The date is January 1642. Abraham Van Der Doort, Surveyor of the King's Pictures, catalogued the King's art collection 3 years before. Someone has taken over his job.

Abraham Van Der Doort, was indeed the Surveyor of the King's Pictures and did really commit suicide because he thought he lost one of the King's miniatures. Charles was very good at spotting forgeries and was an incredible collector over his life. All the paintings mentioned are real and were owned by him.

The story about the paintings brought over by Lanier being spoiled by liquid mercury is true. As is the lovely cocktail used to clean them. Yuck! His wife really did have a pet dwarf called Jeffrey Hudson. Who did pop out of a cold pie. Sometimes there are no words. Villiers really was stabbed over breakfast. He did own a pocket watch.

The hypothetical scenario that she gives is exactly what happened. If you get a chance to see any of Charles' Art, do go as it's an incredible legacy that he left.

If you want to find out more about Charles, check out the sources and places below: