Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset, and his wife Frances, face trial, accused of being implicated in the poisoning of Sir Thomas Overbury in 1613. Although they are found guilty, they get away with merely being banished from court, thanks to a pardon from the King. This episode reinforces the popular image of James I's court as a centre of corruption.
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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Earl and Countess of Somerset found guilty of poisoning Overbury". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 February 2011 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=15771, accessed 09 June 2026.]
