Barton in Fabis was anciently famous for its lords, the Sacheverells, who made their home here for over 200 years. Sir Henry was twice Sheriff in the reign of Henry V111, and in his quieter moments enjoyed nothing more than listening to his band of 'merry minstrels'. Henry of 1579, and Rafe of 1605 have inscriptions in the church, and the name Sacheverell is on the beautiful marble tomb. William Sacheverell of 1616 and his wife lie side by side, both in ruffs, with Tabitha in a pretty headdress and flowing gown.

But perhaps the greatest of all the family was another William, who rebuilt and enlarged the manor house. He was a famous patriot who, in the latter years of Charles 11, boldly opposed the machinations of the Court in the interests of the succession of the fervent Romanist, James, Duke of York, later James 11. He was said to be the 'brain of the Party in the House of Commons', for the upholding of Protestantism, and strongly resisted the attempt by James 11 to give Nottingham a new Charter. For this he was tried before the notorious Judge Jerffreys, who browbeat him and called him 'a little prick-eared knave' and fined him 500 marks. Undeterred, Sacheverell opposed the accession of James, and died at Barton in 1691 having lived to witness the downfall of that monarch. He was an incorruptible politician and is remembered as one of the first of his country's great orators.

His son, Robert, represented Nottingham in Parliament almost continuously from 1699 to his death in 1715 and was the last of his line. Following the marriage of his daughter Elizabeth to George Clifton Esq., the lordship passed to a new line.