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Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke

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Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke

by Jonathan Richardson
etching, published 1753
5 3/8 in. x 3 3/4 in. (138 mm x 96 mm) paper size
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D31687

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  • Jonathan Richardson (1667-1745), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 125 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.

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Events of 1753back to top

Current affairs

After a month's absence, servant Elizabeth Canning returns to her mother's house claiming that she was abducted. The following trial causes uproar and becomes one of the most famous criminal mysteries of the century.
Hardwicke's Marriage Act (named after its champion Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke) is passed, aimed at preventing clandestine marriages.



Art and science

Artist Joshua Reynolds establishes his portrait practice in London.
Swiss painter and pastellist Jean-Etienne Liotard arrives in London where he enjoys great success until his departure in 1756.


International

George Washington undertakes a difficult and ineffectual journey to persuade the French to withdraw from the Ohio valley.
First steam engine arrives in the American colonies.
First official celebration of St Patrick's Day on 17 March, organised by the Charitable Irish Society in Boston.
Britain, Austria and Modena sign a secret military treaty.

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