East Drayton

East Drayton (once called 'Great Drayton') is perhaps most important as the birthplace of the famous architect Nicholas Hawksmoor. Much about his early days is uncertain, including even when he was born. Only after he was 18 did his path become well known, and then he became most famous for his connection with London buildings including the famous 'face' of Westminster Abbey.

The most recent thinking places his birth in 1662, the son of another Nicholas who was a husbandman at East Drayton. His mother later remarried to William Theaker and the children of that family took most of the Drayton property. Local belief is that this was Hardings Farm in Riddings Lane. It has been suggested he went to school in Dunham, though this is not really known for certain. He did, though, get work with Samuel Mellish who was a north Notts landowner with some land at East Drayton, and from there he soon met others who saw his talents and took him off to London.[5]

In his will, which provides the best evidence for his links with the village, Hawksmoor left property at 'Great Drayton', Ragnall and Dunham, so he maintained some connection with the land of his birth. The will makes clear that his 'father in law' and his half-brother were living on his land at Drayton and could continue to use it. The will also laid down a condition that Hawksmoor's widow could go and live with them. After the death of his wife and daughter, lands at the three villages were to go to his brother William Theaker. William Theaker was wealthy enough to vote from East Drayton in 1722. A Benjamin Theaker was still a landowner at East Drayton in 1875 and one of the same name also owned land at Dunham in 1855. One Benjamin lived 1791-1868.

• Listed buildings in East Drayton

Media related to East Drayton at Wikimedia Commons