Lucy Hungerford (1560-1598), wife of Sir John St John, Knight

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