The couple had five sons and this is thought to be either the first or third son, depending on the date of the portrait. In 1724, Thomas Hesketh inherited Rufford Old Hall, family seat of the Heskeths and improved the building by adding a new section including a Dining Room where this portrait hung until about 1760. It is likely that Kneller initiated this work but was unable to complete it due to ill health; it was completed by his studio.

Provenance

By descent in the Hesketh family at Rufford Old Hall; probably moved to Easton Neston circa 1920; Easton Neston sale, Sotheby's, 2005.