Henry Lowther, 3rd Viscount Lonsdale facts for kids

Henry Lowther (born 1694, died March 7, 1751) was an important English nobleman and landowner. He held the title of the 3rd Viscount Lonsdale. He was also a member of the Privy Council and a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Early Life and Family Role

Henry Lowther was the son of John Lowther, 1st Viscount Lonsdale and Katherine Thynne. He became the Viscount Lonsdale in 1713. This happened after his older brother, Richard Lowther, 2nd Viscount Lonsdale, passed away.

Facing a Rebellion

In 1715, a rebellion broke out in Britain. It was known as the 1715 rising. Henry Lowther helped gather local forces to defend the area. He worked with the Earl of Carlisle, who was the Lord Lieutenant of Cumberland. They brought together the local militia and other citizens. They met at Beacon Fell near Penrith.

However, this citizen army did not last long. When the rebel troops, led by the Earl of Derwentwater, came near, the army fell apart. Henry Lowther found that only about twenty of his own servants stayed with him. He had to retreat to Appleby Castle for safety.

Serving the King

Even though his efforts didn't stop the rebels, his bravery was noticed. King George I appointed him as a Lord of the Bedchamber. This was an important position in the King's household. He started this role on July 19, 1717.

Henry Lowther served in this position for ten years. However, he much preferred living in the countryside. He did not enjoy the busy life in London.

Important Government Roles

In 1726, Henry Lowther became a member of the Privy Council. This group advises the King. He was also made the Constable of the Tower of London. This was a very old and important job.

But Henry Lowther still preferred his country estates. He resigned from being Constable of the Tower in 1731. He wanted to spend more time away from London.

Challenges and Changes

In 1718, Lowther Hall, his family home, was badly damaged by a fire. Because of this, he spent little time there. In 1720, a big financial crisis happened. It was called the South Sea Bubble. Henry Lowther may have lost a lot of money, possibly around £30,000. This made his family's finances weaker. He also spent a lot of money to gain control of the local voting rights in Appleby. This helped his family control the local government.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1738, he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Cumberland and Westmorland. This meant he was in charge of defending these counties. This was especially important during the Rising of '45, another rebellion.

However, during this time, Lowther Hall was being changed and was not ready to live in. So, Henry Lowther stayed at his sister Elizabeth's house in Byram, Yorkshire. He left most of the military duties to Sir George Fleming, who was the Bishop of Carlisle.

Henry Lowther passed away at Byram on March 7, 1751. He was buried on March 18 at Lowther Hall. When he died, his title of Viscount became extinct, meaning it ended. His other title, Baronet, and his family estates went to his second cousin, James.