25 February 1601
Essex beheaded

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The disgraced earl of Essex is executed after his attempt to rebel against Elizabeth I fails. On 8 February 1601, he leads a 300-strong band of noble followers and their armed men in an attempt to seize the queen. Claiming that England is being sold to the Spanish, Essex hopes that Londoners will rally to help him in his bid to restore himself to royal favour after his failure in Ireland. Instead, he is arrested and tried for treason.

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