Lady Anne Clifford, Duchess of Dorset, Pembroke and Montgomery, was born January 1590 at Skipton Castle, only daughter and surviving child of George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, and his wife Margaret Russell.
In 1646, Anne commissioned a painting to portray her family history and some of her life accomplishments; the triptych shows different stages of her life, the left panel portraying Anne aged 15 (when she was disinherited), the central panel of her family (when her mother was reportedly pregnant with her), and the right panel being a contemporaneous depiction. The numerous heraldry shields which frame the central panel highlight her Clifford ancestry.
The portrait (oil on canvas, measuring 8ftx4ft) is a composite work, being inspired by pre-existing portraits and miniatures owned by Lady Anne Clifford. It has been attributed to Jan van Belcamp (1610-1653), a Dutch painter based in England, who specialised in this type of painting; however Sir Peter Lely's (1616-1680) input has also been suspected.
There were two copies of the portrait produced; one initially hung at Appleby Castle, Anne's primary residence in 'Cumberland'; however, it is now housed at the Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum, Kendall. There was another version at Skipton Castle, but it was "was allowed to get into such a bad condition that only the central panel could be removed...but the two side panels were destroyed, for they were in such a state of decay, that nothing but complete destruction could be their fate" (Williamson, 1922; p.334).
Margaret Russell, Countess of Cumberland (1560-1616) and George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland (1558-1605)
"Lady Margaret Russell, Countess of Cumberland, daughter and yongest childe to Francys Russell, Earle of Bedford, by his first wife, Margrett, daughter to Sr. John St. John, of Bletnesho. Shee was borne in the Earle, hir father's hous, in the Citty of Exeter, in Devonshir, formerly a priory, about the 7th of July...1560. Hir mother dieng two yeers after of the Small Pox, in Whoborn Hous, in Bedfordshier, wich was once an Abbey. Shee was maried about the age of 17 yeeres to Georg Clifford, Earle of Cumberland, and in St. Mary Overs Church, London, by whom she had 2 sonnes, Fraacys & Robert, successively Lords Cliffords, whoe dyed both young, before they were 6 years old, and one onely daughter, the Lady Anne Clifford, who was afterwards sole heire to both hir parents...She was of a greate naturall witt and judgment, of a sweete disposition, truly religious and virtuous, and indowed with a large share of those 4 morrall virtues — Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. The death of hir two sonns died soo much afflict hir as that ever after the booke of Jobe was her daly companion. Shee died in her Castle of Bromeham in Westmorland, in hir widdowhood, 24th of May, 1616, in ye Chamber where hir husband was borne into this world, when she was 56 yeers old...that very day 25 yeaers after the death of hir sonn Robertt, Lord Clfford. Shee out-lived all his brothers and sisters" "George Clifford, third Earle of Cumberland...the 14th Baron Clifford of Westmorland, and Sheriff of that County by inheritance, and in the same descent the 13th Lord of the Honor of Skipton in Craven, and also Lord Vipount, and Baron Vessey; he was born sonn and heire apparent to Henry, Earl of Cumberland, by his second wife, Ann, daughter to William, Lord Dacres of the North ; he was borne in his Father's Castle of Bromeham, in August....1558...when he was almost ninetene yeares old, he was Maried in the Church of St. Mary Overs, in Southwark, June 24 1577, to his virtuous and onely Wife, the Lady Marg. Russell, 3rd daur & yongest child to Francys, 2nd Earle of Bedford, by his first Wife, Margarrett St. John, by whome he had twoe sonnes and one daughter, Francys and Robert, who being successively Lords Clifford, died yong in their Father's life tyme, and the Lady Ann Clifford, whoa was inst. 15 years and 9 months at her Fatheres death, being then his sole daughter and heire....Hee was made Kt. of the Garter by Queene Elizabeth, and Councellor of State by King Jamas. Ha died in the Dutchy House in the Savoy, London, the 30th of October, 1605,"
The Cliffords' marriage was not a happy one, with the two separating in c.1601; Margaret and Anne were known to be living in London, and having close contact with her Russell relatives, including her 'Aunt Warwick' - Anne Russell, Countess of Warwick. However, the couple would still attend formal events together, including the Coronation of James I/VI and Queen Anne of Denmark in 1603.
