The historical meaning of “Manor” is a landed estate. The Manor of Cosgrove therefore means the whole estate that covered the Cosgrove area, including the village. Manors were given, granted, sold, leased and annexed to and from sovereigns, lords, other estates and private owners from medieval times.

Francis, Lord Dacre, sold the manor (i.e. the estate) in 1653 to Gervase Andrews of London, who almost at once sold the manor house and farm only to Christopher Rigby of London and the manor estate itself in 1654 to William, 2nd Lord Maynard.

The house (still called The Manor House) and farm continued to be owned by the Rigby family for three generations, although the house itself was rebuilt at some point before 1719. In 1750 the original Christopher Rigby’s grandson, also Christopher Rigby, managed to buy the rest of the estate.

References to the Rigy family at Cosgrove are rare, but in 1765 the Rev Mr William Cole of Bletchley wote in his memoirs of his Rectory that

'On the N side of the Garden is a fence of Oak Pales which I put up new, the old ones being gone to Decay: but before them is planted a Hedge Row of Filberts which [I] planted there to screen the Garden from the 2 or 3 Houses on the other side of the Orchard: these Filberts I had from Mr Rigby of Cosgrove in Northamptonshire.'

In 1764 Rigby sold the whole of his Cosgrove estate, including the Manor House to John Biggin of London. In the documentation at the time, the property is called "The Priory". In 1788 John died, leaving his Cosgrove property to his second son George, his heir by survivorship, whose story you can read in Cosgrove Characters. In 1803, George died childless and the Cosgrove estate passed to his nephew, George Mansel, whose father had married George Biggin’s sister, Mary Anne. The Mansel family also owned Cosgrove Hall and eventually the Manor House, the Priory, became the secondary house of the family and began to be leased to wealthy tenants. ------------------------------------------ The Northampton Mercury FURNITURE AND EFFECTS, COSGROVE, Northamptonshire. To be SOLD by AUCTION, By JOHN DAY, On Thursday the 9th Day of February, 1804, removed for Convenience of Sale to a House near the Church-Yard, in COSGROVE aforesaid, THE following EFFECTS of the late GEORGE Biggin, Esq; deceased ; comprising Four – post Bedsteads Dimity,  Morine,  and other Furnitures ; Goose and other Feather-Beds; Counterpanes, Quilts, and Blankets ; Mahogany Tables, Chairs, Bureau, Writing-Cases, Knife and Spoon Cases, dumb Waiter, and two large Mahogany Corner Cupboards; fine-toned Harpsichord, by Kirkman; Time-Piece; Sofa and Easy Chairs; Pier and Swing Glasses; Turkey and Persian Carpets; Wardrobe; Model of a Man of War; subdry Volumes of Books;  Number of sweet Iron-bound Beer Pipes and other Casks ; stout Kitchen Grate, and Kitchen – furniture.  Also two Hovels of Wheat, two complete Winnowing Machines, and a new Two-drill Plough: 60 Ewe Sheep, 49 Tegs, and one capital Tup; with various other Effects. The Sale will begin exactly at Ten o’Clock with the sheep, corn, &c. and the Furniture immediately after: the Whole to be sold in one day if possible. Two sisters, Mary and Anne Lowndes, who had connections with a priory in another part of England leased the house and for many years it was thought that they gave The Priory its name - we now know the name was already in use. They came from the Whaddon Hall, Winslow area. Mary has a memorial in the church, where she was buried in the Nave following her death on 3rd June 1812. As yet we do not know where Anne was buried, having died in 1817. The sisters also had a niece, also called Anne Lowndes, who occupied the Priory and who died on 28th December 1852 and a great niece, Maria Selby Lowndes who died on 19th January 1856. Both these ladies are buried in the Nave of Cosgrove Church, marked by wall memorials. Some texts imply that two of these wall memorials refer to a pair of sisters, but subsequent research into their friend Ann Gavey's letters has proved otherwise.

Northampton Mercury March 8th 1817 COSGROVE PRIORY near STONY STRATFORD, Buckinghamshire Household Furniture, Library of Books, Linen, Chariot, Dairy Effects &c, &c. To be SOLD by AUCTION By JOHN DAY & SON On Wednesday the 19th of March 1817, and two following Days, on the Premises of the late Mrs ANN LOWNDES at COSGROVE PRIORY aforesaid: The Furniture comprises full-size four post Bedsteads, with mahogany feet Pillars and dimity, cotton and other Furnitures; fine large goose down and other feather Beds, Mattresses and cotton Counterpanes, Quilts and Blankets, mahogany, oak and other dressing Drawers, night Tables, basin Stands, floor and bedside Carpets, large pier, chimney and swing Glasses, two capital mahogany Wardrobes, with Furniture, Bedding &c. complete; several valuable India and other Cabinets; capital India six-leaf folding Screen, excellent month Clock in inlaid case, and two valuable eight day repeating table Clocks, Set of mahogany dining Tables, with circular Ends; Pembroke, card and other Tables; parlour and chamber Chairs, three Sofas, with Covers; a capital chamber Horse, for Invalids, in mahogany Frame, in complete Repair; medicine Chest, liquor Ditto, Harpsichord, dumb Waiter, large Quantity of Glass and Earthenware, upwards of 10 Pair of Sheets, pillow Cases, table Cloths, Napkins &c.; Sharp’s patent stove Grate, with other Grates, Fenders and fire Irons; kitchen Furniture, as Grate, with Boiler, smoke Jack, patent Oven, and kitchen Furniture in general; 100 gallon brewing Copper, washing Ditto, double Cooler, mash Vat and Tubs, beer Pipes, hogshead and half hogshead beer Casks &c, &c. Also a Library, consisting of upwards of 600 Volumes of Books, the greatest Part in excellent Preservation, amongst which are Chaucer’s Works, with the Siege of Thebes, Life of Chaucer, and Table explaining old and obscure Words, Folin 1617; Brown Willis’s Antiquities of Buckingham, Hundred and Deanry; Banks’s Geography, Pope’s Odyssey and Iliad, Dryden’s Virgil, Life and Reign of Henry the Eighth by Lord Herbert; Travels into Divers Parts of Africa and Asia; Chamber’s Cyclopaedia, Life of Prince James, Dodderidge’s Family Expositor, Baskett’s Bible; History of Russia, to the Death of the Empress Catherine, with a Number of other scarce and valuable Books, Paintings, Prints &c, &c. Likewise a neat Chariot with Harness, one coach Horse, five useful dairy Cows, Part of a Rick of Hay, stout six-inch Cart, horse Harness, Quantity of Manure, cucumber Frames and Lights, iron garden Roll, stone Ditto, temporary summer House, a very great Number of garden Pots and Evergreens, garden Tools in general, upwards of 20 Dozen of Glass Bottles, and numerous other Articles, which will be expressed in Catalogues, to be had five Days before Sale, at the Inns in the Neighbourhood, and of the Auctioneers, in Stony Stratford. N.B.: The Chariot, Cows, Hay, garden Articles, dairy and brewing Vessels, Casks &c. will be sold the first Day; the Books, Linen, Glass and part of the Furniture on the second Day; and the remainder of the Furniture on the Friday. Catalogues of the Books to be had separately from those of the Furniture &c. Northampton Mercury - Saturday 05 August 1820 COSGROVE, (In the Centre of the Duke of Grafton's Hunt). To be LETT, And entered upon immediately A HOUSE consisting of three Rooms on the ground Floor, with Kitchen, back Kitchen, and Offices, four bed Rooms, three Attics, and Servants' Room over the back Kitchen; Stable, coach House, kitchen Garden &c &c with or without 18 Acres of pasture Land. There are fire Grates in most of the Rooms, two kitchen Ranges, and other Fixtures. For Particulars, apply Mr. ABEL, Northampton; or J. C. MANSEL, Esq. Cosgrove, by Letter, Post paid.
	The Priory next saw a great change of tenant in General Thomas Graham, Lord Lynedoch - a national hero second only to Wellington. When peace was signed in 1814, he retired into private life at the age of 67. He was, however, still very active and, being fond of hunting in England, took a house in nearby Salcey Forest. He then rented The Priory for ten years, entertaining many distinguished guests. He departed from The Priory when he had to give up hunting at the age of 77, around 1824, not through any bodily weakness but on account of cataracts on both eyes. Read Lord Lynedoch's story in Cosgrove Characters. Northampton Mercury 10th May 1828 FARMING STOCK &C COSGROVE PRIORY To be SOLD BY AUCTION By Mr Durham On the premises of Lord Lynedoch, at Cosgrove Priory, near Stony Stratford, on Wednesday the 14th Day of May 1828. Consisting of five Horses, three cows, hay-making and chaff-cutting Machines, Rolls, Ploughs, Harrows, narrow-wheel Wagon, Carts, and farming Implements in general. Also a capital single horse Chaise and Harness, brewing Utensils, garden Roll, turn-over garden Seats, gardening Utensils, hand Glasses, Cucumber Frames and lights, sea-kale Pots, and many other Articles which will be set forth in Catalogues, to be had at the Inns in the Neighbourhood; of Mr Walker, on the Premises; and of Mr Durham, Surveyor &c. old Stratford. Northampton Mercury 7th June 1828 TO FOX HUNTERS COSGROVE PRIORY Late the Residence of the Right Hon. Lord LYNEDOCH To Be LET And entered upon immediately The House consists of five best bed Rooms and good Attics, good Offices, two small drawing Rooms, dining Room and Gentleman’s Room; Stabling and Boxes for 20 Horses, with all the Appurtenances requisite for Hunting Stables; Coach Houses, Head Groom House, &c, &c, all new; Paddock and Sheds, for breeding or lame Hunters; Farmyards and Hovels, with 70 ACRES of Meadow and Pasture Land, and about 10 ACRES of ARABLE. The House is now furnished, and the Furniture may be taken at a Valuation, if required. Any part of the Land, not less than about 23 Acres, may be Let with the House. For Particulars, inquire of RICHARD KITELEE, Castlethorpe, Esquire; J C Mansel, of Cosgrove, Esquire; or Mr Smithson, at the Mercury Printing Office, Parade, Northampton. A Lease will be granted if required. Cosgrove, near Stony Stratford.
In 1819 John Hassell published "A Tour of the Grand Junction Canal" in which he describes passing the road which "leads to the villa of Major Mansell, the Priory and Castle Thorpe."

