PROVENANCE

After four centuries, this 17th-century, 1612-dated portrait on panel has been conclusively identified as depicting John Roper, 1st Baron Teynham — a distinguished English nobleman and covert Roman Catholic active from the reign of Henry VIII to that of James I.

Previously sold at auction earlier this year to Raven Yard Antiques, the portrait has now been firmly attributed through research by Gregory Ebbs, who successfully matched the coat of arms to that found on John Roper’s tomb in Teynham, Kent. It is believed that the painting was sold by the family in the late 19th or early 20th century in an unattributed state and is the only known surviving portrait of John Roper.

The son of Christopher Roper of Lynsted, Kent, John belonged to the notable Roper family, long renowned for their hereditary role as Chief Clerks of the King’s Bench — the highest common law court in England, operating directly under the authority of the monarch. John assumed this office in 1573, becoming the fourth generation of his family to hold it and earning an impressive £4,000 per annum (equivalent to approximately £1.4 million today).

In addition to his professional duties, Roper was a secret adherent of the Roman Catholic faith and a kinsman of Sir John Moore. Notably, Moore’s daughter, Margaret Moore, married William Roper, brother of John’s father, Christopher. Following Sir John Moore’s execution, his family — including the Ropers — interred his head in Teynham Church, Kent, where the family tombs remain to this day.

Several key moments stand out during Roper’s long legal career. In February 1588, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I. While this might suggest royal favour, parish records from Lynsted Church indicate the knighthood may have been granted in recognition of a £50 contribution toward the Queen’s navy fund. Visitation records further note that, despite being financially strained by recurring fines for recusancy (non-attendance at Anglican services), the Ropers continued to offer generous support to the Crown.

Another defining event came with Roper’s elevation to the peerage. He had petitioned for the title of Baron Teynham as early as 1606. While later accounts suggest it was granted as a reward for loyalty — particularly as one of the first Kentish gentlemen to proclaim allegiance to James I — contemporary evidence indicates otherwise. The financially strained King, after years of negotiation, sold the title in July 1616 for £10,000 — a vast sum, especially considering Roper was then 82 years old.

Lord Teynham died two years later, in 1618, likely of old age. By this time, he had largely recouped his expenditure through his income as Chief Clerk of the King’s Bench. His tomb and portrait bear the Latin inscription:

"Spes mea in Deo est" — "My hope is in God."

This poignant epitaph perhaps reflects both his steadfast Catholic faith and a quiet disillusionment with a monarch whose sentiment toward his subjects may have been limited.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks are due to Emerald of Webaldic.com, whose heraldic expertise was invaluable in confirming that the coat of arms and motto in the painting match those on Lord Teynham’s tomb at Lynsted Church.

Grateful acknowledgment is also extended to the Lynsted with Kingsdown Society, whose detailed research has greatly enriched the understanding of John Roper’s life and legacy and serves as the backbone of this article.

Finally, thanks are given to Dr. Paul Hunneyball for his excellent research at the Houses of Parliament, which provided important insight into John Roper’s private affairs and the purchase of the Teynham barony.

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