Sir William Portman (c.1498-1557) was the son of John the younger and in 1517 entered the Middle Temple like his father before him. The associate of Thomas Cromwell and well known to King Henry VIII, Sir William was evidently a man of outstanding gifts whose rise was correspondingly spectacular. In 1544 Sir William purchased extensive properties belonging to four dissolved religious houses in Somerset, including Taunton Priory. In 1556, the manor of Thurlbear became part of the growing estate but most significantly he acquired the freehold of about 293 acres in the fields of Marylebone in London.

PUBLISHED DATE	AUGUST 1 - 1800
PUBLISHED BY	EDWARD HARDING - 98 PALL MALL
PAGE SIZE: approx	13 1/2 INCHES x 10 1/2 INCHES
PRINT SIZE: approx	7 1/4 X 6 INCHES
CONDITION	COPPER ENGRAVING , BLANK on the back. Light foxing . Very strong plate impression. Suitable ageing. The image is clean, clear and sharp with beautiful depth and detail.This beautiful rare item would look great matted and framed. An art supply store can provide you with a selection of frames for old art treasures.