A TRAGEDY OF THE TOWER

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 14, 19 February 1915, Page 2 (Supplement)

A TRAGEDY OF THE TOWER

In 1'306 tho beautiful Frances Howard, then aged eighteen, had been married to the third Earl of Essex. During her husband's two years' absence on the Continent-, Ladv Essex found moro than one lover, and extended her favours especially to Robert Carr. Sir Thomas Overbury, on Carr informing him that ho purposed getting Lady Essex divorced from her husband and then marrying her, strongly opposed the suggestion, declaring that "she might do for a mistress, but not for a wife."

Carr told Lady Essex what Overbury had said of her, and, furious for revenge, she appealed to the King to remove Overbury from her path. James ordered Overbury to go on an embassy to Moscow, and on his refusal had him arrested and imprisoned in the Tower.

Plans for divorce now went forward smoothly; but Lady Essex was resolved upon Overbury's death, and used her influer.'.ce with the King for its accomplishment. The infamous Sir Gervaise Helwyss was appointed Lieutenant of the Tower, a Mr. Turner, of equally ill repute, was placed as keeper of the apartments where Overbury was confined, and systematic attempts were made to poison him. When these fa'led. a French apothtcary was called in. who administered medicines which speedily had effect. Overbury died in agony on September 15. 1613; but the world heard nothing of it. and three months later. Carr (just created Earl of Somerset) was married to the divorced Lady Essex. Then, gradually, the murder came out. and the nation was roused to fury by the story, and cried for vengeance. Helwyss, a gaoler named Weston, the apothecary and Mrs. Turner were executed straight away, and the trial of the greater culprits followed. The coun tess pleaded guilty and was condemned to death, as was also the earl, though ir. his case the evidence was suppressed; but bv an amazing stretch of the Royal perrogative, both were pardoned. They were confined in the Tower, however, until 1622. when they retired into the country, and Jived in seclusion until their death, the countess surviving until! 1632 and Somerset until 164-5.