Robert Clifford (1585-1591) and Francis Clifford (1584-1589)
The two older children of the Cliffords are depicted in this portrait. Francis Clifford was the first child of George and Margaret, and was born on 10 April 1584, at Skipton Castle. He died aged "5 years and 8 months" on "10th or 11th" day of December 1589, at Skipton Castle, and was buried in the vault at Skipton Church.
Robert Clifford was the second child and son of the Cliffords, and was born on 21 September 1585 at Northaw House, Hertfordshire. He died aged "5 years and 8 months" on 24 May 1591 at Northaw House, Hertfordshire, and was buried in the Bedford Chapel, St Michael's Church, Chenies. The inscription on the portrait notes that the depictions of Anne's parents and brothers were taken from an original painted in June 1589, whilst the family were residing in "the Lord Phillipp Whartons house in Channel Rowe in Westminster". It also notes that Margaret is pregnant at the time, noting her conception date of "first of May...1589" (based on her date of birth of 01 January 1590).
Anne Clifford (b. 1590), aged 15 (1605)
Anne Clifford is portrayed at the age of 15 years old on the left panel of the triptych. This was a significant time in her life, as in 1605, her father, George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland died. As his surviving child, and therefore sole heir, she should have inherited his titles and lands (including Skipton, Brougham and Appleby Castles) on his death, despite being female. However, her father left his inheritance to his brother Francis Clifford, (who became 4th Earl of Cumberland) therefore breaking the entail dating back to the 14th century' Anne was left a dowry of £15000 making her a wealthy heiress. However, here began Anne's 60 year legal battle, with the unwavering support from her mother Margaret "whearin that Countes shewed much wisdome and resolucion", in an attempt to claim her rightful inheritance against her uncle, and later her cousin Henry Clifford, 5th Earl of Cumberland..
Anne Taylor, Governess
"Mrs Anne Taylour Gobenesse to this Yong ladij a Religious and good Woman was daughter to Mr ... Cholmley and was borne in his house in the Old Bailey in Londen in the neere...Shee had diuerse children by her husband Mr William Tailour Who all diies before her and Without issue".
No other information is known about Anne Taylor; however, her influence in Ann's upbringing and education cannot be disregarded, given her depiction in this portrait many years later.
Samuel Daniel (1563-1619)
"Samuel Daniel Tutour to this Young Lady a man of an Upright and excellent Spirit as appeares by his Works was born in the Year of our Lord 1563.
He dyed at Ridge in the parish of Beckinton in Sommersetshire about the 9th of October in the Yeere 1619, and lyeth buried in the Chancell of the Sayd Church, leaving no issue".
A poet and a playwright, Daniel came under the patronage of high-status individuals, including well-educated women, such as Mary Herbert, Duchess of Pembroke, and Queen Anne of Denmark. Educated at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, he later travelled around Europe, becoming familiar with French and Italian literature, which later influenced his own writings. On his death, Anne erected a monument to his memory at his burial place in Beckington. The depiction in 'The Great Picture' appears to have been based on/inspired by a portrait of Daniel at Hylton Castle.
Throughout her adult life, Anne was a patron of literate. She was also a prolific writer, which is demonstrated by the many letters written throughout her life, as well as the diary she kept from 1603, when 13 years old. The books and works portrayed in this painting are likely the favourites or of importance to Anne; an inventory of Skipton Castle in the 18th century confirmed previous possession of these works, including some of Daniel's own works. It was known that she had a large library, many of which had been inherited from her mother. There are many religious works portrayed in the painting; the older/contemporary version of Anne is seen placing her hand on 'The Holy Bible: The old and new Testament', whilst another Bible and other religious texts sit on the books shelf in her earlier years, demonstrating her faith and religious education.
Within the central panel, there are portraits of Anne's four aunts on the wall behind her parents (two maternal, two paternal). Whilst she has memories of her Russell aunts, with these being documented in her diary, her Clifford aunts died whilst she was a young child (2yo and 6yo respectively):
Anne Russell, Countess of Warwick (1548-1604)
"Picture of the Lady Ann Russell Countess of Warwick 2 Child & eldest daughter to Francys Russell 2.E.of Bedford by his first wife born in his Fathers house of Cheneys in Buckinghamshire about the Latter end of December Ano. Dm. 1548". "She was a most Religious & virtous Lady, & yet an excellent Courtier". "She was a Moother in affection to hir younger brothers & sisters, and to theire Children, especially to the Lady Ann Clifford".
