Elizabeth Stanhope (née Butler), Countess of Chesterfield

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Elizabeth Stanhope (née Butler), Countess of Chesterfield

by Isaac Beckett, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, 1681-1688
13 3/8 in. x 9 7/8 in. (340 mm x 250 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D30520

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Isaac Beckett (1652 or 1653-1688), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 184 portraits.
  • Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 843 portraits, Sitter in 19 portraits.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D1284: Elizabeth Stanhope (née Butler), Countess of Chesterfield (from same plate)
  • NPG D2064: Elizabeth Stanhope (née Butler), Countess of Chesterfield (from same plate)
  • NPG D2065: Elizabeth Stanhope (née Butler), Countess of Chesterfield (from same plate)
  • NPG D11422: Elizabeth Stanhope (née Butler), Countess of Chesterfield (from same plate)
  • NPG D30521: Elizabeth Stanhope (née Butler), Countess of Chesterfield (from same plate)

Events of 1681back to top

Current affairs

Third Exclusion Parliament meets in Oxford avoiding disruption in Whig-dominated London. Charles II refuses Exclusionists's proposal that James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, his illegitimate son with Lucy Walter, should succeed to the throne, replacing James, Duke of York.
Prominent Exclusionist, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, is arrested on suspicion of high treason.

Art and science

Natural philosopher, Samuel Morland is appointed 'Master of Mechanicks' to the king having transformed Windsor Castle's water system.
Architect, Christopher Wren, is commissioned to design the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
Poet laureate, John Dryden, writes political satire Absalom and Achitophel, focusing upon the trial of Anthony Ashley-Cooper.

International

King of France, Louis XIV, concerned by England's instability over the exclusion crisis, offers Charles II a subsidy, bolstering the king in his dealings with Parliament. In return, England agrees to withdraw from entering an anti-French alliance with Spain; Laurence Hyde, Lord of the Treasury, signs the accord with France.

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