The Stourton family owned land from at least the 12th century, and their wealth was increased by William Stourton (d. 1413), a prominent lawyer, Member of Parliament, and in his last year Speaker of the House of Commons. His son John was elevated to Baron Stourton in 1448. The family were later persecuted as papists and suffered financial penalties, especially William, 11th Baron (c. 1594 – 1672). When Edward, 13th Baron succeeded his father in 1685, the estates were "greatly impoverished and encumbered". He began selling land in 1688, and raised mortgages against Stourton House and manor, which was eventually sold in 1714: most of the £19,400 proceeds were used to discharge the mortgages, leaving only some £775 for Lord Stourton.