It was created in 1835 for the Tory politician Sir Charles Manners-Sutton, who had previously served as Speaker of the House of Commons.

His uncle was Thomas Manners-Sutton, 1st Baron Manners, Lord Chancellor of Ireland.

The titles descended from father to son until the death of his grandson, the fifth Viscount, in 1918.

Graham Edward Henry Manners-Sutton, younger son of the third Viscount.

Lord Canterbury had no sons and on his death in 1941 both titles became extinct.