No sooner had Lord Lynedoch left The Priory than another distinguished man arrived: Admiral Sir Robert Moorsom, who had been with Nelson at Trafalgar. He had been living at Little Linford Hall, and came to Cosgrove to be near his only daughter, Maria Margaret, the wife of the Rector, the Revd. Henry Longueville Mansell. Lady Moorsom died at Linford before the move and was brought to Cosgrove for burial. Sir Robert died in 1835. Mrs Mansell placed so many Moorsom memorials in the local church that a guide book once said that Cosgrove was for a long time the home of the well known Moorsom family, and subsequently of the celebrated Mansells. The truth is that the Mansells had been local residents for over 300 years while Sir Robert Moorsom was there for only eight. Read Sir Robert Moorsom's story in Cosgrove Characters
Northampton Mercury - Saturday 27 June 1835 TO BE LET, And entered upon or before the 11th of October next, COSGROVE PRIORY; late the residence of the Right Hon. Lord Lyndoche. and since Admiral Sir Robert Moorsom, K.C.B. deceased. The house consists of five best bed rooms, two dressing rooms, dining room, and gentleman's dressing room, and attics -, excellent stables, boxes, and coach house and saddle house complete with every requisite for fox-hunters or a family. All fixtures included in the rent. Good kitchen and flower Gardens, with a hare-wire fence; Gardener's Cottage and Blacksmith's Shop; and 23 Acres of excellent Pasture Land. For further particulars, apply (post paid), to CHARLES MARKHAM Esq. Northampton; or to J. C. MANSEL, Esq. Cosgrove. Northampton Mercury - Saturday 11 July 1835 TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION BY WM. DAY On Wednesday, 15th July, 1835, at Ten o'clock, PART of the HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, about 16 Tons of prime Old HAY (in two Lots) Garden Lights, and Effects, on the Premises, The Priory, COSGROVE, Northamptonshire. Catalogues are prepared, and may be had at the Barley Mow, Cosgrove and of the Auctioneer, Stony Stratford, Bucks. Cosgrove Estate Schedule 1843 Miss Yardley - The Priory £65 90 Homestead & Garden & grounds   4 0 20 91 The Lawn   14 1 15 92     4 0 38 93       3 6 94 Rickyard & Spinney     1 39     Total 23 3 38 1844 Miss Yardley £65 1845 Miss Yardley £65 1846 William Clarke late Miss Yardley £20.0.0 Cosgrove Priory 1846 Notes. Bottom Pantry Wants washing and painting House Keeper’s room Ceiling wants white washing Kitchen wants painting Servant Hall Paper wants repair. This was done 3yrs since by … 13 Drain bad Passage in all want … paper & painting All in want white washing & practically papering Outhouse wants cleaning & washing Stable ceiling all through & sta..ing One standing wanted in stable Plaster walls etc Coach House White wash Granary plaster etc An agent's drawings of various rooms in the Priory 1846, along with inventories for 1846, 1856, 1863 & date unknown

