Hothorpe Hall, Hothorpe Road Teddingworth, near Market Harborough

A Georgian manor house situated in Northamptonshire on its border with Leicestershire and close to the village of Theddingworth. In 1881 the Hothorpe estate was purchased by Sir Humphrey de Trafford, 2nd Baronet, who presented it to his second son Charles de Trafford. Charles de Trafford lived at Hothorpe for about 47 years, extending the house and, in 1892-1894, building a Roman Catholic chapel. In 1892 he married Lady Agnes Feilding and they raised their family there. The de Traffords left Hothorpe in 1928, initially letting the house to tenants.

 Among the first additions and alterations carried out for the de Trafford family was a conservatory on the south west side of the main house, shown on the OS map surveyed in 1884-5. This conservatory appeared on early postcard but is now demolished. Two entrance lodges on Hothorne Road also date from this period. With their red brick and half-timber walls, they are stylistically typical of John Bowden, architect to Sr Humphrey de Trafford, who, as noted in the architectural press, was active at Hothorpe Hall in 1884. 

HOTHORPE HALL, RUGBY, the seat of Sir Humphrey de Trafford, Bart., has been supplied by Messrs. Jones & Willis, of Birmingham, with handsome entrance gates and railing of wrought iron. The work has been executed under the superintendence of the architect, Mr. J. Bowden, Manchester. [The Architect 9 February 1884 page 98] [Building News 8 February 1884 page xviii]

Reference           The Architect 9 February 1884 page 98 repeat wording in Building News 8 February 1884 page xviii