George_Ward_.281793_-_1829.29 Northwood_House

memory of john sutton, fell in duel near town on 10th december 1817 aged 22 years.

in 1817, duel took place @ northwood house between major orlando lockyer , lieutenant john sutton, after lockyer took offense comment made sutton, whilst both drinking 1 night. in morning, @ agreed duelling place, said sutton apologised , informed lockyer not return fire against him. lockyer still asked signal fire , when handkerchief dropped, shot sutton through heart without sutton unstopping pistol. before dying, sutton staggered forward , held out hand, lockyer took. lockyer , seconds fled scene. @ coroner s inquest, jury returned verdict of wilful murder against lockyer , 2 seconds, @ time had still not been apprehended. in subsequent trial @ winchester assizes, charged murder. lockyer said had been under gross provocation , had asked sutton make concession make duel unnecessary, sutton refused , obstinate last. defendants found guilty of manslaughter , given 3 months imprisonment each. john sutton buried in next door st mary s church graveyard.

in 1821, celebrate coronation of george iv, grand celebration poor people of northwood , cowes held @ northwood house. feast 2,000 people prepared , seen opportunity them testify loyalty , joy new king. giving use of estate, ward donated 50 guineas towards total cost of 200 guineas, food , entertainment.

in 1823, ward commended munificent generosity in distributing 6 bullocks , ten chaldrons of coals amongst poor , deserving objects of cowes.

george had famous , talented son, cricketer william ward. following in family footsteps, william noted financier. cricketer, scored first ever first-class double-century , score of 278 mcc v norfolk in 1820, remained highest ever first-class score 56 years, until beaten w. g. grace in 1876, score of 344. ball ward played held in mcc museum , thought oldest in existence.

william ward can thanked saving famous lord s cricket ground being sold housing developer in 1825. stepped in , bought lease, prevent happening. in 1817, william elected director of bank of england , expert on foreign exchanges. in 1826, william ward became mp city of london. william ward missed out on inheriting estate 3 months, dying before older brother, george henry ward. however, son inherited estate in place.

george ward died @ age of 78 in 1829, leaving estate said worth upwards of £700,000 @ time.