Lot: 52
Manuscript Prayer Book of Susan Belasyse, dated November 1667; octavo, later full morocco, gilt, VG; bookplate of Harold Marshall; inscribed Sus: Belasyse, hir Book on front endpaper; 61pp of prayers prepared for different occasions; the first page of prayers adhering to the inscribed endpaper otherwise fine and written throughout in a clear hand. [The Belasyse family were devout Catholics closely allied to Charles I and the Royalist cause. Baron John Belasyse was a commander in the King’s army and fought in various battles; he was subsequently imprisoned in the Tower; after the Restoration he was reprieved and took on a variety of honorary appointments. Susan Belasyse was Baron Belasyse’s daughter-in-law, widowed in August 1667 following the death of her husband Henry in a duel. Charles II’s brother James sought to marry Susan Belasyse but the marriage was blocked by Charles.]