the north front was built in 1712 by sir edward leighton, 2nd baronet, who moved his family seat here from wattlesborough castle, and was high sheriff of shropshire for 1727. in 1805, the 5th baronet entertained the prince regent and the duke of clarence at loton. sir baldwin leighton, 6th baronet was wounded in the american war of independence, was a brigadier in portugal and governor of carrickfergus castle.