Johanna St John (1631-1705), c.1690, wife of Sir Walter St John, 3rd Baronet, English School

The last of the four portraits at Lydiard House show Johanna during her later years and dressed in black.

Her will, dated 1705, reveals a softer side of Johanna who was clearly concerned for her elderly husband Sir Walter after her death.

“I desire if Sr Walter St John outlive me his old servants may be continued about him & he may not be removed to Liddiard London or any other place from Battersea wher he has lived so long least it hasten his Death.”

Johanna died at her Battersea home on January 15 1704/5 aged 75 – in the 56th year of her marriage. Johanna was buried in a coffin ‘quilt wth silk’ in contravention of the law of the day when wool had to be used. The family received a fifty shillings (£2.50 in today’s money) statutory fine.

Medium - oil on canvas

Measurements - H 74 x W 66 cm

Purchased in 1965 from Vernon St.John, 6th Viscount Bolingbroke