Rare portrait of 17th Century heiress is restored

Anne Clopton was one of the richest women in Suffolk during the 17th Century

An "extremely rare" 17th Century portrait of a Suffolk heiress has been restored and is now on display for the first time in nearly 20 years.

The portrait of Anne Clopton, heiress of Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, near Sudbury, dates back nearly 400 years.

It has been restored thanks to a £2,000 grant.

Ian Shipp, West Suffolk Council's cabinet member for leisure and culture said the authority was "delighted" to be able to share the portrait as part of an exhibition at Moyse's Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds.

The portrait features in an exhibition celebrating 17th Century female portraits

Born in 1612, Anne was the daughter of Sir William and Ann Clopton before she was orphaned at the age of seven.

She became the sole heiress of Kentwell which made her one of the richest young women in Suffolk at the time.

In 1626, aged 14, she married Sir Simonds D'Ewes an MP and the High Sheriff of Suffolk.

It is thought the portrait was painted to mark either the couple's engagement or their marriage.

Anne died of smallpox in 1641. She was 29 years old.

In 2005, the portrait was acquired by the museum but was damaged while on display.

It was then placed in storage until it could be restored. The £2,000 grant was made by Woodsmansterne Publications.

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