Lucibella - Out of Time

by Richard Whiting

Some years ago, with a great interest in history and art, I became captivated by Sir Anthony van Dyck's portrait of Lucy Hay, Countess of Carlisle and decided to attempt to paint a representation of the portait myself based on van Dyck's work. Lucibella was born Lady Lucy Percy, the second daughter of Henry, Earl of Northumberland and his wife Lady Dorothy Devereux. Her charms were celebrated widely known for her beauty and wit. She was involved in many political intrigues during the English Civil War. In 1617, she became the second wife of James Hay, 1st Earl of Carlisle and was a conspicuous figure at the court of King Charles I. Contemporary scandle had her linked to some powerfull players of the time leaking secret plans to both sides of the conflict.However, after doing considerable mischief by inflaming political animosities, she was arrested on 21 March 1649, and she was imprisoned in the Tower of London.During work on the portrait I began to wonder what it would have been like to meet this intriguing woman. With a mixture of the "Time Machine" and Doctor Who's TARDIS this novel was born.

244 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2020