1848 November 2nd audit Miss Selby Lowndes 1 quarter £37.10.0 1849 Miss Selby Lowndes £75 1848 Agreement with Miss Lowndes to let the Priory, furnished, for £150 per annum 1856 November 6th rent to Michaelmas F. Thursby esq. Oct 7th £82.0.0 Leicester Journal - Friday 10 October 1862 Northamptonshire TO BE LET, furnished, COSGROVE PRIORY, near Stoney Stratford, consisting of Entrance Hall, Dining, Drawing, and Breakfast Rooms, four best Bed Rooms, with Dressing Room and excellent Attics, Butler's Pantry, Housekeeper's Room, and every domestic requisite. Coach Houses and Stabling for 12 horses, with Groom's House adjoining. There are excellent Gardens, and Land may be had if required. For particulars and cards view, apply to Messrs. FISHER and Son, Land Agents, Market Harborough. Northampton Mercury - Saturday 07 March 1863 COSGROVE PRIORY, near Stony Stratford, Bucks. Mr. DURHAM Has been honoured with instructions from Francis Thursby, Esq. (who is leaving), TO SELL BY AUCTION, On Thursday, the 19th day of March, 1863, and the following days, if necessary, on the Premises, a great portion of the Modern and Genteel HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, FARMING STOCK, COMPRISING Pure-bred Alderney and Short-horn Cows and Calves, Pigs, Implements, Hay, &c., &c., Seven first rate Hunters, regularly hunted with several packs of hounds; capital Pony, Carriages, Harness, Double and Single Barrel Guns, &c., &c., a great number of Greenhouse Plants, a quantity of well-seasoned Elm Boarding, Two Splendid Monkeys, " Isaac and Rachel." All of which will be shown forth in Catalogues, to be had at the Inns in the Neighbourhood, and at the Office of Mr. Durham, seven days prior to the Sale. Northampton Mercury - Saturday 07 November 1863 GENTEEL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, HAY, &c. COSGROVE PRIORY, near Stony Stratford. TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, By Mr. DURHAM, On TUESDAY, 17th NOVEMBER, 1863, at COSGROVE PRIORY, by direction of JOHN CHRISTOPHER MANSEL Esq. ABOUT 200 lots of excellent kitchen, parlour, dining and drawing-room furniture; chamber ditto, capital feather and other beds, hair mattresses, four-post and other bedsteads, dressing tables and glasses, &c, &c,; the whole which will be set forth in catalogues, in due time, to be had at the Inns in Stony Stratford, and of the Auctioneer. Also about 20 Tons of prime Upland HAY to go off unless previously disposed of by private contract. Naseby March 26th 1863 Sir In accordance with instructions I have been to Cosgrove and made a careful examination of the Furniture at the Priory there late in the occupation of Mr Thursby: and have compared it with the enclosed Inventory. I shall perhaps make myself best understood if I conform with the order of the inventory in question, and state what came under my observation in each room. First on the list is the Drawing room The chimney glass damaged by having a portion of the foot moulding cut off. The Cane bottom of a chair out of repair. A mahogany sofa, and a hearth rug missing. Anti room A chair damaged by having a part of its back broken. Dining room Missing a cellaret Study The oil cloth missing Entrance Missing a mahogany side slab, and one mat. Pantry Four knife trays and one knife box missing Wash house Missing a tub a skid a bench and a rack Laundry A Clothes horse and a coal pan missing Best bedroom Missing the hangings belonging to the bedstead and one sponge dish. The handle off the large water jug and one sponge dish broken. Middle bedroom Missing carpet and rug water bottle and night shade Note: Frederick Thursby last pays rent May 7th 1863 £80.0.0 Some time after 1863 Cosgrove Priory Servants Hall Key to door Bricks in front of fire place Pantry Floor repairing Lock Kitchen 2 Squares of glass Housekeeper’s Room Grate sides Keys to cupboard Skirting repairing Entrance Lobby Locks & Bolts to Front door out of repair Weather Glass broken Lead paper Entrance Hall Plaster to wall Holes in wall Mahogany Slab scratched & injured Butler’s Pantry Sink Cover out of repair Door to Cupboard & Cupboard Keys Plaster to Wall Dining Room Grate out of order Paper Anti Room Grate out of order Paper Drawing Room Chimney Glass broken frame Window fastening Work Table Study Paint to door Cupboard doors out of order 1st Dressing Room Hole in paper Best Room 2 Windows Blinds & Lines Nursery Lock to door Top Attic No. 2 Window Lines Paper Attic No. 3 Paper Attics No. 4 & 5 Paper Brewhouse Making good where Boiler stood etc boiler & Copper lids out of repair Coal House Ceiling out of repair Wall making good Sill to Window Shoe House Window 26 panes Plaster to Wall Laundry Window made by Mr Thursby out of repair Window 1 Square Stove Cold Stable Ceiling Plaster Standing Racks Window Broken Dairy floor bricks loose Stables Standings & boards above Mangers Mangers Plaster to Walls Floors, Paving, Ceiling etc. Saddle Room Stove Pegs Blacksmith’s Shop Windows Gardener’s Cottage & Garden Window Shutters broken Paper Fence round back was paled Mr. M gave rough materials for the repairs which were sold at sale Tile coping to Garden Wall Road out of repair Road will cost £4 7s. 6d to surface Note: C. G. Boulton first pays rent May 5th 1864 £80.0.0 Northampton Mercury - Saturday 27 August 1870 COSGROVE PRIORY, near Stony Stratford. DURHAM and SON Have been honoured with instructions from C. G. Boulton, Esq., who is leaving Cosgrove, TO SELL BY AUCTION, On THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 1870, A PART OF THE FARMING STOCK AND HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. THE former comprises a half Alderney cow, barren ditto, two sturks, one steer, in-pig sow, nine store pigs, three prime fat ditto, and a quantity of poultry; also iron pigtroughs, hay rakes and drags, sheep trough, sheep hurdles, cow troughs and ties, turnip cutter, cow crib, 18-round ladder, five hen coops, two wheelbarrows, tubs, two 300-gallon galvanized iron TANKS, nearly new; carpenter's bench, two apiaries, each containing three of Neighbour's hives, two large cucumber-frames and lights, three hand-glasses, a quantity of hard wood and faggots, several thousand flower pots, dozen kale pots, &c, &c.; also, about 10 tons of prime old HAY. The FURNITURE comprises handsome mahogany sideboard, dining-room, easy, hall, bedchamber, and American chairs; mahogany occasional and other tables, several pier glasses, pair of cabinets, Canterbury, mahogany bookstands and shelves, bureau, with side wings and sandal-wood fittings : hall bench, cupboards, cases of birds and insects, bedsteads, washing stands, toilette tables, fenders and fire irons, small mahogany wardrobe, carpeting, cocoa matting, about 250 volumes of well-bound books, a photographic portrait camera, by Ross, with all the appliances for photography; and many other articles. Sale to Commence punctually at Ten o'clock. Catalogues are being printed, and may be had of the Auctioneers, Stony Stratford, and at the principal Inns in the neighbourhood. Persons applying for Catalogues by post, must send a stamp for postage. rthampton Mercury - Saturday 11 March 1871 TO B E LET, On Lease or Yearly Tenancy, "The PRIORY" COSGROVE, near Stony Stratford, IT contains Drawing, Dining, and Breakfast Rooms, Study, and 10 Bed-rooms; with Stabling for 10 horses, Coach house, &c.  For particulars, apply to W. J. Peirce, Auctioneer and Estate Agent, Derngate, Northampton. Northampton Mercury - Saturday 1 November 1879 HORSE REPOSITORY, NORTHAMPTON The property of MISS MACKINNOW, COSGROVE PRIORY. Lot 17. Cigarette, Bay mare aged well up to 12 stone; good fencer, well known with the Duke of Grafton’s Hounds, and sold for no fault. Croydon's Weekly Standard - Saturday 16 August 1884 SALES BY AUCTION. COSGROVE PRIORY Near Stony Stratford, and within a short distance of Castlethorpe Station. 20 TONS of prime MEADOW HAY, Egerton's rick cloth, poles and cords, iron and wooden pig troughs, wooden sheep trough, Biddell's patent oat mill, garden frames, a large quantity of wire netting, 2 garden seats, 3 portable wooden hen houses, hurdles and stakes, flower stands, mowing machines, and a quantity of miscellaneous effects; which Messrs. DURHAM GOTTO & SAMUEL Are instructed by Algernon St. Maur. Esq., to Sell by Auction, the above premises a, On MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 1884, at Two o'clock precisely. May be viewed morning of sale, and  catalogues obtained of Messrs. Durham, Gotto & Samuel, Auctioneers and Valuers, Newport Pagnell and Stony Stratford. By 1886 John Christopher Mansel and his wife were living across the road from the Hall in a smaller house called the "Cottage" where Mrs Mansel had extensive "Pleasure Gardens". The letters below show that at this time they were preparing to sell the Priory to Mr Thorold. Cosgrove Hall Stony Stratford 24 May Dear Mr Markham I shall be very glad to see you and hope that you will at any rate dine and sleep here and stay as long as you can. I am thoroughly ashamed of our Lord Lieutenant. I think he quite deserved the rebuke he is said to have received a few days ago, which you no doubt have heard of. Very truly K M Mansel Cosgrove Nov 11th 1886 Dear Mr Markham In your letter received this mor’g you say : “that I assume you know that Mr Mills is quite willing to covey the Priory property without incurring any part of the purchase money.” The letter I received from Mr Thorold in July last gave me to understand quite the contrary and I am in utter ignorance of anything that has taken place since; I saw both Mr Thorold and Mr Fisher last week but they did not either of them enter into the business with me. I consider it very desirable that the Mill should be sold with the Priory. In fact I should think no-one would buy the Priory without the Mill. Before this matter is settled I must see you, either here or Northampton. Yours very truly J C Mansel H P Markham Esq 3 Grosvenor Gardens 27th Nov 1886 Cosgrove Priory Dear Sir I have yours of Saturday. If Mrs Mansel approves I shall be quite ready to carry out your suggestions about disposal of purchase money from Mr Atkinson. Shall I find your disengaged at 12.45 pm on Tuesday or Wednesday next if I come to talk the thing over with you. I want to get away again by the 1.40 pm train from Northampton so as to have the afternoon at Cosgrove before returning to London. Yours very truly A Grant Thorold H P Markham Esquire Northampton Market Harborough March 25 1887 Dear Sir Cosgrove The following are an indication of the occupation of Mr Mansel which I consider to be included in Mr Grant Thorold’s offer.                                                            A   R P 110 Captain’s Close 0 3 32 136 House, Garden, Yard and Pleasure Gardens 0 3 15 112 Cottage, Garden, Farm yard and Buildings 0   0 37 2   0   4 I will see you tomorrow as letter Yours faithfully H W R Fisher H P Markham Diocesan Registry Peterborough 8th June 1887 Dear Sir Cosgrove Estate Mr H P Gates has placed in my hands your letter to him of the 6th inst & draft contract to peruse. I presume the property  mentioned is not entailed but that Mr Grant Thorold has the whole fee simple therein subject to the mortgage. Is not the [said] Contract in its present form void for want of certainty, it being one for the purchase of the legal estate in land at some future indefinite period and the purchase money being payable at an indefinite time. In the draft it is stated that “in as much as difficulties might occur in obtaining a Conveyance”. Have Mr Mills Trustees been communicated with at all in reference to them releasing the legal Estate or have they objected to do so until the mortgage or the whole estate is paid off or what are the difficulties apprehended? The quantity of the land is not stated. From what date is it proposed that the purchaser should take possession under the Contract? And will the amount of interest be equivalent to the present rent payable? Yours truly H W Gates H P Markham Esq Market Harborough June 27th 1887 Dear Sir Cosgrove I understand the arrangements to be per A   R P 110 Captain’s Close 0 3 32 136 House, Garden, Yard and Pleasure Gardens 0 3 15 112 Cottage, Garden, Farm yard and Buildings 0 0 37 138 pr of Orchard 0 1 2 Price £1000 Interest at same rate as paid to J C Mansel Esq I conclude that Mr M declines to pay more on account of 138 and.. Yours faithfully H W R Fisher H P Markham Northampton 22nd August 1887 BY INDENTURE of this date made between the said A. W. T. G. Thorold of the 1st part and the said C. W. Holbeck R. H. Murray J. B. A. Acland of the 2nd part the said J. C. Mansel of the 3rd part Jno. Wm. Smith of the 4th part Jno. Jepson Atkinson of the 5th part & Henry Jas. Wilkinson and Francis Wm. Bailey of the sixth part in conson of the sum of £4,150 to the sd J. C. & A. W. T. G. Thorold paid by the said J. J. Atkinson the said C. W. Holbeck R. H. Murray J. B. A. Acland J. G. Hoare and J. C. Mansel as Mtgees & the said A. W. T. G. Thorold as Beneficial Owner conveyed & confirmed in the 1st Schedule thrto & delineated in the plan thron & Nod. 90, 91, 92, 93, & 94, Together with a right of access to and from a well or spring in field No. 3 on the said plan To HOLD the same unto the said J. J. Atkinson & his heirs freed from the said Mortgage debt of £4,800 secured by Indre of the 14th April 1849 & the said Mortgage debt of £9,000 secured by the hereinbefore absted Mem. of the 8th Octr. 1881 and all intt for the same TO THE USE & subject to the powers of the Will of the late Jas. Atkinson decd. DECLARATION that the ad J. J. Atkinson his heirs or assns should have the option (subject as thrin contd) on giving notice in writing to the said A. W. T. G. Thorold his heirs and assns or to his or their solrs at any time within 10 years from the date throf to purchase the hereits comp in the 2nd Schedule thrto & Nod. 35, 36, & 37 on the said plan for £2,000 upon the terms in the said Indre mentd. The First Schedule before referred to No. on Plan Description Quantitiy a. r. p. 90 The Capital messe or Mansion House called The Priory with the Coachouse stables & other outbuildings garden & pleasure grounds thrto belonging or occupied therewith 4 0 20 91 The Lawn 14 1 15 92 The Home Close 4 0 38 93 The Little Meadow 3 6 94 Rickyard and Spinney 1 39 A 23 3 38 The Second Schedule before reffered to 35 Sancey Leys 10 2 22 36 Sancey Leys 10 0 20 37 The Slipe 1 1 3 A 22 0 5 22nd August 1887 BY INDENTURE of this date made between A. W. T. G. Thorold of the 1st part and the said C. W. Holbeck R. H. Murray J. B. A. Acland of the 2nd part the said J. C. Mansel of the 3rd part & the said J. J. Atkinson of the 4th part in conson of the sum of £1,390 to the said A. W. T. G. Thorold paid by the said J. J. Atkinson the said C. W. Holbeck R. H. Murray J. B. A. Acland & H. G. Hoare & J. C. Mansel as Mtgees & the said A. W. T. G. Thorold as beneficial owner conveyed to the said J. J. Atkinson all the hereits described in the 1st Schedule thrto & delineated in the plan thron & Nod. 85, 86, 87, & 88 TO HOLD the same unto & to the use of J. J. Atkinson freed from the Mtge debts thron The First Schedule before referred to No. on Plan Description Quantity a. r. p. 85 The Mill Top Meadow containing 4 1 30 86 The Mill Holme 4 3 2 87 The Bottom Meadow 1 2 11 88 The Homestead including the messuage or dwellinghouse & water mill commonly called Cosgrove Mill with the buildings & appurtenances thereto belonging and all Landlord's fixtures therein 2 3 A 11 1 3 Northampton Mercury - Saturday 13 April 1889 TO BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS. BUILDERS desirous of Contracting for ADDITIONS and ALTERATIONS to Stables, etc., at the Priory, Cosgrove, for J. J. Atkinson, Esq., please send in their names to the Architect, Chas. Dorman, 51, Abington street, Northampton. Mr. Atkinson does not bind himself to accept the lowest or any Tender. This shows the Priory before JJ Atkinson undertook major alterations, including installing stone mullion windows. The chimney at the front was removed. Inside the Atkinsons used wood carving and decorative items from France and other areas. Cosgrove Priory 1899

