294 The Pytchley Htint, Past and Present. 



is in the presence of one of the old historic mansions of . 

 England. Situated on a lawn of gentle elevation, it 

 commands an extensive and beautiful prospect, and is 

 surrounded by a park, which, inclusive of the well-known 

 Badby Wood, extends over an area exceeding six hundred 

 acres. For upwards of five centuries, Fawsley has 

 belonged to the Knightleys : one Richard Knightley — 

 the descendant of an old Staffordshire family deriving 

 its name from the Manor of Knightley in that county — 

 having purchased it in 1416. 



During the great Civil War the owner of this fine 

 property was a warm adherent of the Commonwealth ; 

 and, having married a daughter of Hampden, he became 

 doubly bound to the party of the Protector. It was here 

 that most of the measures were devised which chiefly 

 affected the Royal prerogative, such, for instance, as 

 depriving the Crown of the right of making peace or 

 war — of the control of the militia — and of the disposal 

 of places of trust and profit. 



The old saying so constantly in use, of ^^ sub rosa ^' — 

 ^' under the rose " — when there is a necessity for secrecy 

 — is said to have derived its origin from the councils 

 which were held here in the embrasure of an Oriel window, 

 in one of the panes of which a Tudor rose was a 

 conspicuous ornament. The Sir Richard Knightley who 

 took so prominent a part in the politics of this disturbed 

 period, did not in any way sanction the execution of 

 Charles I.; and in 16G0 was one of the Council of State 

 who advocated the restoration of Charles II. 



The old mansion having got into a somewhat dilapidated 

 condition, was restored by the present Baronet in 1865 

 at a great cost, under the superintendence of Mr. Salvin, 



