Sir Richard Knightley (d.1615) was a strong Puritan who set up a clandestine printing press at Fawsley in 1588 and produced work later known as the Marprelate Tracts. He entertained The Queen at Fawsley in 1575. The Rev. John Knightley was created a baronet in 1798. His son Sir Charles (d.1864) was Tory M.P. for South Northamptonshire 1834-1852. Sir Rainald, 3rd Bt. (d.1895) succeeded his father as an M.P. in 1852 and was given a barony in 1892. His wife Louisa Mary Bowater (d.1913) took an active interest in her husband's career and in women's politics and emigration. Her father General Sir Edward Bowater was an equerry to Prince Albert. Lord Knightley was succeeded by a cousin as 4th Bt. but Lady Knightley was the last member of the family to live at Fawsley. The last Knightley baronet died in 1938 and the estate was inherited by Viscount Gage. Fawsley Hall is now a hotel.
Gentry family with estates in Fawsley, Preston Capes, Dodford, Everdon and Snorscombe, Hinton, Charwelton, Badby and Pytchley. Fine collection of medieval charters, Preston Capes, Alderton, Everdon, Snorscombe, Staverton and elsewhere. Bailiff's account rolls for Dodford 1471-1482 and inclosure agreement 1623. A few estate papers including on shorthorn cattle 1826-1856, cropping books 1854-1928 and game books 1881-1932. Surveys and maps by George Nunns, 1740s, survey of 1793. Estate papers for Woodborough (Nottinghamshire) 1827-1864. Sheriffs' rolls 1658-60, 1684/5 and Poll Tax accounts for various hundreds [c.1640]. Election account 1747/48. Sir Charles Knightley's account books 1807-1864, papers on foundation of 'Northampton Herald' newspaper 1831-1860. Some 18th century but mainly 19th century family correspondence. Louisa Lady Knightley's journals 1856-1913 and letters, including from Court. 20th century financial papers.
(Lady Knightley's autograph collection and correspondence 1862-1908 is in the British Library. Further 19th century correspondence is at Longleat.)
(Sir Richard Knightley's musters book 1586-1621 was published as volume 3 in the Northamptonshire Record Society series.)
(Lady Knightley's journals have been published. 'The Journals of Lady Knightley of Fawsley 1856-1884' were edited by Mrs Julia Ady in 1915. Politics and Society: The Journals of Lady Knightley of Fawsley 1885-1913' were edited by Professor Peter Gordon in 1999 as volume 40 of the Northamptonshire Record Society series.)