John Ramsden

Sir John Ramsden, 3rd Baronet (1699–1769), was a British landowner and politician associated with Byram and Longley Hall in Yorkshire. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for a continuous period from 1727 to 1754.

**Early Life and Family Background**

Born in 1699, Sir John Ramsden was baptized on 21 March of that year. He was the eldest son of Sir William Ramsden, 2nd Baronet, and Elizabeth Lowther. His maternal grandfather was John Lowther, 1st Viscount Lonsdale. Ramsden was admitted to Clare College, Cambridge, on 4 April 1718. His elder inheritance came through his succession to the baronetcy upon the death of his father on 27 June 1736.

**Political Career**

In the 1727 British general election, Ramsden was elected as an MP for Appleby, a seat he acquired through his uncle, Henry Lowther, 3rd Viscount Lonsdale. His political alignment was as an independent Whig. During his tenure in Parliament, Ramsden's voting record included support for government measures concerning the civil list arrears in 1729, the Excise Bill in 1733, and the repeal of the Septennial Act in 1734.

In subsequent elections, Ramsden was re-elected: in 1734, 1741, and 1747. His stance was somewhat variable; he voted against the government on the Spanish convention in 1739 and was considered part of the opposition in 1740. He was also involved in the political discussions around Walpole, being considered for the secret committee in 1742, although he was not elected to it. In December 1742 and again in 1744, Ramsden voted against the government on issues related to the Hanoverians. By the 1747 election, he was regarded as a supporter of the government, yet he maintained an independent voting record. He did not seek re-election after the 1754 general election.

**Marriage and Family**

On 8 August 1748, Ramsden married Margaret Bright by licence. Margaret was the widow of Thomas Liddell Bright of Badsworth, Yorkshire, and the daughter of William Norton of Sawley, Yorkshire. Together, they had four children, including two sons and two daughters.

**Later Life and Contributions**

In 1766, Ramsden commissioned the construction of the Cloth Hall in Huddersfield. He resided at Byram until his death and was buried at Brotherton on 17 April 1769. Sir John Ramsden was succeeded by his son, John Ramsden, as the 4th Baronet. He died on 10 April 1769.

**References**

The biographical information is sourced from historical records detailing the Ramsden family and their parliamentary service.