This window depicts the Atkinson family Left to right: St Leger, Mary, York. The Atkinson children are featured in the stained glass windows on the Priory staircase and in Cosgrove Church. One of them, St Ledger, joined the army and was killed in action on 13th May 1915, a Captain of the 1st Royal Dragoons. The Atkinsons were highly regarded in Cosgrove and some “living memories” are to be found in the stories of Dennis Tompkins and his sister Cynthia Smith. At some point the Atkinson family renovated the Priory in the Tudor Style, taking out Georgian windows and replacing them with stone mullions. Cosgrove Priory passed from J. J. Atkinson to his son Philip Atkinson, who died in 1972, leaving the Priory to Sir Hereward Wake Bt. of Courteenhall, although Atkinson's widow Grace continued to live at the house until her death. Sir Hereward sold the estate in 1979 to David Moore, who renovated the mansion before selling the main house in 1981 and moving to a new home he had created in the former stables.

Up in the attics of the Priory, the Atkinson children had their nursery. The sloping walls are covered in magnificent decoupage images of idyllic Victorian families. It is covered in heavy shellac, but is so evocative of the era that those who have seen the walls always remember them.

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Northampton Chronicle and Echo Thursday 07 August 1913

COSGROVE FLOWER SHOW.

AN EXCELLENT ENTRY.

The 13^th annual exhibition of the Cosgrove Horticultural Society was held on Wednesday in a paddock adjoining the Priory, kindly lent by Mr. J. J. Atkinson, C.C. There was an excellent entry, and the Countess Temple was a was a successful exhibitor. The judges were Mr. W. Batchelor, F.R.H.S. (gardener to Mr. Wentworth Vernon, Stoke Park), Mr. W. Buckingham (gardener to Lord Penrhyn, Wicken Park, and Miss Capell Passenham (needlework). The committee carrying out the arrangements comprised Messrs. S. Williams, A. Childs, E. Lord, R. Penson, M. E. Jelley, William Clarke, A. Swain, G. Williams, T. Lord, E. Butcher, W. Dicks, Joseph Clarke, with T. Seymour as the capable hon. secretary.
Amongst the attractions were a baby show, the usual paraphernalia of fair ground and the Bradwell United Band, who played selections, and for the evening dancing. Mr. Mrs., and Miss Atkinson were generous contributors to the prize fund.

