English School 17th Century Portrait of Robert Mellish of Ragnall (1509-1662) Inscribed Robert...

English School 17th Century

Portrait of Robert Mellish of Ragnall (1509-1662)

Inscribed Robert Mellish Esq., of Ragnall, 2nd son of Edward, H. Shf of Notts. 16 Mh 1662, aet. 63

Oil on canvas, in a period, carved pine frame

77 x 64cm; 30¼ x 25in

Robert Mellish was made High Sheriff of Nottingham in 1634. During the Civil War he was keen to remain neutral and in 1646 he went to London but found himself at risk of losing his estate when power turned from King to Parliament.

At this time landowners were given a choice to admit delinquency and, in sacrificing parts of their total wealth to Parliament, they were able to protect their estates. Extra dispensation could be given by voluntary discovery by 1st May 1646. At the earliest opportunity Ragnall fled to London for safety but after 9 months he heard that his estate was to be taken by the Parliamentary garrison now in Newark. Like many other landowners Ragnall was able to save his property by admitting delinquency for being in Newark whilst it was a garrison for the King. It must have been to his advantage that he had never born arms for the King. He returned to Nottingham on the understanding that he would remain quietly at home and this he did for several years.