Nestled in the heart of England, on the banks of the River Avon stands a small village. Downton is a site of great cultural heritage which can be traced back to Neolithic, Iron Age, Roman and Saxon times. The Downton Manor is a Grade I listed building that is said to be one of the longest inhabited houses in the South of England. ​

The Manor House became a valued centre of England in 1380, when it belonged to the Bishop of Winchester, William of Wykeham. It remained the residence of his successors until its lease for grace and favour to Queen Elizabeth I in 1560. She would later gift the Manor House to her favourite rising star of the Royal Court, Sir Walter Raleigh.​

Having been gifted Downton Manor House, Raleigh set to charm Queen Elizabeth to pursue his dreams of colonizing the new world, which we know today as America. Raleigh invited her to stay, but not before having made significant improvements to the property: from the Raleigh coat of arms, still standing above the household fireplace, to the addition of a first floor, created from a ship which Raleigh sailed up the River Avon. His efforts proved fruitful and in 1584, he was granted patent to explore and settle America, now Virginia.

Raleigh’s ostentatious style, grand adventures and love for Queen Elizabeth became legendary - and it all began at home.