In Search of the Grave of the Libertine - John Wilmot Earl of Rochester

#libertine #earlofrochester #charlesII #rake #spelsbury
John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester was a controversial figure in the reign of Charles II. A bright and witty man, sadly he drank, he debauched and he womanised his way through life - he was a true libertine and a rake. He died at the age of thirty-three of a combination of the effects of syphilis and alcohol, having had a deathbed conversion. He was buried in Spelsbury church in Oxfordshire close to his birthplace. In this video, I explore his life and go in search of his burial place, which though unmarked was discovered around forty years ago.
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[@chazzyb8660]

Alan, another genius retelling of the sad story of Rochester, another one whose light burnt too quickly. For some reason I had forgot the connection between Rochester and the Lee's. The wife and children of (an earlier) Sir Harry Lee, Queen Elizabeth's Champion(?), are buried in St Mary's Aylesbury, or at least their alabaster monument sits there. Sir Harry moved to Ditchley from Quarrendon, with his sometime mistress, and of course commissioned the famous portrait of his Queen (and possible half-sister?), standing on the map of England. Sadly we lost the two (almost life size) baby sons of Sir Harry and Lady Elizabeth Lee following the first lock-down, though we cling to the hope they will return as they did when stolen previously, some years ago. There is a tradition of placing red flowers on the monument, though currently they are silk, having been advised that spilt water might damage the alabaster. If you happen to be in Aylesbury, not sure why you would be, the church is open every morning till mid-day. It was originally part of the diocese of Lincoln, and had a connection to the Boleyn family too, who had a Manor House in 'Kingsbury', just around the corner. And then there is the much earlier connection to St Osyth, but perhaps I've gone on long enough! It's constantly amazing the tales one can spin from virtually any old church in England.

[@a24-45]

another riveting tale, looking forward to each one! On a side note, I understand that "abduction of an heiress" was not just your everyday kidnapping, it was a separate and distinct crime unto itself -- and a very serious threat to unmarried daughters of the wealthy, right into the C19th. For an unscrupulous "gentleman" of lesser means, abducting an heiress (usually a gullible teenager) was the fast track to a lifetime of guaranteed wealth. The way this crime worked was that, once kidnapped, the bride's virginity was assumed to be compromised, so her parents would then actively support her marrying her abductor, so as to avoid her being disgraced forever. The kidnapper would try to coerce her into marrying him before allowing her to see her family again, so that as his wife, legally, all her money would then be his. However, a Court of Law could annul such a marriage (if the daughter's family applied for it) and the kidnapper-husband, if caught, could be jailed.

[@jilltagmorris]

When they looked at their coffins do they make repairs? His wife's coffin crushing his made me sad. Excellent as always Dr.!!!

[@allanbarton]

No sadly, they just leave them as they are. The state of this vault is Tudy compared to some - often great stacks of coffins are piled three, four even five high and these often collapse.

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

You paint such a wonderful picture of an amazing life and time, all bound together in the story of a small village church.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much, I've always loved the way material remains can preserve and reveal so much about people in history! Thanks for watching.

[@Jennifer-qo4kz]

This is so exciting to me. History is cool. Thank you.

[@aquageraniablue6990]

Those brass plaques...so mournful. Memento mori. Upholstered outer coffins. Such splendour concealing frail human decay. Poignant. Thank you for transporting us into the past. I love these church tours.

[@allanbarton]

So glad you're enjoying my channel, thanks for watching!

[@pixbychris3182]

Things never change each generation has its libertines. Excellent video

[@allanbarton]

Very true.

[@thefrenchgardener1865]

Thank you for the exquisite detail of your research. Your record here will probably become the most complete explanation for future generations asking these same questions. Does the government or historical societies in England support your work and encourage study of these historical figures? Here in the USA, many details are lost because of the lack of influential interest.

[@chriscaughey1103]

I really agree. His historical knowledge and what he shares here is great.

[@SarahGreen523]

Another wonderfully researched and narrated subject! He was a handsome man, if you can believe the portraits. To be dead by 33! Imagine the life he'd lead if he were alive and in similar circumstances today! Amusing to wonder about.

