Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford

Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford (1593-1641)was a powerful statesman. He initially supported Parliament but was won over by Charles I. As President of the Council of the North (1628), and Lord-Deputy of Ireland (1632), he established a reputation for vigorous and efficient administration. As chief advisor to the King, 1639-41, he urged strong measures to control Parliament and obtain funds for a war against the Scots. Seen as a threat to Parliament, a bill of attainder was passed against him and the King reluctantly agreed to his execution. It was a political and moral blunder for which Charles never forgave himself. From Houbraken's series of portrait engravings which he set within elaborate cartouches. They were published by Knapton originally C1740, this impression is c1820. Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780) was a Dutch line engraver who is known best for this series of portraits.