THE EARL OF DERWENTWATER.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4627, 14 May 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE EARL OF DERWENTWATER.

Oil Feb. 19, 1716, the trial in Westminster Hall of this ill-fated young nobleman terminated in his being found guilty of high treason for his share in the rebellion in favour of the Old Pretender, which ended so disastrously at Preston. As a matter of fact he actually pleaded guilty, having been advised that the mercy of the Crown would be extended to him. In spite of his defence and appeal for mercy, however, he was condemned to suffer death as a traitor, according to its ancient barbarous form. But the sentence was afterwards mitigated, orders being issued that he should bo merely beheaded, and his body given up to his friends.

Groat interest was made with the Court and both Houses of Parliament in behalf of the earl. His countess, accompanied by a number of ladies of the first rank, was, by the Dukes of Richmond and St. Albans, introduced into the King’s (George I.) bed-chamber, w here she humbly implored his clemency for her unfortunate husband. The King, however, adhered to bis purpose, and site went on Feb. 2, with the ladies of the other /'condemned noblemen, into the lobby of the House of Lords to beg their intercession; but here, also, her petition was disregarded. Appeals w r ero made to the cupidity, as well as to the compassion, of his Majesty's Ministers, and Sir Robert Walpole declared in the House of Commons that £60,000 had been offered to him if ho would obtain the pardon of the earl. Several of the staunchest Whigs in the House of Commons, amongst others Sir Richard Steele, were inclined to mercy; hut Walpole, though usually distinguished by personal lenity and forbearance, took the lead in urging measures of severity, and declared that he was “moved with indignation to seq that there should be such unworthy members of this great body who can. without blushing, open their mouths in favour of rebels and paricides.” He moved the adjournment of the House, but carried his motion only by a majority of seven. Consequently, Lord Derwon twater was lieheaded on February 24, being then only in bis twentv-ninth year. His countess died of smallpox at tbe age of thirty, and was buried at Louvain.