Whilst the main body of our web site offers a glimpse of the future - through the education and activities of our students - Harlaxton Manor our home has an intriquing past.

A rich and varied history as an English country house, one of Britain’s “100 Best” according to Simon Jenkins of the London Times, came to special fruition beginning in 1965 when Harlaxton Manor became Harlaxton College.

First known as “Stanford in Britain” when the prestigious California university offered a program here for five years, Harlaxton was then leased by the University of Evansville and operated as “Harlaxton Study Centre.”  President Wallace Graves and Trustee Dr. William Ridgway of the University linked educational and philanthropic visions, and Dr. Ridgway ultimately purchased Harlaxton for the University.  

Each academic year over 300 American students have the privilege of living and studying for a semester in Harlaxton College. During the summer, the Manor hosts another 1,000 people pursuing summer school, short courses, or conferences and concerts. In addition, the house is the setting for numerous wedding receptions and special events. More than any time in its history, Harlaxton Manor is alive with the promise and optimism of youth, the kind of optimism a Gregory Gregory must have had when he constructed this astonishing place. Harlaxton is a startling confluence of a Victorian building and a modern university, of things British and of things American, of vibrant youth and graceful age.

Brief History

Our Brief History page gives a brief chronology of occupants and pictures of our main State Rooms.

In-Depth History

Our In-Depth History pages chronical the history of the house, architecture and inhabitants in detail via extracts from our guide book.

Renovation Projects

Our Renovation Projects page gives details of various renovation projects recently completed. The University of Evansville (owners) have shown a strong commitment to the preservation and restoration of this unique house, as have successive Principals:

• Dr. Graddon Rowlands (1977-1989), graduate of Cambridge and Duke Universities, and his energetic wife Pam Rowlands, began major restoration works at Harlaxton Manor. 
• Dr. Robert Stepsis (1992-2002), graduate of Harvard University, oversaw improvements in the physical plant, including a new heating system and renewal of more than half of the roof structures of the Manor and the roof structure of the Carriage House.
• Dr. Gordon Kingsley (2003-), with his wife Suzanne, began a broad program of further improvements in the Manor and Grounds, and have been particularly successful in securing some major renovation gifts. Major Projects have included the Conservatory, the Gatehouse, student residence spaces and the ongoing Lion Terrace restoration. 

Archives

Unfortunately our archive is not as detailed as we would like, following various mishaps over the houses history, documents and valuable information has been lost. Therefore we are very interested in discovering new information about the house and its inhabitants - if you are able to help, please contact us.