John Flower of Leicester (1767-1849) – South Wingfield Manor, Derbyshire

Mary, Queen of Scots', captive property, South Wingfield Manor, Derbyshire  – by John Flower of Leicester (1767-1849).

Pencil sketch on card (code SN15-053).

John Flower was an English architectural and landscape artist. He was known as "the Leicester artist".

He studied art with Peter de Wint in London, before returning to Leicester to become a professional art teacher and artist.

Flower is best known for his drawings of buildings. 

Many of his works are in Leicester's New Walk Museum & Art Gallery.

South Wingfield Manor, Derbyshire, was one of many prisons for Mary, Queen of Scots, who was kept there by Queen Elizabeth. She was considered a serious threat to claiming the English throne.

The Manor was a secure prison because it was in Middle England, halfway between Scotland and London, and distant from the sea.

Despite being a prisoner, Mary's chambers were decorated with fine tapestries and carpets, her bed linen was changed daily, her own chefs prepared meals with a choice of 32 dishes served on silver plates. She was only occasionally allowed outside under strict supervision.

She was executed at Fotheringhay, on February 8, 1587, on a scaffold, in the Great Hall, draped in black cloth. It was reached by three steps, with the block, a cushion for her to kneel on.