Essex Finch (née Rich), Countess of Nottingham

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Essex Finch (née Rich), Countess of Nottingham

published by Alexander Browne, after Sir Peter Lely
counterproof from a mezzotint, circa 1681-1682
13 1/4 in. x 9 3/4 in. (337 mm x 248 mm) plate size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D30540

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Alexander Browne (active 1659-died 1706), Artist, publisher, printseller, auctioneer and dealer. Artist or producer associated with 149 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
  • Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 843 portraits, Sitter in 19 portraits.

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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