Sir Robert Washington (d. 1324) was the progenitor of the branch of the family residing in Sulgrave Manor, England.

There he married a Dutchwoman named Clara van der Lauen, leading, five generations later, to Jacobus Washington.

In 1799, in a letter to George Washington, Jacobus offered his services to the United States in its undeclared Quasi-War with France, but was turned down due to his inexperience.

In July 1807 Jakob was present at the negotiations for the Treaties of Tilsit following the victory of the French Empire (of which Bavaria was now an ally) over Russia.

On 7 June 1815 in Brussels, Jakob Washington signed a treaty with the Duke of Wellington representing Bavaria.

[4][5] On the night of 15 June 1815, prior to the Battle of Quatre Bras, Washington was an invited guest at the now famous Duchess of Richmond's ball.

Maximilian Emanuel also became Grand Chamberlain, married Duchess Frederica of Oldenburg (sister of Queen Amalia of Greece), and had two sons, one of whom, named Peter Elimar Otto Karl George, served in the 11th Hussars of the Austro-Hungarian army reaching the rank of captain.

[9] Both sons died without issue, and since none of Jakob's other children had any offspring, the von Washington line became extinct.