Not Just the Tudors Murder in the Stuart Court
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Jan 22, 2024 Join Professor Alastair Bellany, a historian at Rutgers specializing in early modern England, as he delves into the sensational murder of Thomas Overbury in 1613. This true crime tale highlights the deadly mix of ambition and jealousy in King James I's court. Discover how Overbury's tragic fate sparked a media sensation, revealing intricate court politics and public anxieties. Bellany also explores the implications of the scandal on the monarchy's authority and how it influenced the political landscape leading up to the Civil War.
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Overbury's Rise
- Thomas Overbury, a lawyer and writer, gained access to King James's court through his friendship with Robert Carr.
- Carr's favor with the king made Overbury a person of interest to powerful figures.
Downfall and Imprisonment
- Overbury and Carr's friendship deteriorated due to Carr's affair with Frances Howard, which Overbury saw as a political threat.
- Overbury's imprisonment in the Tower resulted from his refusal of an ambassadorship, perceived as contempt by the king.
Rumors and Resurfacing
- Overbury's death initially caused little stir, attributed to an unmentionable disease.
- Rumors of his murder emerged later amidst political maneuvering at court, fueled by the rise of a new favorite, George Villiers.
