Sir Ralph Verney in exile: material consumption and the seventeenth-century gentry

Abstract

The extensive Verney archive has ensured that the family is one of the most quoted gentry families by social, cultural and political historians of the seventeenth-century. This study focuses on Sir Ralph Verney (1613-1696) with particular emphasis on the years he spent in exile (December 1643-January 1653) on the Continent. Working extensively with under-utilised expenditure documents, and letters, in conjunction with extant seventeenth century costume, this thesis determines and analyses the purchases made by Ralph. Key areas of analysis include clothing of the family, livery for servants, expenditure on the house and garden and by extension the concept of home in exile, sociability and hospitality, and gift giving.
It demonstrates the degree to which Ralph Verney’s consumption changed during exile from that before, the post-exile impact, and the extent to which being in Europe influenced change. It explores how these purchases were used in endeavouring to maintain and enhance honour, reputation and gentry status for the Verney family during this period.
While the Verneys chose not to mix in court circles during their time in exile, their status was very important to them and this study significantly extends our understanding of how the Verneys maintained their place as a gentry family. As such the thesis clearly challenges the assumption that exiles, such as the Verneys, were left starving and penniless during the Civil War.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Maria Hayward: orcid.org/0000-0002-3299-4383

Catalogue record

Export record