Lauderdale House was once the London home of one of the most powerful men in Britain. Yet even a gruff politician known for his cunning, brutality and ruthlessness couldn’t keep hold of the property during the English Civil War.
Scottish politician John Maitland, known as the Earl of Lauderdale, was an advisor to King Charles I who went on to govern Scotland on behalf of Charles II.
John’s commitment to both kings may have led to high office, but it also saw he and his wife forced out of Lauderdale House and his imprisonment in the Tower of London. When the couple finally reclaimed the property, John took so little care of it the House almost fell down.