Anne Russell, "Aunt Warwick", was Anne Clifford's godmother, and the third wife of Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick. As a member of Elizabeth I's household, and close companion in her later years, Anne Clifford writes about spending time with her aunt at court. Anne Russell died at her home in Northall, Hertfordshire on 09 February 1604 with family in attendance (including Anne Clifford); she is buried in the Bedford Chapel, St Michael's Church, Chenies. The caption below the portrait of Anne Russell notes:
"This Ann Countess of Warwick, and hir 2 younger sisters Elizabeth Countess of Bath and Margaret Countess of Cumberland whose Pictures are all three heere was the three Sisters of the greatest honour & goodness of any three sisters, that lived in theire time in this Kingdome".
Elizabeth Russell, Countess of Bath (1558-1605)
"Picture of the Lady Eliz. Russell Countess of Bath 6 child and 2 daughter to Francis Russell, Earle of Bedford by his first wife. She was borne in hir Father's house at Moore park in Hertfordshire, Septemb. Ano. Domini 1558" "She was a virtuous & good woman, lived for the most parte a Country Life, all hir Children being borne in Tawstock house"
Elizabeth Russell married William Bourchier, 3rd Earl of Bath and Lord Lieutenant of Devon in 1583; they had 4 children, including Lady Frances Bourchier, whom Lady Anne Clifford refers to in her diaries, including around the death of Elizabeth I and the ascension of James I/VI.
Elizabeth died in May 1605 ("24 or 25"), and is buried in the church at Tawstock, where he husband was also later buried at his death in 1623, and an elaborate tomb to them both remains.
Lady Frances Clifford (1556-1592)
"Lady Francys Clifford, wife to Phillip, Baron Wharton, of Wharton Hall in Westmorland, to whome she was maryed in St. Mary Overs Church in Southwark, at the sam place and day where hir brother George, Earle of Cumberland, was married to ye Lady Margarett Russell. Shee was borne Ano. Dm. 1556, in hir father's Henry Clifford, E. of Cumberland, his Castle of Skipton in Craven, she being his first child by his 2nd wife, Ann, daughter to Wm., Lord Dacres of the North ; she had by this Lord Wharton 2 sonnes and 3 daughters...This Lady Wharton was a wooman of great witt, and much esteemed for virtue, she died in hir husband's house, at Wharton Hall, in Westmorland, being about 36 yeares old, the 16th day of Aprill, 1592, and was buryed in Kirkby-Steven Church, in that Countrey."
Margaret Clifford, Countess of Derby (1540-1596)
"Lady Margarett Clifford, Countess of Darby, eldest child to Henry Clifford, 2 Earle of Cumberland, and by his first wife, Elianor Brandon, yongest daughter to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, by Mary the French Q... high borne Lady Elianor was granchild to King H. 7th, and his wife, Eliz, and Neece to K. H. 8, and Cozen...to K. Ed. 6, Q. Elizabeth, and to James the 5th, King of Scotland...This Lady Margarett Clifford ...was maryed in the King's Chappell at Whitehall, the King and Queen being present, to Henry Stanley, Lord Strang, afterwards Earl of Darby, the 7th of February, 1555 : and lived his wife 38 yeaers, and his widow about 3 yeaers, and had by him twoe sonnes, Fardinando and William successively Earles of Darby...This great Countess deceased in hir house at Clarkenwell, London, when she was about 56 yeares old, the 29th of September, 1596: And was buryed presently after in the Abbey Church at Westminster, in St. Edmunds Chappell there. Shee was a virtuous and noble kinde harted Ladye, And full of goodnes, And a deere lover of hir brother by the halfe-blood George, Earle of Cumberland, and his worthy wife and theire children."
