Local Heroes and Heroines

Lord Eldon - John Scott 1751-1838

Lord Eldon - John Scott was born in Love Lane in Newcastle. Had an elder brother called William who later became Lord Stowell. Was educated at Newcastle Grammer School and later went to Oxford where he was elected for a fellowship and awarded a B.A.


Young Sir John Scott,
Lord Eldon
Click to see a larger image

He fell in love with Elizabeth (Bessy) Surtees who lived in Surtees house in Newcastle. Bessy's parents objected to the affair as John Scott was a comparatively poor man beneath them in social status. On 18th November 1772 they eloped and travelled by coach across the border where they were married by an episcopal clergyman.

In 1773 he was made Attourney General and in 1799 he was elevated to Baron Eldon. After his retirement he lived at his estate at Encombe in Dorset until his death.

Bessie Surtees' House
Click to see a larger image

Material used:

Clarke Collection:
The Sandhill by Frank Graham
Sketch of Lords Stowell and Eldon by W.E. Surtees
Family of Surtees by Brigadier-General H. Convers Surtees

1801-1850 Collection:
The Public and Private life of Lord Chancellor Eldon by Horace Twiss
3 vols

Law Library:
John Scott, Lord Eldon 1751 - 1838 by Rose A. Melikan