GRAFTON-REGIS, (Northamptonshire) on the r. Tove, that runs from Towcester to the Ouse, is near 8 m. from Northampton. It
was held in capite of K. Edw. III. by John Seymour, by the service of keeping one of the K's. white brackets, (or beagles)
having red ears. It afterward became the seat of the Wydvils, of whom was Richard Earl Rivers, in the R. of Edw. IV. The
manorhouse, and Whittlewood-Chace adjoining, bel. in the last century to Sir Will. Hatton. This village was by statute
made a member of the honour of Ampthill, and has given the title of Duke to the Fitzroys, ever since K. Charles II. so
created Hen. Fitzroy, his natural son by the Duchess of Cleveland; and is the seat of the present Duke.