Description: Engraving of Heneage Finch (1621-82), 1st Earl of Nottingham, aged about 55, after painting by Sir Peter Lely. Heneage Finch took no part in the politics of the English civil war, but in 1660 he entered Parliament and became solicitor general, serving as prosecutor at the trial of the regicides. He became attorney general in 1670 and lord chancellor in 1675. He was created earl of Nottingham in 1681. In an age of corruption he added to his reputation as an able lawyer that of a statesman of integrity. He is remembered by lawyers for his just and systematic administration of equity. He was the father to Daniel Finch, 7th Earl of Winchilsea, 2nd Earl of Nottingham (2 July 1647-1 January 1730). This picture is based on a portrait by the artist Sir Peter Lely who was famed for his portraits of aristocracy and society members at this time.