Henry Lowther (politician)

Hon Henry Cecil Lowther, DL, JP (1790–1867) was an English Conservative politician and an amateur cricketer who played first-class cricket from 1819 to 1843. He was the second son of William Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale, and his wife Lady Augusta (née Fane). His long service in the House of Commons saw him become the Father of the House.

Born 27 July 1790 at Lowther Castle, Westmorland, Lowther was Educated at Westminster School, he entered the army on 16 July 1807 as a cornet in the 7th Hussars. He was promoted lieutenant on 21 July 1808 and captain on 4 October 1810. He served with the 7th Hussars during the campaign of 1809 in Spain, including the battles of Mayorga, Sahagún, Benevente, and the retreat to Corunna. From 1812 until 1814, he was in Wellington's army during the Peninsular War, and was made a major in the 10th Hussars on 12 November 1815. He received the Peninsular Medal with three clasps after the war. On 20 April 1817 he went into the 12th Regiment of Foot as a lieutenant-colonel, with which rank he retired on half-pay. In 1830 he transferred to the 44th Foot.

A right-handed batsman and right arm slow roundarm bowler who was mainly associated with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Lowther made 47 known appearances in first-class matches. He played for the Gentlemen in the Gentlemen v Players series and also played for both Hampshire and Surrey.

Lowther married Lady Lucy Eleanor Sherard, daughter of Philip Sherard, 5th Earl of Harborough, on 19 May 1817. They had seven children:

• Eleanor Cecily Lowther (d. 24 November 1894), married John Talbot Clifton on 22 April 1844
• Augusta Mary Lowther (d. 11 January 1916), married Gerard Noel
• Henry Lowther, 3rd Earl of Lonsdale (1818–1876)
• Arthur Lowther (12 July 1820 – 15 February 1855)
• William Lowther (1821–1912)
• Constantia Lowther (1831–1864), married Col. Robert Blücher Wood

Between 1818 and 1839, he played first-class cricket for Hampshire and Surrey. He was appointed colonel of the Royal Cumberland Militia in 1830.

First elected in 1812 for Westmorland, a constituency long in the family interest, he continued to be returned until his death on 6 December 1867 at Barleythorpe Hall, Rutland. In 1862, he became Father of the House. He was the last MP elected during the reign of George III.