Escape of Roger Mortimer from the Tower of London, 1323
Illustration by Charles Ricketts (1866–1931) from a special edition history of England published in 1903. Info from wiki: Roger Mortimer, 3rd Baron Mortimer, 1st Earl of March (25 April 1287 – 29 November 1330), was an English nobleman and powerful Marcher lord who gained many estates in the Welsh Marches and Ireland following his advantageous marriage to the wealthy heiress Joan de Geneville, 2nd Baroness Geneville. In November 1316, he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1322 for having led the Marcher lords in a revolt against King Edward II in what became known as the Despenser War. He later escaped to France, where he was joined by Edward's queen consort Isabella, whom he took as his mistress. After he and Isabella led a successful invasion and rebellion, Edward was subsequently deposed; Mortimer allegedly arranged his murder at Berkeley Castle. For three years, Mortimer was de facto ruler of England before being himself overthrown by Edward's eldest son, Edward III. Accused of assuming royal power and other crimes, Mortimer was executed by hanging at Tyburn. In January 1322 Roger attacked and burnt Bridgnorth but, being heavily outnumbered, was forced to surrender to the king at Shrewsbury.[5] Mortimer joined Lancaster at the Battle of Boroughbridge in May 1322 and warrants for his arrest were issued in July.[5] A death sentence was passed upon Roger but this was commuted to life imprisonment and he was consigned to the Tower of London.[5] In August 1323 Mortimer, aided by the Constable, Stephen de Segrave, drugged the warders and escaped.[5] He attempted to capture Windsor and Wallingford Castles to free imprisoned Contrariants.[5] Roger eventually fled to France, pursued by warrants for his capture dead or alive
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Photo credit: © Historical Images Archive / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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