The Lydiard Archives

New

New items added each week!

Photograph of popular head Mrs Coleman & pupils of Hook School, 1958/9. Interviewed by Lord Bolingbroke for the job, she was at the school for 20 years. Search Hook School.

New items added each week!

Love Tokens and Keepsakes

This collection celebrates the theme of love with a group of exquisite St.John family miniatures drawn from Lydiard House and private collections.

These small portraits were given as tokens of affection and being easily portable, they could be kept close to a loved one, travel with them or be worn close to their heart.

The Lydiard miniatures span two centuries of dramatic events in the life of the family, for better and for worse. From Lucy Hutchinson's courageous writing in the aftermath of the English Civil War to George St.John's bigamous marriage in New York, you can discover more about the life and times of these striking and often controversial characters the further you explore the site.

Scroll down to find a wider selection of keepsakes from carefully saved locks of hair, the latest in 19th century Diamond Cameo photography, love poetry and some glorious 17th century chocolate recipes from Lady Johanna St.John's cookbook.




Read more +
Love Tokens and Keepsakes

Featured Items

Portrait miniature of Maria St.John Mildmay, 4th Viscountess Bolingbroke, 1812
Portrait miniature of Maria St.John Mildmay, 4th Viscountess Bolingbroke, 1812

This is the only image of the Maria St.John Mildma...

Miniature of Lady Diana Spencer, 1750's
Miniature of Lady Diana Spencer, 1750's

This finely painted miniature of a young lady wear...

Portrait miniature believed to be of Lucy Hutchinson, 1659
Portrait miniature believed to be of Lucy Hutchinson, 1659

Lucy Hutchinson is one of the most important women...

Portrait miniature of Baron Hompesch, 1780
Portrait miniature of Baron Hompesch, 1780

Portrait miniature of Franz Carl Freiherr von Homp...

Portrait miniature of Frederick St.John 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke by John Smart, 1773
Portrait miniature of Frederick St.John 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke by John Smart, 1773

A miniature of Frederick St.John, 2nd Viscount Bol...

Portrait miniature of Mrs Dalziell (Dalyell) ne Anstruther by Macleay, 1831
Portrait miniature of Mrs Dalziell (Dalyell) ne Anstruther by Macleay, 1831

Charming 19th century miniature inscribed on the r...

Portrait miniature of George Richard, 3rd Viscount Bolingbroke, 1790
Portrait miniature of George Richard, 3rd Viscount Bolingbroke, 1790

Portrait miniature of George Richard St.John, 3rd...

Portrait miniature - brooch -of Frederick St.John, 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke
Portrait miniature - brooch -of Frederick St.John, 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke

This glamorous miniature and St.John family heirlo...

Portrait miniature of Henry St.John 4th Viscount Bolingbroke, c1812
Portrait miniature of Henry St.John 4th Viscount Bolingbroke, c1812

This miniature is the only known portrait of Henry...

Portrait miniature thought to be Charlotte Collins by Henry Edridge, c1800
Portrait miniature thought to be Charlotte Collins by Henry Edridge, c1800

This miniature is believed to be a portrait of Cha...

Portrait miniature of a young St.John girl c1795
Portrait miniature of a young St.John girl c1795

This sweet miniature purports to show Charlotte St...

Portrait miniature believed to be of Colonel John Hutchinson, 1659
Portrait miniature believed to be of Colonel John Hutchinson, 1659

Colonel John Hutchinson was the husband of Lucy Hu...