The Awards

Cottagers. - Collection vegetables, 1 S. Williams, 2 G. Williams. 3 W. Wise. Kidney beans 1 G. Williams. 2 H. Cutler. Cabbages. 1 H. Gascoyne, 2 W. Clarke. Carrots (long). 1 G. Williams 2 H. Gascoyne. carrots (short) 1 G.. Williams, 2 H. Gascoyne. Celery. 1 G. William. 2 H. Gascoyne. Turnips 1 H. Cutler. 2 H. Willison. Marrows. 1 H. Gascoyne, 2 W. Wise. Long beet, 1 A. Lane, 2 A Swan. Lettuces, 1 W. Wise, 2 A. Lane. Shallots, 1 W. Lane. 2 H. Willison. Spring onions. 1 W. Wise. 2 R. Brown. 3 W. Lane. Winter onions 1 H. Cutler. 2 R. Pettifer, 3 W. Wise. Peas, 1 W. Wise. 2 S. Williams, 3 A. J. Childs. Potatoes (round white), 1 R. Brown, 2 G. Williams. 3 H. Gascoyne Ditto (coloured). 1 R. Pettifier, 2 W. Wise, 3 R. Brown. Kidney white, 1 W. Wise. 2 S. Williams, 3 H. William. Sweet peas. 1 S. Williams. 2 G. Williams. Cut flowers, 1 G. Williams, 2 S. Williams. 3  A. J. Childs. Asters. 2 S. Williams. Stocks, 1 G. Williams, 2 S. Williams. Flowering plants, 1 S. Williams 2 T. Seymour. Bouquet 1 G. Williams, 2 S. Williams. Cooking and dessert apples, 1 W. Clarke, 2 G. Tapp.
Open. – The Countess Temple (Cosgrove Hall) took first prizes for collection vegetables, tomatoes, long beet, spring and winter onions, collection of fruit, plum cooking apples, foliage, and stove or greenhouse plants, coleus ferns and collection of cut flowers; second  prizes for long and short carrots, peas, dessert apples, gooseberries, and bouquet, and third for vases of sweet peas. Mr. J. J. Atkinson. C.C., was first for cucumbers, long and short carrots, dessert apples, gooseberries, and bouquet, and second for collection of vegetables, beet, kidney beans, winter onions, collection of fruit, foliage plants, coleus, ferns, and cut flowers, and third for peas.
Other prize-winners were T. Bramley (Stony Stratford), S. Williams (first celery), W. Lane, W. Wise, J. T. Smith (Whittlebury), Austin Meadows (Stony Stratford), W. Clarke, W. Chitttock, J. Ibell, Mrs. Powell, T. C. Pratt Richardson, Seymour, and W. G. White (Old Stratford).
Honey (three sections), 1 Miss Hobbs, 2 Miss Cam (Paulerspury Rectory). Eggs, 1 Mrs. Penson, 2 Miss Woods. Wild Flowers (children over 10), 1 Winnie Childs, 2 Flo Eglesfield. Ditto (under 10), 1 Lottie Jelley, 2 Doris Hurst. Needlework: Darning, 1 Louie Tack, 2 Winnie Childs. Needlework (7 to 10 years old), 1 Ida Beasley, 2 Doris Hurst. Ditto (over 10), 1 Gertie Swain, 2 Agnes Baldwin. Knitting (girls), 1 Kitty Herbert, 2 Lottie Jelley. Ditto (infants), 1 Ronald W. Pedley, 2 Alf Meakins.

The Baby Show

There was a capital entry for the baby show, the judges for which were DR. A. W. Moore (Stony Stratford) and Mrs. Lombe (Grafton Regis). Their awards were:-
Local. Under one year, 1 Fred Keys (four months), 2 Gladys Gascoyne (six weeks).
Over one year, 1 Edna Meakins, 2 Louie Gascoyne.
Open. Under one year, 1 Irene Mary and Gladys Maud Roy, twins (December 18,1912, 2 Sidney Ratledge (January 10, 1913).
Under two years, 1 Stanley Cockerill, Stony Stratford (January 7, 1912), 2 Lily Poole March 9, 1912.

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Wolverton Express 20^th October 1916

A pretty fete was held in the grounds of Cosgrove Priory on Saturday by members of the Mothers’ Union. Mr and Mrs Atkinson lent the grounds, and Mrs Atkinson, as President of the Union, took a great interest in the effort, which was successful. Its object was to collect funds, to purchase material for the Mothers’ Work Class, which is held during the winter months. The Cosgrove Excelsior Band played selections and dance music during the evening. The stalls and other shows included needlework, Mesdames Whiting, Dickens and Buckell; fruit and vegetables, Mesdames Lovesey and Abel; bowls, Miss Atkinson; golf, Miss W. Atkinson; skittles, Mr Lovesey; Aunt Sally and Hoopla, Mr Green; Mrs Butcher (secretary), and Mrs Whiting (treasurer). About £30 was realised.

COSGROVE.

A GARDEN FETE in aid of the Cosgrove Mothers’ Union was held in the grounds of Cosgrove Priory, the residence of Mrs Atkinson, the president. Mrs Atkinson, together with the Misses Atkinson, Captain P. Y. Atkinson and Mrs Fergusson, of Cosgrove Hall, were moving spirits in the proceedings, which included an enjoyable sports programme for the village inhabitants. A decorated bicycle competition was won by Miss Bessie Noble. A Handicap (boys 13 – 17) was won by W. Luck, and an egg and spoon race for adults by Miss Hurst. Assisting in the arrangements of the fete were the members of the committee of the Mothers’ Union.

MR. J.J.  ATKINSON

IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL AT COSGROVE.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. John J. Atkinson, Cosgrove Priory, which took place early on Friday morning, after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Atkinson, who was over 80 years of age, had resided in the county for at least forty years. He took an active interest in the Unionist cause for the Daventry Division, and represented the Passenham Division on the County Council for many years prior to 1922, when he did not seek re-election. In his own parish he was deeply interested in church life, and was churchwarden at St. Peter's Church for many years, an office he held at the time of his death. Mr. Atkinson, who was an engineer and a barrister, had travelled extensively, and many were the stories he told of the Far East. He leaves a widow, a son and two daughters to mourn their loss

It will be recalled that his elder son, Captain St. Ledger Atkinson, who commanded the 6th Signalling Troop of the Cavalry Brigade the 6th Division, was killed in France early in 1915. At the memorial service held at Cosgrove Church, the late Mr. Atkinson read the lesson, and at the close paid a touching tribute to his son. “There is not a real man here,” he said, who will not wish for such an end as this, and who does not thank God with me for having given me such son."

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral of the late Mr. J. Jepson Atkinson, The Priory, Cosgrove, look place on Tuesday afternoon, in dull December weather. The small Church of St. Peter and St. Paul held a crowded congregation of public mourners, among whom were many well-known residents of the district. The service was conducted the Rev. J. Stockton (curate-in-charge), assisted by the Rev. A. G. St. John Mildmay (Wolverton Holy Trinity) and the Rev. F. Nelson Ward (Wicken). The interment was in the cemetery adjoining the churchyard. The coffin of polished Oak, with Gothic mounts, was lowered into a bricked grave lined with evergreens, white chrysanthemums, narcissi, white statice, and laurustinus. The grave was lined by Mr. T. A. Lord, of Cosgrove Hall, who for a long period was a gardener to Mr. Atkinson. The coffin bore upon its breastplate: J. Jepson Atkinson, died December 12th, 1924, aged 80 years,''

Children from the village school were present under the charge of Miss Keveren.

Hymns sung during the service were “Come unto Me, ye weary," and " O God, our help in ages past." The organist was Mr. M. H. Eves. The family mourners were: Mr. Philip Atkinson (son). Miss Atkinson and Miss G. Atkinson (daughters), Capt. J. Foster, Miss Foster. Major A. W. Foster. Mrs. Gaulburn, Mrs. Wilkinson, Mr. 11. Wilkinson, Mr. Trevor Ward, and Major Arbuthnot.

Among those present were: Lord and Lady Penrhyn, Lord Hillingdon, Captain the Hon. & Mrs. E. A. FitzRoy, Sir Thomas Fermor Hesketh, Admiral Purefoy (Shalston). Colonel Wood (Syresham), Colonel R. H. Loombe (Grafton Regis), Colonel Hill (London). Major Williams (Blakeslev) Rev. W. J. Harkness (Hanslope). Mr. W. W. Carlile (Gayhurst), Mr. T. D. Kellie MacCallum (Chief Constable of Northamptonshire), Miss Balfour and Miss Wells (Cosgrove), Mr. A. R. Elmes. Mr. 6. Hamilton, Mr. J. D. Lees (Whittlebury Lodge). Colonel Douglas Pennant (Sholebrooke Lodge), Mr. Bywaters (Castlethorpe), Rev. Jacob Thompson (Grafton Regis). Mr. S. P. Starsmore, C.C.. Mr. O. Harris (Deanshanger). Mr. W. W. Dickens (Stonv Stratford), Rev. Stanham, Rev. and Mrs. A. P. Symons (Potterspury). Captain Loftus (Brackley), Colonel Clinch (Blisworth House), Miss Maguire, Dr. D. W. A. Bull, J.P. (Stony Stratford), Mrs. Richard Agar, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Ferguson (Cosgrove Hall), Dr. Ryan, Major Ryan. Rev. W. W. Colley. R.D. Mrs. Colley (Blisworth). Mr. C. R. Whiting (Churchwarden), Mr. N. Montgomery and Mr. Canvin (Deanshanger Conservative Association), Major Sir Everard Dunoombe, Bart. (Great Brickhill). Major Pollexfen (Old Stratford), Mr and Mrs R Kingsley Johnson (Cosgrove), Mrs Grant Thorold, Mrs Cooper, Messrs A. F. Jelley, W. Clarke and E. Gee (Cosgrove Parish Council).

