John Dunning, 1st Baron Ashburton
John Dunning, 1st Baron Ashburton, of Spitchwick the parish of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon, was an English lawyer and politician, born in Ashburton in Devon, who served as Solicitor-General from 1768. He was first noticed in English politics when he wrote a notice in 1762 defending the British East India Company merchants against their Dutch rivals. He was a member of parliament from 1768 onward. His career in the House of Commons is best known for his motion in 1780 that "the influence of the crown has increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished". He was created Baron Ashburton in 1782.
John Dunning (later 1st Baron Ashburton), detail from an engraving of a 1782 group portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds
John Dunning, 1774 portrait, studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds, National Portrait Gallery, London
Engraving of a 1782 portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds of John Dunning (later 1st Baron Ashburton) (left); Isaac Barré, Treasurer of the Navy in 1782 (centre); William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, Prime Minister 1782-3 (right)
"John Dunning, Esqr.", as a young man
Spitchwick is an historic estate situated within the parish of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon. The present 19th century mansion house known as Spitchwick Manor is situated four miles north-west of Ashburton, the gardens of which are open to the paying public.
Spitchwick House in 2006, viewed from east
Lower Lodge, gatehouse to Spitchwick House
"Dr Blackall's Drive", part of the carriage drive created by Thomas Blackall (d.1899), MD, of Spitchwick in the C19. Here it approaches Brake Corner and Aish Tor, skirting fields on the left
Dry-stone wall near Spitchwick made from massive blocks of granite of the type described by Swete as built by Dunning
