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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Earl of Strafford
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(Thomas Wentworth, 1593–1641, baron 1628, earl 1640) Statesman who had been a leading parliamentary critic of *Charles I in the 1620s but who by the time of the *Long Parliament in 1640 was seen as a symbol of royal misrule. He became close to the king after the death of *Buckingham, and was sent to govern northern England and then Ireland. He carried out these tasks with great efficiency but also with a high degree of self-enrichment. In the mood of 1640 an attack on Strafford seemed the most effective way to undermine royal authority. His impeachment for treason was launched within the first two weeks of the new parliament and his trial began in March 1641. He defended himself so convincingly that the charge was replaced by a bill of attainder, being a summary sentence of death by act of parliament. He was beheaded on Tower Hill.
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