London, February 1601: Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, once Elizabeth I closest companion, attempts a rising against her government and is executed for treason within weeks
Rising Fails to Rise
LONDON, 8 February 1601 – Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, once the brightest star of Queen Elizabeth I court, has led a small band of armed supporters out of Essex House on the Strand and into the City of London, apparently expecting the citizens to rise in his support against the Queen advisers. The citizens did not rise. By evening, Essex was back at his house, besieged by royal forces, and was forced to surrender. He has been taken to the Tower of London. Officials describe the rising as poorly attended.
From Favourite to Rebel
Essex, handsome, charming, ambitious and quick-tempered, had become the ageing Queen great favourite in the late 1580s, after the death of her long-time companion, the Earl of Leicester, who was also Essex stepfather. He was showered with honours and commands. But he was also reckless and resentful of rivals, especially the Queen chief minister, Robert Cecil. According to one famous story, during a heated argument at court, Essex turned his back on the Queen, a serious insult; she boxed his ears, and he reached for his sword before others intervened.
In 1599, Essex was sent to Ireland with a large army to crush a rebellion led by the Earl of Tyrone. Instead, he made an unauthorised truce, then abandoned his post and rushed back to England, bursting into the Queen bedchamber at Nonsuch Palace early one morning, before she was dressed or wearing her wig. Historians describe this as one of the worst-judged entrances in Tudor history. He was placed under house arrest, lost his offices and, crucially, the valuable monopoly on sweet wines that funded his lifestyle.
Shakespeare Connection
On the day before the rising, supporters of Essex paid the Lord Chamberlain Men, Shakespeare company, to perform an old play, Richard II, which includes a scene in which a king is deposed. The actors were later questioned but not punished. Elizabeth herself is reported to have remarked, some months later, I am Richard II, know ye not that? Historians note it was a risky choice of entertainment.
Execution
Essex was tried for treason, found guilty and executed on 25 February 1601 inside the Tower of London, rather than publicly on Tower Hill, possibly because of his popularity with Londoners. He was thirty-five. Accounts say the executioner needed more than one blow. Elizabeth, who had once adored him, signed the death warrant. She died two years later.
Meanwhile, in 2026
Royal favour and royal accusations of treachery remain in the news. The London Prat reports Prince William reportedly calling Earl Spencer and Harry traitors after an anonymous source claimed the heir believes his brother read their uncle memoir first. Reports say reconciliation is off, and the uncle says he told everyone. Tudor historians note that Essex, unlike the modern figures, actually marched through London with armed men, and that the bar for treason in 1601 was considerably higher than reading a book.
The London Prat has been watching royal favourites fall since 1961 at https://prat.uk/, with its royal row video on YouTube. Bohiney at https://bohiney.com/ covers American political falls from grace.
Study Questions for Students
Why did Essex fall so far so fast? Why did Londoners not join him? Why was the Richard II performance so dangerous? Discuss, and never enter a monarch bedroom uninvited.
SOURCE: https://prat.uk/prince-william-called-earl-spencer-and-harry-traitors/