Subject

Born Herefordshire. Related via the Boleyn family to Queen Elizabeth I. Married a daughter of Sir Francis Walsingham. Became a favourite of the Queen. However he performed badly as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and on his return he was tried and lost his place at court and his income. Desperate, he fortified his town mansion, Essex House and in February 1661 he led a mini rebellion. This failed and Essex was beheaded on Tower Green. His was the last head to roll at that venue. Father of the 3rd Earl.