Henry St.John the elder and the Estcourt Murder by Frank T Smallwood, 1972
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Mr Smallwood draws on all available evidence in his investigation into the murder of Sir William Eastcourt, the head of a prominent Wiltshire family, by Henry St.John ( 1652 - 1742) and his third cousin Colonel Edmund Richmond–Web in 1684. .
His article traces the life of Henry St.John (later Henry 1st Viscount St.John) including his marriage to Lady Mary Rich, his parliamentary career and his passion for horses which led to the notorious murder.
Henry St.John and Webb were convicted of killing Sir William Eastcourt in a tavern brawl over a dispute about the prowess of their respective horses and dogs. They were sentenced to hang by the fearsome Judge Jefferies, but received a pardon from King Charles II. Mr Smallwood examines the reasons for their pardon including the role of Henry's cousin and former favourite of the King, Lady Castlemaine.
Full list of sources provided.
- Year:
- 1972
- Creator:
- Mr Frank T Smallwood, MA, FSA
- Type:
- Research Report Article
- Taken from:
- Report No. 5
- Owner:
- Friends of Lydiard Park
- Copyright:
- Friends of Lydiard Park
- Last updated on:
- Tuesday 5th September 2023
