George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys of Wem

Sitterback to top

• George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys of Wem (1645-1689), Judge and Lord Chancellor. Sitter associated with 14 portraits.

Artistback to top

• William Wolfgang Claret (active 1665-died 1706). Artist associated with 10 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Jeffreys, a lawyer, was appointed Lord Chief Justice in 1683, and in 1685 conducted the infamous 'Bloody Assize' in the West Country, condemning hundreds to death after Monmouth's rebellion. As a reward James II made him Lord Chancellor. At the Revolution in 1688 he was nearly lynched by a London mob. He took refuge in the Tower, where he died of natural causes. This portrait of him was painted before he was known as 'Hanging Judge Jeffreys'. He is shown in his robes as Recorder of London, a post which he held from 1678-80.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 134
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 335