Baron Sherborne facts for kids
Lord Sherborne was a special title given to important people in Great Britain. This title, called a "Baron," was created in 1784 for a man named James Dutton. He had previously served in the British Parliament, representing the area of Gloucestershire.
James Dutton's family had an interesting history. His father, originally named James Naper, changed his last name to Dutton in 1743. This was so he could inherit the Dutton family's lands and wealth. The title of Lord Sherborne continued through eight generations of the Dutton family. It ended in 1985 when the eighth Baron passed away.
A notable member of the family was Ralph Dutton, the youngest son of the second Baron. He also became a Member of Parliament, representing areas like Hampshire South and Cirencester.
You might have heard of a character named Lord John Marbury on the TV show The West Wing. He was a fictional Earl of Sherbourne, played by Roger Rees.
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The Dutton Family's Home and History
The main family home for the Duttons was Sherborne, Gloucestershire. This historic estate was very large. In 1883, the 3rd Baron Sherborne owned over 15,000 acres in Gloucestershire alone. This included several towns like Bibury and Sherborne itself.
After the 7th Baron died, a big part of the estate, over 4,000 acres, was given to the National Trust. This organization helps protect important historical places and natural areas. The 8th Baron, Ralph Stawell Dutton, was famous for creating beautiful gardens at Hinton Ampner in Hampshire.
The Dutton family gained the Sherborne estate in 1551. This was when Thomas Dutton bought it from Sir Christopher Alleyn. Thomas Dutton was quite important, as he hosted Queen Elizabeth I at Sherborne twice, in 1574 and 1592. Each visit lasted for six days!
Later, in 1657, John Dutton of Sherborne was known as a very wise and kind man. He was also one of the wealthiest people in England at the time. The Dutton family line at Sherborne changed in 1743. Sir John Dutton, the last male Dutton in that line, died. His sister Anne's son, James Lenox Naper, inherited the estate. He then changed his name to Dutton to continue the family name and legacy. This means the Barons Sherborne are connected to Clan Napier through their ancestor, Sir Robert Napier, a famous judge in Ireland.
Sherborne and Horse Racing
The Sherborne estate also played a part in the world of horse racing. Sir John Dutton, who died in 1743, had strong ties to the Earl of Godolphin. The Earl owned a very famous horse called Godolphin Arabian. Sir John and the Earl often traded and exchanged mares and foals.
After Sir John's death, his family continued this tradition. His brother-in-law, James Naper, and then his son, James Lenox Dutton, kept up the horse breeding. The first Baron Sherborne also followed in his family's footsteps. He bred a famous horse named Baronet. Baronet was the grandson of another legendary horse called Eclipse. Baronet was later owned by the Prince of Wales (who became George IV). This amazing horse won every race he entered in 1791!
Barons Sherborne (1784)
Here is a list of the people who held the title of Baron Sherborne:
- James Dutton, 1st Baron Sherborne (1744–1820)
- John Baron Dutton, 2nd Baron Sherborne (1779–1862)
- James Henry Legge Dutton, 3rd Baron Sherborne (1804–1883)
- Edward Lenox Dutton, 4th Baron Sherborne (1831–1919)
- Frederick George Dutton, 5th Baron Sherborne (1840–1920)
- James Huntly Dutton, 6th Baron Sherborne (1873–1949)
- Charles Dutton, 7th Baron Sherborne (1911–1982)
- Ralph Stawell Dutton, 8th Baron Sherborne (1898–1985)
See also
- Dutton baronets
