Carr, Robert
From AngloScottish
| Dates | 1604-1645 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | London | ||
| Vocation | Courtier | ||
| Place of Birth | Ferniehirst | ||
| Marriage | Frances Howard | ||
| Issue | |||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography; Calendar of State Papers Domestic, Edward VI-James I, viii, 391 |
1st Earl of Somerset (1613). Brought up in Scottish royal household. Moved to London following union of the crowns, and became groom of the bedchamber (c.1604). Described as a 'new favourite' of the king (1607). Received many honours, including creation as Viscount Rochester with right to sit in the House of Lords (1611) and creation as Earl of Somerset. Gained a base in the north with appointment as lieutenant of Durham (1615). Fell from favour through Overbury scandal, when he and his wife were convicted of murdering Thomas Overbury (1615-1616). Imprisoned in the Tower of London, but released (1622) and subsequently pardoned. Retired to Chiswick.
