Lady of the rings suffers from unsure provenance

Shortly before her execution at Fotheringay Castle in 1587, Mary Queen of Scots gave this portrait ring, right, to her lady in waiting, Mary Strickland, as a keepsake. This was the story told to Devon auctioneer Robin Fenner by the vendor, whose late mother was the last of the Boynton Stricklands.

Indistinctly signed and dated 1546, the crystal glazed, gold ring enclosed a portrait believed to be…

Enjoy unlimited access: just £1 for 12 weeks

Subscribe now