Description
Our Inspiration
11mm classic 1-strand necklace of large 11mm white freshwater pearls, double knotted on silk thread, on a 925 Sterling silver clasp.
Mary Hampden, Lady Denton 1601-1641
Mary Hampden was born in 1601, the daughter of Edmund Hampden of Hartwell. Her father died in 1605 and on 2nd September 1617 she married Sir Alexander Denton, the brother of Margaret Denton who had married Sir Edmund Verney (the Standard Bearer) in 1612.
Sir Alexander and Mary had 14 children. Mary died aged 39 and was buried at Hillesden on 6th April 1641. She was followed 2 years later by her husband Sir Alexander who died in the Tower of London on 1 Jan 1645, having been captured by the Parliamentarians at the taking of Hillesden House during the English Civil War. His sisters, children and Verney nieces (daughters of Sir Edmund Verney) were at the house at the time as was his nephew Tom Verney (son of Sir Edmund), who was taken prisoner with him. His sisters, children and nieces left the burning house and sought refuge at Claydon.
The portrait is thought to be by a British artist and presumably dates from before Mary’s death in 1641. It may be the painting described in an Inventory of c1670 as “Lady Denton; his [Sir Alexander’s] wife a coppy by Ramee.. in narrow wainscoate frame”. She is wearing a red satin dress with a brown scarf and pearl earrings and necklace.
