Research carried out by Dr Stephan Edwards between 2011 and 2013, has led him to believe that this portrait is of Lady Jane. He writes ‘it is likely the closest we shall ever come to getting an authentic image of Lady Jane Grey.’ (Some Grey Matter)
It was reported in May 2008 that a copy of a rare portrait of the young Princess Elizabeth had been discovered in the private collection at Boughton House, Northamptonshire. The portrait shows Henry VIII, his jester Will Somers, Edward, Mary and Elizabeth.
Research by historians Alison Weir and Tracy Borman in the June issue of the BBC History Magazine, suggests that this new portrait of Elizabeth could be used to identify the portrait of an unknown woman owned by the National Portrait Gallery and previously thought to be Lady Jane Grey. They also mention other similar portraits at Syon House, Audley End House and Berry Hill, which have previously been identified as Lady Jane Grey or Princess Elizabeth.
A New Face for the Virgin Queen by Alison Weir and Tracy Borman (BBC History Magazine, June 2008)
The Syon website and guide book describe the portrait as ‘the portrait of Lady Jane Grey is also thought to be Princess (later Queen) Elizabeth.’ (p.50, Syon). You can view the portrait at Syon’s website The Print Room (the left hand photo in the set of three photos).
Lady Jane Grey or Princess Elizabeth
Unknown Artist
This painting can be found in the following:
A Queen of a New Invention: Portraits of Lady Jane Grey Dudley, England’s ‘Nine Days Queen’ by Stephan Edwards
The Lady Jane Grey’s Prayer Book by Stephan Edwards
A New Face for the Virgin Queen by Alison Weir and Tracy Borman (BBC History Magazine, June 2008)
Children of England: The Heirs of King Henry VIII by by Alison Weir
