Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex
(1631-1683), Soldier; son of 1st Baron CapelSitter in 12 portraits
Essex was one of the ablest statesmen under Charles II, serving as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, 1672-77, and First Lord of the Treasury, 1679. Fearing the prospect of a Catholic monarch, he became involved with attempts to exclude James, Duke of York from the succession and, more dangerously, with the schemes of the Duke of Monmouth. Betrayed and imprisoned in the Tower, he was found with his throat cut. Although his death was recorded as suicide, he was probably murdered.
Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex; Elizabeth, Countess of Essex
by Sir Peter Lely
oil on canvas, circa 1655-1660
NPG 5461
Politicians in the reign of King Charles II
by and sold by John Savage
line engraving, late 17th century
NPG D29502
Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex
by Edward Lutterell (Luttrell), published by John Lloyd, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, circa 1682
NPG D29500
Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex
by Edward Lutterell (Luttrell), published by John Smith, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, circa 1682
NPG D29501
Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex
by Edward Lutterell (Luttrell), published by John Lloyd, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, circa 1682
NPG D10944
Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex
by Edward Lutterell (Luttrell), published by John Smith, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, circa 1682
NPG D11956
Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex
by Edward Lutterell (Luttrell), published by John Smith, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, circa 1682
NPG D13143
Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex
by Edward Lutterell (Luttrell), published by John Lloyd, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, circa 1682
NPG D13142
'The Earle of Essex's Throat Cut' (Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex; John Holland; Major Webster)
after Francis Barlow
line engraving, 1683 or after
NPG D23013(m)
Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex
by Bernard Picart (Picard), after Sir Peter Lely
line engraving, published 1724
NPG D29507
Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex
by Bernard Picart (Picard), after Sir Peter Lely
line engraving, 1724
NPG D2315
Related People
- Mary, Duchess of Beaufort (sister)
- Arthur Capel, 1st Baron Capel (father)
- Henry Capel, Baron Capel of Tewkesbury (brother)
- Elizabeth, Lady Capel (mother)
- Charles Capel (brother)
- Anne Howard (née Capel), Countess of Carlisle (daughter)
- Elizabeth Dormer (née Capel), Countess of Carnarvon (sister)
- Elizabeth, Countess of Essex (wife)
- Algernon Capel, 2nd Earl of Essex (son)
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