[@TerryC69]

Hi Allan! A beautifully told colourful and cautionary tale indeed.

[@allanbarton]

History is both entertaining and to be learned from, isn't it! Glad you appreciated the video.

[@ceh5526]

So much gloom, but in the middle so many laughs - Memory Eternal. Thank you

[@allanbarton]

Thanks for watching, glad you appreciated it.

[@amymahers2957]

Again, most informative. One wonders what sent his life down this tragic past. Thank you Allan.

[@SarahGreen523]

Privilege? To have a King pay for a three month tour! To have a King pick a rich wife! To have a King excuse almost every offensive thing done? And during a time when everyone was kicking up their heels after the Puritans' hold was over! Yes, I'd say it was privilege and the luck of his birth.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 😊

[@Lisette777]

Thanks, Allan! Great job storytelling! I do wonder if the spirits of Rochester and family is what slightly gave you the creeps in there. One never knows!

[@allanbarton]

One never does, they were a tormented lot in the end! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@AulicExclusiva]

Lovely entry. Deeply enjoyed Greene's book in my youth.

[@allanbarton]

It is in many respects a really tragic story.

[@nickimontie]

I'm going to read the book next!

[@allanbarton]

@@nickimontie you will enjoy it Nicki.

[@penelopehammerton2907]

Thank you Allan for yet another interesting video, you put so much detail into them and it is appreciated.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you're enjoying my videos, thanks for watching!

[@EllenCFarmGirl]

Very fascinating. Great job tracking all the history down. Love it! ❤️

[@allanbarton]

Thanks Ellen, isn't it a tragic story though - it saddens me when people self destruct in this way.

[@davidd6171]

Fantastic as always Allan! I'm getting close to finishing watching all the videos on your channel!

[@allanbarton]

Thanks David - that is a lot to get through. I'm glad you are enjoying them.

[@absonus]

Paid a visit to Spelsbury Church myself a few years ago occasioned by interest in Rochester .Interesting church in a lovely setting .

[@charlesmaximus9161]

Your channel is seriously the best. I absolutely love it.

[@allanbarton]

Wow, thank you! Thanks for watching.

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

Was this the same Earl f Rochester that served as a messenger to tell London that a Dutch fleet had been sighted in 1666, but also wrote scandalous poetry about much of the court?

[@allanbarton]

The very same.

[@marklawless8829]

thank you for this video. I'm a big fan of Earl of Rochester, I love the movie The Libertine of course, Depp did a great job in my opinion.

[@jennyhunter9346]

Super 🎉 Thank-you.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@kevinchambers1101]

Even though he fathered children, it sounds like Rochester was the Kings boy toy, that could be the reason the King was so tolerant.

[@timhazeltine3256]

There is no evidence Rochester was the King's 'boy toy' (i.e. his sexual partner). Moreover, King Charles II was heterosexual. This is demonstrated by his considerable herd of children born out of wedlock. Moreover, if the King had demonstrated such proclivities, they would not have escaped the notice of his contemporaries. Perhaps you are thinking of King James I and VI, who was King Charles' grandfather.

[@allanbarton]

No I don't think he was, I don't think Charles had that proclivity unlike his grandfather James I. I honestly think that Charles felt a debt of gratitude to his father and that the fondness he had to the father was transferred to the son. Charles treated him in a genuinely paternal manner.

[@kevinchambers1101]

@@allanbarton Thank you for your wonderful presentations and your reply. I rewatched your program again and discovered I missed your reporting on Rochester's cross dressing. I would guess he enjoyed the practice more than once. But no matter, for Rochester to be able to humiliate the King and get away with it shows that Rochester had an emotional control over the King. Usually that type of control comes from having sexual power over another. I may be wrong about Rochester, but history tends to provide many examples, even of those that are seen as heterosexual My grandmother's uncle ancestor was Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London who was burned at the stake, ouch. That gruesome time in Londons history might make an interesting future program.

[@timhazeltine3256]

@@allanbarton Allan, Thank you for your perspective.That is also my understanding of the dynamic between the King and Rochester. Also, Rochester dressing as a woman was but one of many examples of his proclivity for skewering social conventions and mores.

