Family and Education

b. 1741, 2nd surv. s. of Robert Lowther, gov. of Barbados, and bro. of Sir James Lowther, 5th Bt.  educ. Peterhouse, Camb. 1753; Grand Tour.  unm.

Offices Held

Biography

Lowther was returned for Westmorland in June 1759 after a contest, while still under age and on his grand tour; and was not back even at the time of the general election of 1761. Soon after his return he quarrelled with his brother Sir James, which did not ‘tell at all to the advantage of the baronet’ and was ‘not caused by one event, but by many circumstances’.1 On a reconciliation he was again returned for Westmorland at the by-election, 3 Mar. 1763, promising to resign his seat in Parliament should he mean to vote contrary to his brother’s wishes. On 15 Nov. 1763, over the question of Wilkes, Robert Lowther voted against the Administration. Sir James remonstrated, and Robert wrote in reply that

should a question be put for the expelling of Mr. Wilkes from the House of Commons, and nothing new be offered to alter my present opinion, I do fully intend to give my vote against that measure, and further I do think it my duty while I have a seat in the House of Commons to attend the business of that House and to give my free vote according to the best of my judgment. This, Sir, is my way of thinking which I suppose you must approve.2

Sir James did not; and Robert resigned his seat and never re-entered politics.  He died 1777.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Sir Lewis Namier

Notes

• 1. Thos. Ramsden to Chas. Jenkinson, Add. 38199, f. 125.
• 2. Lonsdale mss.