The parish of Harlaxton would appear to have been the residence of wealthy persons at a very early period. Had there been no other circumstances to prove this, that of an ancient manorial dwelling, called the Manor House, now existing in the village in a state of great dilapidation, although partially inhabited by persons placed there to take care of it, would have been sufficient. It seems to have been a part of a mass of property in this neighbourhood which has frequently been a portion of the jointures of queens of England; and the great natural fertility of the lands around this old mansion, with copious springs of water under its foundations, are additional attestations of its early selection as an abode for persons of wealth.