Amongst the wreaths were tributes from the Deanshanger Conservative Association and the schoolchildren of Cosgrove.

WILL OF MR. J. J. ATKINSON. THANKS EVERYONE FOR “A VERY HAPPY LIFE.”

Mr. J. J. Atkinson, of Cosgrove Priory who died recently, age 80, left unsettled property of the gross value of £7,318 7s. 10d. Probate has been granted to Mrs. Atkinson, the sole executrix, to whom after bequests of £500 to his daughters, he left his property for life with remainder to the children.

In his will, Mr. Atkinson says:— “I give my soul to God and body to the earth —or better still the sea—or better still to my University; but all as my wife shall appoint, and I thank her for forty years’ joy of living. I won’t say a thing to thank my son for what he did for us. Everything that I have is settled upon him. Thanking everyone concerned for very happy life.”

NOT IN PROPER HOLDER. Mary Atkinson, The Priory, Cosgrove, and Dr. William Ward Darley, West Haddon, were summoned for failing to properly attach Road Fund licences to motor cars.

Mrs. Atkinson was fined 10s.

COMIC DOG SHOW.
 ATTRACTIVE FEATURE OF FETE AT COSGROVE.

An attractive fete was held Saturday in the charming surroundings of the Cosgrove Priory, lent by Mrs. Atkinson. The proceeds were behalf the Parish Church funds. Captain Philip Atkinson, who presided at the opening ceremony, pointed out that for the past twenty years the church roof had been patched and patched until it could go no longer. The cost of repair would be about £350. Lady Hillingdon opened the fete, and a bouquet of golden yellow noses, named after her, was afterwards presented to her by little Miss Mary Whiting.

Among those  present were the Rev. J. Stockton, the Rev. E. Ken worthy Browne (Paulerspury), Sir Walter Carlile, Bart., and Lady Carlile (Gayhurst), Lieut.-Col. R. H. F. Lombe (Grafton Regis), and Captain Gore Langton (Padbury). Lady Hillingdon was accompanied by her two daughters, the Hon. Ursula and the Hon. Penelope Mills, who brought large baskets of carnations grown at Wakefield Lawn. Mr. Ian Matheson, Oxford undergraduate, on a visit to Cosgrove Priory, gave selections with the bagpipes, and a little girl in Highland costume executed some pretty dancing. An amusing event of the afternoon was a comic dog show. There were small dogs with large barks, and large dogs with small barks. In the competition for the dog that wagged its tail quickest, the winner was easy first for it started wagging its tail furiously the moment it entered the ring and continued until it left. The dog race was also amusing, for some of the owners, who had to run with their dogs, either got entangled with the lead or fell over the dogs. Mr. Reg Whiting had charge of the show, assisted by Major V. D. S. Williams, of Greens Norton, and the judges were Mr. W. Pope, of Paulerspury (huntsman to the Grafton) and Mr. Leaf, Newport Pagnell.

The results were: Largest dog, . 1 Mrs. Harrison, Tringford (Irish Wolfhound); Miss V. Inning, Greens Norton. Fattest, 1 Mrs. Stevens (spaniel); 2 Mrs. Lombe, Grafton Regis (alsatian). Dog that wagged its tail the quickest, 1 Miss Gore Langton, Padbury (brown and white spaniel); 2 Miss Hope Brooke, Brackley. Best coat, 1 Mrs. Harrison; 2 Miss Hobson. Paulerspury. Queerest looking, 1 Mrs. Ryan, (Yorkshire terrier); 2 Mrs. A. U. Habgood, Old (bulldog). Dog with best looking owner, 1 Miss Gunning, Miss Fraser. Most sporting looking dog, 1 Miss. Ramsey. Miss Fraser. Dog race, 1 Miss Benson, Miss Hope Brooke.

Aquatic sports and dancing were amongst other attractions. Amongst the stalls and sideshows those in charge were: Sweet stall, Lady Wake and daughters; produce, Mrs. Winterbottom; Bunty pulls the String: Mrs. Gore Langton; ices. Miss. W. S. Parrott and Miss Maguire, assisted by Miss Balfour. Miss Wills, Miss Clare, and Mr. W. S. Parrott; tobacco stall and hidden treasure, Rev. J. Stockton; cocoanuts, Major V. D. S. Williams.

Various other sideshows were under the charge of the following members of the Cosgrove Football Club: Messrs. C. E. King, T. Cummings, E. Hillyer, E. Gascoyne, I. Dunkley, W. Luck, S. Eglesfield, E. Eglesfield, E. Kingston, A. Tompkins, F. Johnson, R. E. Johnson, G. Noble. R, Brown, A. Meakins, and C. Knight Members of the G.F.S. looked after a bran pie. Miss Mary Atkinson assisted by Miss Gune Atkinson, superintended the general arrangements.

MRS. J. J. ATKINSON.

Death of Well-known Lady at
Cosgrove.

The death is reported of Mrs. J. J. Atkinson, of Cosgrove Priory, who passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 85. She was the widow of Mr. J. J. Atkinson, for many years a member of the Northamptonshire County Council. Mrs. Atkinson had lived at Cosgrove Priory for forty years, and was interested in many movements in the district, where she was held in high esteem. A son, Captain Atkinson of the Royal Dragoons, gave his life in the war. The other members of the family are Mr. P. Y. Atkinson, Miss M. Atkinson, and Miss G. Atkinson. The funeral will take place at Cosgrove on Tuesday.

MANY MOURNERS

At Funeral of Mrs. Isabella
Atkinson.

The Church of Peter and Paul, Cosgrove, held a crowded congregation on Tuesday at midday, when the funeral took place of Mrs. Isabella Atkinson, of Cosgrove Priory, an esteemed member of an old county family, who died on Wednesday at the age of 80. The coffin was conveyed on a hand-bier, drawn by the following members of the outdoor staff at the Priory; Messrs. A. Eglesfield, J. Ellis, J. T. Holson, T. Bushel, F. Lavington, and A. Valentine. As the congregation was assembling the organist, Mr. C. Compton, played “Rest in the Lord” and other music. The service, which was choral, included the hymns, “Praise to the Holiest in the height” and “Come unto Me, ye weary”, whilst Psalm 90 was sung. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Stockton (curate-in-charge), who was assisted by the Rev. E. Kenworthy Browne. M.A., rector of Paulerspury and Rural Dean of Preston II.

The interment took place in the churchyard in a grave beautifully lined by Mr. T A. Lord and Mr. Lambert, with white tulips, statics, Christmas roses, Brompton stocks, and mimosa, with a background of ferns and ivy leaves. Upon the coffin rested two wreaths, one from Philip, May, and Gune, and the other from the men and maid servants. The grave was by the side of that where Mrs. Atkinson's husband, the late Mr. J. J. Atkinson, J.P., C.C., who died in 1924, is buried.

The family mourners were: Captain P. Y. Atkinson (son). Miss Atkinson and Miss G. Atkinson (daughters), Miss Foster, Woodcote, Salop (sister). Mrs. Foster, Spratton Grange (sister-in-law), Mrs. Goulburn (niece). Miss Goulburn, Letchworth; Mrs. Trevor Wood, London; Mrs, Wilkinson (sister-in-law) and Mr. Wilkinson. Amongst those present in the church and at the graveside were: Dowager Lady Penrhyn, Right Hon. Lord Penrhyn, Lord and Lady Hillingdon. Lady Wake, the Hon. Mrs. E. A Fitzroy, Colonel F. Douglas-Pennant (Sholebrook Lodge), Admiral and Mrs. Purefoy, Lieut.-Colonel Wood, Major and Mrs. H. Grant Thorold, Major and Mrs. Francis Gore Langton (Little Tingewick), Miss Marjory Wood, Mr. and Mrs. W. Paterson, Miss MacFerran, Mrs. Hugh Major and Mrs. V. D. S. Williams, Major Arbuthnot, Mr. Morley, Lieut.-Colonel F. Penn (Whittlebury), Mr. H. T. F. Weston. J.P., C.C. (Yardley Gobion), Mr. C. H. Weston, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Dickens, Dr. and Mrs. A. H. Habgood, Dr. and Mrs. D. W. A. Bull, Captain T. G. du Buisson, Captain and Mrs. Marcus Pelham, Mrs. and Miss Markham (Castlethorpe). Mr. W. M. Stanymore (Wicken), Mr. J. E. Whiting, Mr. P. J. Whiting (Gayhurst). Mr. Donald Fraser, J.P. (Moulsoe) Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Guinness (Greens Norton), Colonel and Mrs. F. Bennett, Mr. J. D. Lees and Miss Lees (Whittlebury). Miss Wells (Cosgrove), Captain W. R. Uthwatt (Great Linford), Col. W. Trevor, Captain and Mrs. Bryan Holt (Potterspury), Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom, Mrs. Wellesley Taylor. J.P. (Sherington). Mrs. Loombe (Grafton Regis).

