The British Library has digitized two manuscripts from the Medieval and Renaissance Women project that reveal the contents of the home of Alice Smythe, an impor

The British Library has digitized two manuscripts from the Medieval and Renaissance Women project that reveal the contents of the home of Alice Smythe, an important merchant who lived in 16th century England. Alice's house in Fenchurch Street, London was appraised two years after her death by a team of appraisers who noted her possessions in each room. The house contained two parlours, many well-decorated bedrooms, a gallery filled with paintings and stained glass, a tennis court, a stable, and other outbuildings. Her possessions were worth over £1,000, which equates to almost £700,000 today. Alice's collection of paintings depicted classical myths, Tudor monarchs, and biblical figures. Alice was also literate, owning several books, including one written by and for women, The Monument of Matrones.