Grendon Hall

Parts of the present hall date from the 16th century, but most of the present structure was probably constructed by Lieutenant-General Hatton Compton, who inherited the building after his father died in 1661.

An aerial survey made in 1970 shows that there was an older building on the other side of Grendon Brook, in the field behind the East Midland electricity transformer station, which was probably a messuage with ditch and garden owned by Richard de Harrington at Nether Grendon in 1325. The earliest part of the house is the north side, probably built about 1570, and which may have been part of the larger structure that now no longer exists. The mullioned windows are of this date. The lounge, which may originally have been a parlour, has 16th century paneling around the north window and an Elizabethan fireplace. There has been some modernisation, particularly around the door, which appears to be Victorian. The east front dates from about 1685 to 1690, when the property was owned by Lieutenant General Hatton-Compton. The masonry is of good workmanship and most likely the work of
John Lumley of Northampton, the country’s most prominent mason, who is famous for having built Burghley-on-the-Hill in Rutlandshire. The wooden paneling in the east section of the house is 16th century, both on the ground and first floors. The moulded stone fireplaces are all late 17th century, although some of the fireplaces are 19th century. One of the fireplaces is of Raunds marble. The doorway in the center of the eastern front is 20th century, but in early 18th century style.

Frances Lady Hanmer says that the extension was added to the south side of the house between 1920 and 1928.

General Hatton-Compton is probably the most famous name associated with the hall. He started his military service in the Royal Regiment of the Horse in 1685 and had a distinguished career, reaching the ranks of lieutenant general in 1707. For a time, he was Lord Lieutenant of the Tower of London, and his arms incorporate the ravens with which the tower has long been associated, as may have been seen from the hatching in the parish church.

During World War II, the hall was taken over by the Free French and was used to train agents who were parachuted into France to help the Maquis’ resistance movement. In 1946, after the death of Miss Mundy, the then owner, the property was sold to Northampton County Council. The old stables in the front of the house were converted into dormitories for people attending courses or staying at the hall on a country holiday. The hall was opened as a youth centre by Princess Elizabeth on the 29th of July, 1946.