The Althorp Estate’s Beginnings The first recorded mention of a place then known as “Olletorp” appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally a small village, it had become deserted by 1505, due to the Black Death, as some historians believe. In 1508, John Spencer, whose family were wildly successful sheep farmers, wool traders, and landowners, purchased what is now known as Althorp for 800 British pounds from a family named Catesby. Here, John, nicknamed “the founder,” built a moated red brick Tudor mansion. As subsequent Spencers earned riches, status, and titles, Althorp grew. In 1688, the original mansion was almost totally rebuilt and the parklands were redesigned. “The house, or rather palace, at Althorpe is a noble uniform pile in form of a half H, built of brick and freestone ‘a la moderne’; the hall is well, the staircase excellent; the rooms of state, galleries, offices, and furniture, such as may become a great prince,” diarist John Evelyn wrote, per Althorp: The Story of an English House. “It is situate in the midst of …