Hello! I'm aware of the Lowther family of Swillington, who if I'm right were and possibly still are major land owners in the area. There's a whole estate at the top end of the village with streets bearing their name. However at primary school we were told that they had a large house or mansion, referred to as "The White House" with at least one large glass house for growing exotic fruits. From memory they we were also told it was knocked down at some point because it's foundations were subsiding. The only other thing that I remember is that we were told it was somewhere down around either the fishing lake or along the old horse road which leads from there, down to Astley lane coming out where I think the old hamlet of Astley once was. Anyway that's what I know but if anyone can expand on that or know's I'm wrong and would like to tell me the real story I'd be really interested. Cheers!
The only thing I have in my files is that the Lowthers were baronets from the 16th century thru to ...now??
This is from the church website.
The OAK ROOF of the chancel was given by Mary Frances Alice Lowther of Swillington House in 1902. The VESTRY was re-built in 1880, but the doorway leading to it is old.
The ORGAN was given by E. Leather esq. of Leventhorpe Hall. Built by Hill & Son of London, it was dedicated by Bishop William Boyd Carpenter, the then Bishop of Ripon, on December 14th 1887. The organ was re-built in 1987 and re-dedicated by Bishop David Young the then Bishop of Ripon.
The chapel in the SOUTH AISLE was dedicated to St. Nicholas, and became the Lowther Pew, used by the Lowther family of Swillington House, Lords of the manor of Swillington and, until 1924, patrons of the Living. In 1890, fifteen coffins were removed from the Lowther vaults beneath their pew, and re-interred at the east end of the churchyard.
