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From Baron Gower to Marquis of Stafford, 1675-1803
Between the late seventeenth and early nineteenth centuries the Leveson-Gower family rose from being Baronets of Stittenham to Marquises of Stafford. The honours were granted to the family as a result of successful political careers beginning in 1703 when Sir John Leveson-Gower (1675-1709) was created Baron Gower following his rise to the Privy Council. Sir John’s son, Sir John Leveson-Gower (1694-1754) was also a prominent politician on the national stage. He was appointed Lord Privy Seal and created 1st Earl Gower in 1746 as a reward for opposing the Jacobite Rising of 1745 in Staffordshire and for switching the family’s political allegiance from Tory to Whig. Sir John’s son Granville Leveson-Gower (1721-1803) advanced further when he was created Marquis of Stafford in 1786. A powerful and influential local figure, Granville served as Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire between 1755 and 1800.
The Sutherland Papers contain many documents relating to the public careers of these prominent men including petitions from Staffordshire prisoners and letters from William Pitt the Younger, Prime Minister. Aside from their political appointments, many documents survive in the collection relating to the private lives of these men, such as correspondence concerning horse racing, estate management and the renovation of Trentham Hall. Sir John Leveson-Gower (1694-1754) and his son Granville were instrumental in the schemes to construct canals throughout the early eighteenth century and many petitions, Acts of Parliament and leases survive in the Sutherland Papers reflecting their influential role in the development of inland transport during this period.
Click on the links below to learn about the Leveson-Gower family between 1675 and 1803.
 Browse From Baron Gower to Marquis of Stafford, 1675-1803
Sir John Leveson Gower, Baron Gower (1675-1709)
Click here to see documents relating to Sir John Leveson-Gower (1675-1709)
Sir John Leveson-Gower, Earl Gower (1694-1754)
Click here to see documents relating to Sir John Leveson-Gower (1694-1754)
Click here to read a brief biography of Sir John Leveson-Gower, Earl Gower (1694-1754)
Granville Leveson-Gower, Marquis of Stafford (1721-1803)
Click here to see documents relating to Granville Leveson-Gower, Marquis of Stafford (1721-1803)
Click here to read a brief biography of Granville Leveson-Gower, Marquis of Stafford (1721-1803)
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