ARCHIVE NO. 002 · 18th century
Francis Blake Delaval
Amateur actor and politician
Sir Francis Blake Delaval was an MP and amateur actor from the aristocratic family nicknamed the “Gay Delavals”. The family became known for lavish living, theatrical entertainments and elaborate practical jokes, with Francis playing a particularly energetic part.
Their Northumberland home, Seaton Delaval Hall, preserves the setting for this extravagant family history.