John RILEY (1646-1691)

Portrait of William Chiffinch, Half-length (1602-1691)
Born: 1602 possibly at Salisbury, Wiltshire
Page of his Majesty’s Bed-Chamber
Keeper of the King’s Private Closet
Died: July 1691 at Holyport, Berkshire

c.1665

oil on canvas

76.2 x 63.5 cm.;
30 x 25 in.

Price: £8,000 GBP

Literature: L. Stephen (ed.), Dictionary of National Biography, vol. X, London 1887, pp. 238-39.

William Chiffinch was page to Charles II's bedchamber and keeper of his private closet, offices formerly held by his brother, Thomas Chiffinch. While Thomas had a reputation for probity, William came to be known for less reputable dealings with the court and the King's affairs. In the Dictionary of National Biography, Chiffinch is described as "delighting in intrigue of every kind." He was responsible for "ingratiating himself into the confidence of courtiers and mistresses", frequently smuggling them through his Whitehall apartments to the Royal closet, or enabling Charles to pass through his rooms and down a staircase leading to the Thames and a waiting boat. Chiffinch is also known to have accepted bribes on the King's behalf and to have handled the secret pension paid by the court of Louis XVI. As the royal go-between, Chiffinch was known to all in court circles, including Samuel Pepys, to whom he purportedly showed off Charles' collection of paintings before enjoying backstairs revels together over wine and pickled herring or cold chicken. He was MP for Windsor between 1685-87.