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

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

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