Early English History & The Drayton Family Origins
1066 – 1650

The Drayton Family, of Norman Aristocracy, made its debut in English history when Aubrey de Vere, later Great Chamberlin to King Henry I, landed in England with William the conqueror. For his distinguished service against the Saxons in the Battle of Hastings, he was awarded an ancient Saxon Stronghold in Northampton, which is still known and admired as Drayton House.

Since 1066, Drayton House has been the residence of descendants of Aubrey de Vere, including Earls of Oxford, Lords Mordaunt, Earls of Peterborough, Dukes of Dorset, Earls of Wiltshire, and finally, Lord Sackville. In the early 13th century, Sir Walter de Vere dropped the family name of “de Vere” and assumed the Saxon name of his castle, “Drayton”. Over the past 900 years, members of the Drayton family spread from Drayton House throughout England.  Though related to the privileged Draytons who helped form today’s Europe, the father and son who eventually came to Magnolia were simple people seeking a better start in the New World.