Constituency Dates
Aberdeen Burghs 1768 – Dec. 1778
Family and Education
b. 1741, 3rd s. of Thomas, 6th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne [S], by Jean, da. and coh. of James Nicholson of West Rainton, co. Dur. educ. Pembroke, Camb. 1758. m. 13 June 1774, Mary Elizabeth, da. of Farren Wren of Binchester, co. Dur., 3s. 6da. suc. mother to Hetton estate, co. Dur. 22 Apr. 1778.
Address
Main residences: Hallgreen, Kincardine; Pitpointy, Forfar.
biography text

Lyon became a parliamentary candidate in 1766, when his brother John, the 7th Earl, in anticipation of the vast fortune accruing to him by his approaching marriage to Mary Bowes, a great heiress, embarked upon a campaign to wrest Forfarshire and Aberdeen Burghs from the Panmure interest. Lyon won the support of Administration and of the Bute party in Scotland. After a violent struggle Panmure was returned for the county and Lyon for the Burghs. Shortly afterwards the Strathmores and Panmures made a family compact to avoid future contests.

In the House Lyon was an obscure Member who voted consistently with Administration. After the death of Strathmore in 1776 and the marriage of Mary Bowes to Andrew Robinson Bowes, Lyon became deeply involved, as sole surviving uncle and one of the guardians of the Strathmore children, in financial and legal transactions to preserve for his wards their share of the Bowes fortune.1R. Arnold, Unhappy Countess, 29-30, 37.

He vacated his seat at the opening of the autumn session of 1778, and died 13 Sept. 1796.

Author
E.H.-G.
Volume
Commons 1754-1790
Notes
  • 1. R. Arnold, Unhappy Countess, 29-30, 37.