Lucy Hungerford (1560-1598), wife of Sir John St John, Knight
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Lucy Hungerford was born c1560, the daughter and coheiress of Sir Walter Hungerford of Farleigh Castle, and his second wife Anne Dormer.
This portrait of Lucy reveals a fashionable, 16th century woman. She wears a richly embroidered dress accessorised with jewels including a baroque pendant in the form of a mermaid. At her waist hangs a girdle book containing a religious text or possibly a collection of prayers, emphasising Lucy’s religious devotion.
Lucy married Sir John St John in about 1584 and the couple had ten children. Following Sir John’s death in 1594 Lucy married a distant cousin, Sir Anthony Hungerford, and had a further three children.
Lucy died on June 4, 1598 and is buried in the St. John family vault at St. Mary’s Church.
Medium - oil on canvas
Measurements - H 87 x W 71 cm
Purchased in 1965 from Vernon St.John, 6th Viscount Bolingbroke
Costume displays the Hungerford Jewel
- Year:
- c. 1590
- Artist:
- English School
- Type:
- Portrait
- Location:
- Drawing Room
- Owner:
- Swindon Borough Council
- Reference:
- Lyd 1992/026
- Copyright:
- Lydiard House
- Last updated on:
- Monday 8th August 2022
