King Charles II and Jane Lane Riding to Bristol (c1665). Oil on canvas. 212 x 238. Jane Lane played a heroic role in the escape of Charles II in 1651. She is portrayed in art primarily as a courageous and loyal heroine. In portraits, such as those attributed to artist Mary Beale, Lane is depicted in elegant 17th-century attire, with an air of dignity and calm, symbolizing her bravery and resourcefulness. These portrayals often emphasize her role in the royalist cause, sometimes subtly alluding to her heroic actions through symbolic elements like subtle gestures or confident expressions. Although not as widely depicted as other historical figures, her representation in art highlights her as a key, albeit quiet, player in one of the most dramatic escapes in British history. The main significance of her story is the key part that the escape played in forming the character and the opinions of Charles. Jane was the daughter of Thomas Lane and Anne Bagot of the parish of Bentley and Hyde. Her parents had married at Blithfield, Staffordshire, in 1608. Their son, John, was born on 8 April 1609, the first child of what was to be four sons and five daughters. There are several early christening dates for a Jane Lane in the International Genealogical Index which have been estimated by contributors, most probably based on a spurious date for her marriage. However she was known as Jane Lane in 1651 and so was unmarried at that date. Her eventual marriage to Sir Clement Fisher is known to have occurred on 8 December 1663, being performed by the Most Rev. Gilbert Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury. Known birth dates for Jane Lane's siblings are: Colonel John Lane, born 8 April 1609. Walter Lane, born May 1611. William Lane, baptised 7 August 1625. Richard Lane, youngest son. Withy Lane. Withy is stated in the book Flight of the King as being the eldest daughter of the family. Jane Lane. Anne Lane. Mary Lane, born 1619. Elizabeth Lane. Following defeat at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651, Charles II escaped and headed north into Shropshire and Staffordshire with several companions including Lord Derby and Henry, Lord Wilmot. A reward of E1000 was offered for the capture of the King. It is likely that the King and anyone helping him would have been executed for treason, if caught. The King had a distinctive appearance: very dark and six feet two inches tall. Furthermore, there were cavalry patrols specifically tasked with finding the King. At this time it was illegal for Catholics to travel more than five miles away from their homes without a pass from the Sheriff of the County. Helping the King would therefore be hazardous. Wilmot had gone to Bentley Hall, the home of Colonel John Lane, who had been an officer in the Royalist Army since 1642.
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