House & Family History: Set on the very edge of Shropshire, where the River Severn cuts though on its journey from Wales, Loton is the seat of the Leightons, one of Shropshire's most ancient families, who have been here since the 14th century. Descended from Welsh princes, the family has a most interesting ancestry, from which the great Victorian painter Frederick, Lord Leighton, sought to make a claim of descent. The current baronet, Sir Michael Leighton, is the stepfather of Guy Ritchie. The original 17th century double-pile mansion still stands today at the heart of the current Janus-like House, with its Tudor and Baroque facades. The Tudor-styled entrance façade, created by two campaigns of building by the architects Edward Haycock and Thomas Jones, to which, on the right-hand side, was added the great theatre or ballroom wing in 1872-73 to Sir Baldwyn Leighton's own design, with input from Bowdler & Darlington of Shrewsbury and later amendments from the noted Victorian architect Philip Webb. On the north-facing Garden Façade, though, the House's mood turns Baroque, with an elegant early 18th century façade of nine bays and three stories that provides a remarkable contrast. Loton welcomed George IV, and the royal bedroom - along with varied interior styles that chart both family and House's history – can still be seen today. (We are most grateful to Gareth Williams for this history of Loton).

Garden & Outbuildings: The grounds include the early 13th century ruins of Alberbury Castle.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Current Seat / Home of: Sir Michael Leighton (stepfather to Guy Ritchie); Leighton family here since the 14th century.

Past Seat / Home of: Sir Edward Leighton, early 18th century.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01743-884-232

Fax: 01244-321-442

Email: enquiries@lotonpark.co.uk

Website: http://www.lotonpark.co.uk

Historic Houses Member: No