[ 
]
]Watford Museum presents...
The Cassiobury Collection
The Earls of Essex, their wives and children at Cassiobury House
The Earls of Essex, their wives and children
Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex of the 6th Creation (1566-1601)
Studio of Gheeraerts
Oil on panel 58.1 x 44.4 cm (22 7/8 x 17 1/2 in)
In 1599, Devereux was sent to Ireland to quell the rebellion of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. Failing to carry out orders, he was dismissed by the Queen and confined to Essex House for three months. His subsequent attempt to overthrow the Queen's councillors led to his impeachment for treason. On 25 February 1601, Robert Devereux was beheaded on Tower Hill.