The arms are those of Molyneux impaling those of Craven, as borne by William Philip, 2nd Earl of Sefton, born in 1722, who succeeded his father, the confidante of the Prince of Wales who once broke the bank at Crockfords, in 1795. The 2nd Earl of Sefton was a political liberal, and a persuasive M.P. While his views estranged him from the court of George IV, he received one of the first peerages upon the accession of William IV, who created him Baron Sefton of Croxteth in 1831. He married Maria Margaretta, daughter of William, 6th Lord Craven (1769-1851).

Of the 2nd Earl, Greville wrote, "His natural parts were excessively lively, but his education had been wholly neglected....Never was there so great a master of what is called persiflage....His father had stamped upon him his hideous form, but with it, his sharp and caustic wit; having successively sought for amusement in hunting, shooting, racing, gaming,....He was a devoted husband, a kind and affectionate father,...a courteous, cordial, and obliging host;...He was absolutely devoid of religious belief or opinions....His general conduct was stained with no gross immorality." In the Creevey Papers, it is recorded that the 2nd Earl "was known as a gourmet, the celebrated Ude being his chef, and played high; in April 1822 he won /p1,020 at whist in one night at Brooks's, and in February 1829 he broke the bank at Crockford's 2 nights running and carried off /p7,000" (Complete Peerage).