History - Family Portraits
Essex, Viscountess Irwin (nee Lady Essex Montagu) (c1643-1677). School of Sir Peter Lely, 49 X 40 (124.5 X 101.5)
This portrait was probably commissioned in the 1670s at the same time as that of her husband Lord Irwin and
is evidently by the same artist. Essex was the daughter of Edward, second Earl of Manchester by his third wife
Essex, daughter of Sir Thomas Cheke.
Her husband Henry was elevated to the peerage as first Lord Irwin shortly before their marriage in 1660
probably in part as a reward for her father's adherence to the royalist cause. At her husband's death in
1666 the estate was left with considerable debts which were partly offset by letting Temple Newsam for a number
of years and by a sale of many of its furnishings.
Temple Newsam 22.57/48
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