 His first son George was killed at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644 in the service of Charles I.His second son Cuthbert was created a Baronet by Charles II (see Heron Baronets), but he experienced financial problems which eventually led to the sale of the estate by the Herons early in the 18th century.John Reed, a Newcastle upon Tyne banker, bought the estate in 1734 and carried out major alterations to the castle, including a classical façade to the old tower.