Sir William Lowther, 1st Baronet, of Little Preston facts for kids
Sir William Lowther, 1st Baronet (born July 10, 1707 – died June 15, 1788) was an English gentleman who owned land and also served as a church leader. He lived in a place called Little Preston in Yorkshire, England. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that is passed down in a family.
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Who Was Sir William Lowther?
Sir William Lowther was an important person in his time. He was known for owning a lot of land. He also worked as a clergyman, which means he was a leader in the Church of England.
Early Life and Education
William was the oldest son of Christopher Lowther. His grandfather was also named Sir William Lowther. Young William went to school in a town called Kirkleatham. In 1726, he started studying at Trinity College, Cambridge, which is a famous university.
In 1734, he became a priest in the church. Later, from 1757 until he died in 1788, he was the rector of Swillington. A rector is the main priest in charge of a church and its area.
Family and Marriage
On August 31, 1753, Sir William married Anne Zouch. Anne was the sister of a man named Thomas Zouch. Sadly, Anne passed away in 1759.
Sir William and Anne had two sons together:
- William Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale (1757–1844)
- Sir John Lowther, 1st Baronet (1759–1844)
Both of his sons married daughters of John Fane, 9th Earl of Westmorland, who was a very important nobleman.
Becoming a Landowner and Baronet
Sir William Lowther was very involved in owning land. In 1754, he bought a large house called Alverthorpe Hall from his cousin, Thomas Maude.
In 1763, he inherited the big estate of Swillington. This happened after his first cousin, Sir William Lowther, 2nd Baronet, passed away. To inherit means to receive property or money from someone who has died.
The very next year, on August 22, 1764, King George III gave him the special title of baronet. This meant he became Sir William Lowther, 1st Baronet. This title was a great honor and showed his importance in society.
