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The Lowther dynasty at Lowther

Sir John Lowther of Lowther, the 1st Viscount Lonsdale, in the late 17th century was the founder of the Lowther dynasty in Cumberland and Westmorland and pivotal in the family history. A Whig and supporter of the Glorious Revolution, first Lord of the Treasury and leader of the House of Commons, he was rewarded by William III with the creation of 1st Viscount Lonsdale in 1696. He rebuilt Lowther Hall (as it was then called) and gardens on a palatial scale. Good-natured, well-liked and - unusually for the era – vegetarian, he had 14 children, 12 of whom were born at Lowther but died only 45 years old. He is known from his memoirs and a 120-page letter to his 3-year son and heir. On his tomb in Lowther Church he is holding his coronet. His portrait now hangs in 10 Downing Street.

Sir John was succeeded as 2nd Viscount by his 12th child, his 8 year-old son Richard, who died of smallpox aged 19. He was succeeded as the 3rd Viscount by his brother Henry in 1713. After a great fire at Lowther Hall in 1718, he lived for over 30 years in an undamaged wing. Active in the 1715 and 1745 rebellions, he died without heir, age 57.