Place Name
Sir Gerard Augustus Lowther (February 16, 1858 – April 5, 1916), a Barnes landowner, former ambassador who served in Tokyo, Washington, Budapest, and Chile before taking up post in Constantinople during which time he dealt with the aftermath of the failed bid to overthrow Sultan Abdulhamid II from absolute rule by the Young Turks, revolutionaries. He also had to deal with the intrigues of the Germans. He is known for distributing anti-Semitic texts during his time in Constantinople, playing a crucial role in the spread of Arab Anti-Semitism. Announcing his retirement from the diplomatic service, The Times ran a sympathetic article explaining: “He arrived as Ambassador to Turkey at a most difficult moment, in the full tide of a revolution which cannot be said to have entirely ended yet, and which presented features unparalleled in the history not only of Turkey but of other kingdoms of the ‘unchanging’ East. The task was consequently calculated to try his capacity to the utmost. That he succeeded in steering the barque of British policy aright through dangerous chanels over shifting quicksands was due to his possession of abundant impartiality, coolness, and common sense. A typical English country gentleman, a keen sportman, and an admirable host, he won the affectionate respect of the large British colony; his absolute and characteristic straightforwardness gained him the ungrudging esteem of his colleagues and of the Porte; while the sympathy which he and Lady Lowther showed with the sufferers from the Balkan war – a sympathy which under Lady Lowther’s generous direction took active shape in the practical and systematic relief of want and misery – has left memories in Turkish circles that will not soon be forgotten.” TE Lawrence (of Arabia fame) was less than impressed calling him a “dud”. He and his wife later served with the British Red Crescent. The road itself was built in 1910. The area was originally part of the estate of William Lowther, 2nd Earl of Lonsdale, who bought the land in 1846. When he died in 1872 he passed it on to his nephew William Lowther MP who in turned bequeathed it to his second son Sir Gerard.
