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. See blog for details.
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.
It is on display in the Great Hall and can be viewed on the virtual tour at the Boughton House website. Select House – Tour of House & Gardens – Great Hall – ‘Rare Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I as a young princess.’
This painting can be found in the following:
Elizabeth’s Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen by Tracy Borman
A New Face for the Virgin Queen by Alison Weir and Tracy Borman (BBC History Magazine, June 2008)
Rare copy of young queen’s portrait goes on display to help historians in hunt for original (The Times)
