Richard Lowther (1532–1608) facts for kids

Sir Richard Lowther was an important English soldier and official who lived from 1532 to 1607. He came from Lowther Hall in Westmorland, England. He held important jobs like being the High Sheriff of Cumberland twice and the Lord Warden of the West March in 1592.

Early Life and Career

Richard Lowther was the grandson of John Lowther, who was in charge of Carlisle Castle in 1545. His grandfather was also the sheriff of Cumberland twice when King Henry VIII was king. Richard's father was Hugh Lowther.

Richard took over his family's lands in Lowther and other parts of Westmorland in 1552, after his grandfather passed away. Early in Queen Elizabeth I's reign, Richard Lowther became a deputy-warden of the west marches. This was a role to protect the border with Scotland. He was made a knight and became the High Sheriff of Cumberland in 1565.

Helping Mary, Queen of Scots

In May 1568, Mary Queen of Scots lost a battle and had to flee. She sent a message to Sir Richard Lowther, asking if he could keep her safe. He replied that if she had to enter England, he would protect her.

On the evening of May 16, Mary arrived by fishing boat in Workington. The news spread quickly. The next evening, Lowther and other local gentlemen took her to Carlisle Castle. For several days, Mary held a small court there. Important people, like the Earl of Northumberland, came to see her. The Earl wanted to take Mary into his care.

Lowther refused to hand Mary over, and they had a big argument. Lowther had soldiers with him, so Mary stayed under his protection. A few days later, he allowed the Duke of Norfolk to meet with her. Lowther was later fined a lot of money for letting Norfolk and Mary meet.

By the end of May, Sir Francis Knollys and Lord Scrope took over the job of guarding Mary. When Mary left Carlisle on July 13 to go to Bolton Castle, Lowther Hall was chosen as her first stop for the night.

The Rising of the North

In 1569, Sir Richard Lowther was involved in a plan to help Mary, Queen of Scots, lead a rebellion known as the Rising of the North. This was an attempt by some English nobles to replace Queen Elizabeth I with Mary. Orders were given to arrest his younger brother, Gerard.

Gerard escaped and, in 1570, suggested a plan to free Mary from Tutbury Castle. He believed Sir Richard would help. However, the Duke of Norfolk, who was also involved in helping Mary, did not approve of this plan.

Later Years and Family

Sir Richard Lowther served as the High Sheriff of Cumberland for a second time in 1587. In 1591, he became the Lord Warden of the West March, taking over from Lord Scrope.

He passed away on January 27, 1607, in Lowther. He was buried in the local church, where there is a monument dedicated to him.

Sir Richard Lowther married Frances Middleton and they had many children. His oldest son, Christopher, was knighted in 1603. Christopher's son, Sir John Lowther, became a Member of Parliament for Westmorland and was knighted by King Charles I. This Sir John was an ancestor of many important Lowther families.

Sir Richard's fourth son, also named Sir Gerard Lowther, became a judge in Ireland. Another Gerard Lowther, who was his godson, also became a judge in Ireland.