Members of the household staff present were; Misses Webb, Hillyer, Snowdon, and Marlow. Mrs. Lavington, and Mr. A. Noble.

Representatives present from organisations with which Mrs. Atkinson was associated were: Mesdames Stockton, A. F. Jelley, Bushell, Swain, Beasley, Atkina, Noble, Eglesfield, Cummings, G. Brown, and A. Bates (Mothers’ Union), and Mr. P. Horne (Cosgrove Football Club), whilst Messrs J. Haldon and A. Andrews represented the Parish Council. The seating arrangements in the church were made by Mr W. S. Parrott (churchwarden), Messrs. W. Slaymaker. J. Higgins. W. W. Meakins, and C. R, Whiting. After the service a half-muffled peal of Grandsire Doubles (changes) was rung on the church bells by Messrs. A. Meakins (treble), J. Higgins, E. Hillyer, W. Crowder, and E. C. Lambert (conductor).

A magnificent collection of floral tributes included, in addition to tokens from members of the family, those from Lord Berners, Lady Sophie Scott; Sir Thomas and Lady Hesketh; Cosgrove Mothers Union; Cosgrove and Old Stratford Conservative Association; organist, choir, past and present Sunday School scholars of Cosgrove Church, teachers and school children, Cosgrove; the Dowager Lady Penrhyn ; Lord and Ladv Penrhyn; Mrs. Fitzroy and the Speaker; Sir Walter and Lady Carlile, officials and players of Cosgrove Football Club.

The annual meeting of the Cosgrove Women’s Conservative Association was held, by kind invitation of the Misses Atkinson, in the large hall of Cosgrove Priory on Tuesday afternoon.  There was an excellent attendance.  Miss Gune Atkinson presided, supported by Miss Atkinson (Hon Secretary), Miss Wells (Hon Treasurer), Mrs Corner (Hardingstone), and Captain G. Langdon (Divisional Agent).

In her report Miss Atkinson referred to the death of her mother, who was president of the association, and said that, with her sister and brother, she wished to express her gratitude for the lovely flowers sent by the Association. In conclusion she thanked the officers and committee for their support.

The Hon Treasurer’s statement showed that last year’s substantial balance had been increased.

It was decided to ask Miss Balfour to become President, Miss Gune Atkinson was elected chairman, and Miss Atkinson and Miss Wells were re-elected Hon Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Arrangements were made for attending the annual meeting of the Association at Towcester next Tuesday, for a sideshow at the summer fete at Whilton on 28 June, and for a visit of the touring cinema.

An address on the benefits of Safeguarding was given by Mrs Corner.  She pointed out that the present Government were proving a ghastly failure, for against their promises of more work and higher wages at the last election, unemployment had increased by 500,000, and it was the plain fact that they had made matters are 1000 times worse.  Every month they had been in office saw the figures on unemployment increased by 50,000, or 1000 a day.  Excuses were made for this, but a bad workman always blames someone else or his tools.  The only possible chance of prosperity was to realise that the policy of Mr. Baldwin of safeguarding industry and developing trade was the way out (applause).

In conclusion Mrs Corner paid a tribute to the late Mrs Atkinson as a good and generous lady.  They would all agree that they could not do better than follow the example in life she had set them.

Thanks to the speaker were expressed by Mrs. Whiting and Miss Wells.

The company were entertained to tea by the Misses Atkinson.

WEDDING OF MISS GRACE
PENN.
 A Quiet Ceremony at Helmdon.

A wedding of considerable interest took place at Helmdon Church on Monday, when Miss Grace Penn, of Falcutt House, was married to Captain Philip York Atkinson, of Cosgrove.

Brigadier Sir Hereward Wake. D.S.O., acted as best man, and the bride was given away by her brother. Lieut.-Colonel R. Penn, M.C. After the ceremony a reception was held at Falcutt House, at which the guests included Capt. and Mrs. G. Lees. Mrs. W. Penn, Mrs. E. Penn. Miss Olive Penn, Mrs. Young. Miss Nancy Penn, Lady Wake, Lady Penrhyn, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Lees, Miss Lees. Mrs. F. Penn, Miss M. and G. Atkinson, etc.

Captain and Mrs. Atkinson are spending the honeymoon at Overstrand Hall, Cromer, lent by Lord Hillingdon. They will live at Cosgrove.

Garden Meeting at Cosgrove Priory - Nursing Association Effort

A successful evening garden meeting was held at Cosgrove Priory on Saturday at the kind invitation of Captain P Y and Mrs Atkinson, who are allowed the use of their grounds in support of the Nursing Association, which serves the villages of Cosgrove, Old Stratford, Deanshanger, and Wicken.  Ideal weather favoured the function which had the support of residence of the villages benefiting by the services of the nurse.

Stalls and amusements were staged and received excellent patronage, whilst a dance was enjoyed by many young people on a floodlit lawn to amplified music supplied by Mr. H H Lampitt, of Wolverton, who was also responsible for the lighting effects.

A whist drive was held in the early evening with Mr. R D Carslake, of Deanshanger as MC, the prizewinners being: ladies 1 Mrs. Kightley, Old Stratford, 2 Mrs. Williams, Cosgrove, lowest Mrs. G Brown, Cosgrove; gentlemen, 1Mr. R Dixon, Wicken, 2 Mrs. Ashley, lowest Mrs. W Starsmore, Wicken.  Mrs. PY Atkinson distributed the prizes.  Annual attraction for many visitors was the beetle drive, organized by Mrs. S Tee, Old Stratford, the winners being 1 Mrs E. Douglas Pennant, 2 Mrs. Barby, mystery Mrs. Mayhew.

In charge of the stalls and sideshows were Miss Marlowe and Miss Hillyer (lemonade); Mrs J. Clarke, Mrs. Prisley, Mrs. Gascoyne, and Mrs. Herbert, all of Cosgrove (produce); Mrs. J Cooper, W Starsmore and Miss M Cooper of Wicken (bowling for Sunday dinner); Mr. G Cooper, Wicken (rolling pennies); Mr. and Mrs. E. Johnson, Deanshanger (darts); Mrs Henson, Cosgrove (spinning wheel); Miss J. Higgins, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Ruff, Cosgrove (silver mine); Miss J Eglesfield and Mr. C Kightley (tub and plates).  The gate was attended by Messrs. S. Williams, A Tack, A Kightley and F Hall.  Responsible for the organisation were the following officials: the Rev. H P Hoskin, Wicken (chairman), Mrs W N Montgomery and Mrs. R D Carslake, Deanshanger, (joint Secretaries), and members of the respective village committees, with Cosgrove members putting in the bulk of the work.

WON M.C.

Capt. P. Y. Atkinson, who lives at Cosgrove Priory, is a son of the late Mr. J. J. Atkinson, one of the original members of Northamptonshire County Council. Mr. Atkinson was elected to the County Council in 1934, and was a member of the old Potterspury R.D.C. from 1924 to 1926 and also sat on the Potterspury Board of Guardians. During the war Mr. Atkinson served with the 5th Dragoon Guards. He obtained Captain’s rank and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. He is a keen supporter of the Grafton Hunt.

Cosgrove Resident Appointed Justice of Peace

Among the new magistrates appointed for Northamptonshire is Captain Phillip York Atkinson, of Cosgrove Priory, and he will take his seat on the Towcester Divisional Bench.

