The parish of Harlaxton, being remote from any public road, has been scarcely at all noticed in topographical works, and there is no county history. As a proof of this, it may be observed, that, notwithstanding the great taste which has prevailed for a number of years past for publications containing engravings of manorial buildings, the unique specimen of Harlaxton Manor-House has not, as far as we know, been either described or engraved. This manor-house is situated in the bottom of a rich valley, close by a small rill of fine water. It is a single house, the hall extending lengthwise, and occupying the whole breadth of the building; while the principal rooms, which extend crosswise, are increased in size by projections of considerable depth, which being carried up, and terminating in gable ends, break the line of roof; and, combined with smaller projections and gable ends, ancient chimney tops, &c., give the whole a very picturesque and venerable appearance. The entrance is through an arched gateway, of the form and character of the time of James I., into an outer grass court, surrounded by a raised terrace-walk of earth, in which grow large trees, which, branching close to the grass (as Mr. Gregory does not allow this court to have cattle turned into it for grazing), give to the building an umbrageous and retired character, and one in harmony with its venerable colour and antiquity. Immediately opposite is the entrance to the second court, through a gateway formed by pilasters of stone, bearing lions supporting the escutcheons of the family arms, and a screen of arcaded masonry 7 ft. high, of very beautiful design and delicate workmanship. Through this inner court there is a broad pavement of stone which leads to the porch of the house, over which is a rich entablature of masonry, bearing the family arms of De Ligne. A gallery of 90 ft. long on one side, and offices to the same extent on the other, both of which have fallen down, reached from the present house to the screen described, and formed the inner court. On the south front is a garden surrounded by a moat, with remains of yew hedges and grass slopes, and also presenting some interesting architecture of the date of the reign mentioned. It is upwards of sixty years since the house was inhabited by any of the family.
