Leveson-Gower family

Leveson-Gower (/ˈljuːsən ˈɡɔːr/ LEW-sən GOR), also Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, is the name of a historically prominent British noble family.

Over time, several members of the Leveson-Gower family were made knights, baronets and peers.

Hereditary titles held by the family include the dukedom of Sutherland, as well as the ancient earldom of Sutherland (created c. 1230) and the earldom of Granville (created 1833).

Leveson-Gower is a well-known example of an English surname with counterintuitive pronunciation.

In early modern times it was often rendered Luson: for example, in 1588, Elizabeth I received a letter from the King of Denmark concerning the depredations of Walter Leveson of Lilleshall Abbey, in which he is consistently referred to as Sir Walter Luson.

Original arms of the Leveson-Gower family: ( Quarterly 1st & 4th barry of eight argent and gules a cross flory sable [Gower]; 2nd & 3rd: azure, three laurel leaves or [Leveson]) [ 1 ]