John Christian (1756-1828) of Ewanrigg and Workington Hall, Cumberland, traditionally belonged to the anti-Lowther party in Cumberland. His uncle Henry Curwen, from whom he took the additional name Curwen in 1790, was the first man to lead the revolt against Lowther in Cumberland, and his father had been one of the Duke of Portland's supporters. At the by-election of 1786 caused by the death of Lowther's Member, Edward Norton, Christian contested Carlisle and although defeated at the poll was returned on petition. He held the seat on three occasions and in 1820 became the Member for Cumberland until his death in 1828. Christian was well known for his agricultural improvements. The present rummer would probably have been inscribed prior to the 1820 election or perhaps on his death in 1828