Margaret, as the only surviving child of Henry Clifford and Lady Eleanor Brandon, being the granddaughter of Mary Tudor and Charles Brandon, was in the line of succession of the throne of England, which was confirmed in the will of Henry VIII. Margaret had fallen out of favour during the reign of Elizabeth I; she had been arrested after being overheard opposing a possible marriage to the Duke d'Alençon, which would have threatened her own succession. Following her release from house arrest, she was banished from court, and she died without regaining the favour of the Queen. It is important, therefore, that she is portrayed in this picture as wearing a miniature of Elizabeth I (appearing to be in the style of Nicholas Hilliard), with Anne Clifford likely wanting to emphasis her loyalty to the Queen even 50 years after her death.
Anne Clifford, aged 56 (1646) The right panel of the triptych portrays a contemporary Anne Clifford in 1646, aged 56. Her legal battles in regards to her inheritance claims had continued over the years, with Anne refusing to accept any offers of settlement from her uncle Francis Clifford or later from her cousin Henry Clifford, 5th Earl of Cumberland. However, when Henry died in 1643, with no male heirs, after 38 years Anne was finally able to claim her inheritance and title of '14th Baroness de Clifford' (suo jure).
At the time the portrait was commissioned, the English Civil War was taking place, with Anne remaining staunchly on the side of the Royalists (which led to an estrangement in her second marriage). Following the execution of Charles I in 1649, bringing an end to the wars, Anne was able to finally move back to the north.
Behind this image of Anne Clifford are portraits of her two husbands:
Richard Sackville, 3rd Earl of Dorset (1589-1624)
"Ric: Sackvile, Lo: Buckhurst and E of Dorsett, eldest Sonne to Robt: Sackvile, Lord Buckhurst and E: of Dorsett, that lived any years by his first Wife, the Lady Margaret Howard which E: Richard was borne in Charter House, London...the 26 of March, 1589...When he was 19 yeares old and a month over died his Grandfather Thomas Sackville, Lord Buckhurst and E: of Dorsett, Lord High Treasurer of England and Kt of the Garter, suddenly...19 April 1608. This Richard marled the Lady Ann Clifford daughter and sole heire to George E: of Cumberland 25th of February 1609, in hir Moother the Countesse Dowager of Cumberlands house Austin Fryers London in hir presence. And within twoe dayes after the sayd mariage his Father died in Little Dorset House in the sayd Towne. This Richard E: of Dorsett was marled 15 yeares and a mounth to the sayd Lady Ann Clifford ; and had by hir three sonns, which died in theire infancy, and two daughters Margt: Countess of Thannet, borne the 2 of July in Great Dorset House 1614 ; and Isabell Countess of Northampton, borne at Knowle House in Kent 1622...He died in Great Dorset House London of a Bloody Flix, 28th of March, 1624"
This marriage was a difficult one, with issues regarding infidelity, illegitimate children
and extravagancy; in 1617, he signed away her inheritance rights to pay off a gambling debt (despite her ongoing challenges).
Philip Herbert, 4th Earl of Pembroke and 1st Earl of Montgomery (1584-1650)
"Phillipp Harbert Earle of Pembrooke & Montgomery, & K: of the most noble Order of the Gartar, 2 sonne to Henry Harbert, E: of Pembrooke, by his 2 wife, Mary Sidney, onely da to Hen Sidney, Kt of the Gartar, and onely sister to the famous Sr: Phillipp Sidney, & Sr: Robert Sidney, Earles of Leicester...borne in his Father's house in Wilton in Wiltshire, the 10th daye of October in 1584...hee was deerly beloved of King James from his first coming into England till his death, which King made him Earle of Montgomery the 4th day of May, 1605, And K. of the Gartar the 20th day of May, 1608 : and also bestowed many guifts & Favours on him. Hee was maried in the sayd Kings Chappell at Whitehall, in his Maties presence, to his first Wife the Lady Susan Veer the 27th of December, 1604, whoe was yongest daughter to the deceased Edward Earle of Oxford, And shee died of the small Pox in the same house of Whitehall, the 2 of February 1629 : soe as she dyed a yeare and more befor hir sayd Husband came to be Earle of Pembrooke...And the 3 of Jun [1630]..did the sayd Phillipp Herbert Earle of Pembrook & Montgomery marry the Lady Ann Clifford: Countess Dowager of Dorsett and sole daughter & heire to George Earle of Cumberland, in Cheneys Church in Buckinghamshire, after she had bin a widdow 6 yeares 2 months and 6 dayes, and he a widdower one yeare and 4 months and 3 days."