Ralph Dutton (Conservative politician)

Ralph Dutton (1898 – 1958) was a British Conservative politician and author. He was Member of Parliament (MP) for Winchester from 1945 to 1950.

Dutton was educated at Eton College and served in the Grenadier Guards during World War I. He was the son of Henry John Dutton, 3rd Baron Sherborne. Upon his father's death in 1949, he inherited the title of 8th Baron Sherborne.

Before entering Parliament, Dutton was known for his writings on country houses and gardens. He published several books on these subjects, including English Garden Ornament (1936), The English Interior (1948), and The Age of Wren (1951). His writings demonstrated a deep appreciation for architectural history and design.

He unsuccessfully contested North Northamptonshire in 1929 and Stroud in 1931 before being elected as the Member of Parliament for Winchester in 1945. He served one term, losing his seat in the 1950 general election.

In addition to his political and literary pursuits, Dutton was a keen gardener and horticulturalist. He contributed to the preservation and appreciation of British gardens and country houses through his writings and his own work at Hinton Ampner House, which he restored and opened to the public.