Captain Atkinson is the son of the late Mr. J J Atkinson, one of the original members of the Northamptonshire County Council, and has himself taken a keen interest in public work in the county.  He was elected to the County Council in 1934 and was a member of the old Potterspury Rural District Council from 1924 to 1925 and also sat on the Potterspury Board of Guardians.

During the Great War Captain Atkinson served with the 5th Dragoon Guards and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry.  He is a keen supporter of the Grafton Hunt.  He took the necessary oaths at Northamptonshire Quarter Sessions held at Northampton yesterday (Thursday).

A Garden Party at Cosgrove

By the invitation of Mrs. Atkinson, a garden meeting was held by the Cosgrove Women’s Institute in the Priory Grounds on Tuesday afternoon.  Miss Lees spoke of the work of the Red Cross and St John Ambulance Brigade and during the afternoon funds were raised for Red Cross work.  The speaker was thanked by the President Mrs. Atkinson.  A gift stall was arranged and sideshows, which produced the splendid sum of £4 5s  9d.  The monthly competition was for vegetable headdress, which resulted in Mrs. Loughrey being first and Mrs. W. Clarke second.  A large number of members and friends were entertained to tea by Mrs. Atkinson, the hostess.

Conservative Fete at Cosgrove – Opened by Divisional Chairman

Members of the Cosgrove and Old Stratford branch of the Daventry Conservative and Unionist Association held a garden fete in the lovely grounds of Cosgrove Priory (by kind permission of [Lt] Colonel and Mrs P Y Atkinson) on Saturday last.

Mrs T A Thornton (Divisional Chairman) opened the fete. Teas, refreshments, produce and jumble stalls, and sideshows were served by Mesdames Millward, Kightley, W Slaymaker, A Loughrey, H Dickens, Ratledge, Capel, S Inch, Jeffrey and C Brockway, Misses Vera Toombs, Shirley Holden, Rita Love and Jean Loughrey, Messrs C and P Millward.

A Whist drive was held in the evening, followed by dancing to amplified music. Arrangements for the fete were made by Hon Secretary Mrs Slaymaker and members of the Committee.

HOUSEMAID reqd. two in fam: wages and outings. Apply Mrs. Atkinson, Cosgrove Priory, Stony Stratford.

Wolverton Express 20^th April 1972

Capt. P Y Atkinson

A memorial service for Captain [Philip York] Atkinson, a former High Sherriff of Northampton, was due to be held at Cosgrove Parish Church yesterday (Thursday). Capt. Atkinson, who was 85, died at his home, Cosgrove Priory and leaves a widow and a sister. His father, the late J. J. [Joseph Jepson] Atkinson, was a founder member of Northants County Council and Capt. Atkinson followed in his footsteps. He was High Sheriff in 1947.

Former High Sheriff

THE funeral took place of a former High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, Captain Peter Y. Atkinson, who died aged 85 at his home, Cosgrove Priory. Captain Atkinson, son of the late Mr. J. J. Atkinson, a founder member of Northamptonshire County Council, also served that authority. He was a member of Potterspury Rural Council and Board of Guardians, and was High Sheriff In 1917. In the First World War he served in the 5th Dragoons, and was awarded the MC for gallantry. A lover of wild life, Captain Atkinson was a keen supporter of the Grafton Hunt and of horse racing. He leaves a widow and a sister who lives at Paulerspury.

Former High Sheriff left £78,000

LIEUTENANT-COL. Philip Y. Atkinson, a former High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, who died on April 12 at the age of 85, left over £78,000 in his will published today. Lt. Col. Atkinson left £78,317 gross £77,194 net, with duty of £9,105, and probate has been granted to Sir Hereward Wake and Lady Julia Wake, of Courteenhall. Lt. Col. Atkinson, who lived at The Priory, Cosgrove, served in the 5th Dragoons during the 1914-18 war, when he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. He was High Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1967.

by SALLY MURRER

A FRAIL 89-year-old widow was robbed of antique china and silver valued at £4,000 when her country mansion was ransacked by thieves in broad daylight. Mrs Grace Atkinson was away from her home, Cosgrove Priory, near Cosgrove, visiting her sister when the raid took place last Friday afternoon. Police believe that the robbery may be connected with a series of break-ins in the Thames Valley area. Mrs Atkinson is the wealthy widow of Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Atkinson, a former High Sheriff of Northamptonshire. She is almost permanently bed-ridden with arthritis.

Sgt Roger Jennings, of Towcester CID, said that the thieves had driven all round the house over the lawns - leaving distinct tyre marks - presumably looking for the rear entrance. He said the thieves had forced open the very heavy wooden rear door and had then ransacked every room. "They have been selective about what they have taken," he added. Sgt Jennings is appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious.

Mrs Dorothy Tustain, aged 66, who has worked for Mrs Atkinson for 15 years, visits the Priory daily from her home in the village to keep an eye on things. She thought about taking her dog for a walk up to the grounds on Friday afternoon, but it was raining heavily and she decided to stay at her Cosgrove home, she said.

Mr Norman Goodridge, 68, who discovered the robbery and called the police, has also worked at the house for many years. He walked up to the house at about 6.30 p.m. on Friday - he is responsible for locking up and making sure that bed-room lights are switched on when no one is staying at the house. "I knew as soon as I stepped in the back door that something was up", he said. "The door had been forced open, and every drawer in the house was left hanging out", added Mr Goodridge. "The place looked like a bomb had hit it, especially the smoking and drawing rooms." Mrs Atkinson, who returned to her home on Friday evening, did not employ a housekeeper at the time of the break-in.

“Really she took it very well", said Mrs Tustain, who has been at the house with Mr Goodridge helping police draw up a list of stolen items. "She sat down and had a cup of coffee and then went back to her sister's home in Holcot, Northants," she added.

Cosgrove Priory and the lawn the thieves drove over to get to the rear entrance.

Among the items stolen were: a valuable Victorian bell-shaped clock which stands about 12 inches high, silver tureens, Wedgwood china bowls, with red and blue floral designs, 20 bronze miniature figures, all over 100 years old, 32 Staffordshire Pottery animal figures valued at £25 each, 100-year-old china figurines, a white china swan, £200 Italian cockerel-shaped tureen, a blue and white china swan on a china nest, and a white china bowl supported by two cherubs. Fortunately Mrs Atkinson had some of her most valuable items, including her engagement ring and her jewellery, with her.

The Priory at Cosgrove is situated in its own rolling parkland, close to Milton Keynes. It is believed to date from at least Tudor times. The present house is Georgian in origin, but was substantially rebuilt at the end of the last century.

The prime feature of the house is the carved oak panelling in the reception hall, which is believed to date from the time of Henry VIII. The interior requires modernisation, but there is great scope for the creation of a spacious yet comfortable family home. Accommodation includes four reception rooms, seven principal bedrooms and three bathrooms. There are extensive out-buildings, including a stable cottage. The property amounts to about 24 acres. Offers were invited in the region of £80,000 for the property and a figure in excess of this was achieved. James Higgins acted for the purchaser, who has business interests in Milton Keynes.

In 1982, The Cambridge Diet purchased the Priory as its UK headquarters. Because of a long, drawn out legal case over UK marketing rights, however, the building remained unused for five years before The Cambridge Diet lost the action and vacated the premises in 1987.

Pericom purchased the main building in 1987 as their UK headquarters and has subsequently purchased the remains of the complex and reintegrated it. The company began restoring The Priory to its former grandeur, making both internal and external improvements to complement the style of the building and enhance its flexibility as the administrative centre of the Group's international activities. In 2013 the house was again on the market and sold once again as a family home."

The Priory, which is not listed, is built of ironstone and limestone with a clay tiled roof. The house has beautiful reception rooms with a magnificent entrance hall, divided from the dining room by a Tudor rood screen, a large south west facing drawing room, sitting room and billiards room. There is a large kitchen and breakfast room also on the ground floor. 
The upper floors may originally have had seven to eight large bedrooms, several with period fireplaces remaining. The original school room on the second floor has decoupage wall decorations which may have been made by the children and their governesses.

Adjoining The Stables is a large single garage. A boiler room is attached to the north side of The Priory. Adjacent is a store room. To the north of the The Stables is a former agricultural building, once used as stables with a loft over it. Further to the east is another timber framed stable building.