[@elizabethcornwell4156]

He was a shocker was’nt he,but I always had a soft spot for him.Some stuff he wrote is dreadful,but some,very funny & witty!

[@johnbayer9795]

I read that wisecrack about King Charles many years ago but couldn't have identified an author.

[@finlayfraser9952]

Fascinating.

[@suesmith9202]

I enjoyed that, thank you

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@dragonclaws9367]

Best ever monologue in a movie in my humble opinion. ❤ I have heard rumors that he's going to play either Louis or Charles I forget which. I enjoy a lush with long hair I'm in the wrong time. ❤ I feel we can use that leaflet now sadly.

[@jackpayne4658]

When Rochester took the name Dr Bendo, he trusted that his clients would add the final -ver.

[@renerpho]

A real Lear's fool, being the only one who gets away with speaking the truth in front of the king (if barely), and then disappearing to an unmarked grave.

[@johnwajda1296]

Amazing job. Huzzah.

[@johnwajda1296]

I'll go there one day I hope👑. Are the bodies still under the church?? U said they took photos. Some one went under to identify?? What did u think of blazing star book?? What ur favorite documentary on the earl? Not a lot out there. Urz is the best great job. Any more more wilmot videos?? Thank care. Johnny w from Philadelphia

[@johnwajda1296]

What happened to the body's after they went in?? U said they took the name plates. But did they reburythem in same spot of different?? Great video

[@geoffreypiltz271]

Earls just wanna have fun!

[@aaron6178]

Imagine being 18 and your dad's mate pays for a gigantic world tour for your 'education'. Man, no wonder he partied. haha. Good for him. Amazing story.

[@irishlad8797]

Wow just how many were buried in that single vault?? It must b a little crowded lovely video though 😎

[@allanbarton]

It is a fairly large vault I think, but still packed - it also contains all the later Earls of Lichfield too.

[@williamclifford4441]

My favourite story about him is about the almost duel he had against the Duke of Buckingham. Wilmot was no coward but he arrived totally drunk. - well it was early in rhe morning! He suggested that they should call it off since what Buckingham thought that Wilmot had said, Wilmot declared that he hadn't (He quite probably didn't). Buckingham declared him a scoundrel and said he would the Court about Wilmot's behaviour. Wilmot told him to go ahead since his name was already blackened beyond redemption anyway! 😂

[@WiseAngelUK]

Johnny Depp portrayed him in The Libertine, which Weinstein buried after a short run in theatres. This is said to have denied Depp and his costars the Oscars they were nominated for.

[@michealgillman7418]

Fantastic detail...he was a right "jack the lad" ...drunken womanising chap who pleased himself and ultimately paid the price. Dare say he enjoyed himself all the same...not that I condone such behaviour obviously 🙄

[@jennyhunter9346]

I live in Walmley B76. There is a John Wilmott School here. Any connection?

[@chiron14pl]

there's a lovely English country dance titled "Rakes of Rochester." I believe it was published in 1750, so long enough after Wilmot's death that it could have been titled about him.

[@jennyhunter9346]

The Scottish contingent should never been admitted to the Monarchy.

[@nadiabrook7871]

I feel sorry for Rochester's wife!! She must've been made VERY miserable by her husband's philandering behaviour!! GREAT video, as always, Allan!!XXXX ❤👍

[@mariagordanier3404]

Not to mention syphilitic! Fab video just the same!! I love every one.

[@nadiabrook7871]

@@mariagordanier3404 I know!! I do feel sorry for her!!

[@allanbarton]

Yes, not exactly a bed of roses for her sadly. Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@nadiabrook7871]

@@allanbarton I also hope that Rochester's deathbed confession was genuine, although, at the end of the day, that natter is between him and God!!🤔🙏💗

[@schmaviddipmot2402]

thats my 12th grandfather

[@user-tr7st6vi7p]

Is there a death mask of John wilmot

[@jennyhunter9346]

Rochester is a character in a Jane Eyer. Relative?

[@user-qs7gx7rp7m]

Who would not (or has not for lack of opportunity), been just like him, raised in opportunity forming enviroment beyond his control ? Forgive anyone who supported Prince Charles. My ancestor arrived in America as a result had less oportunity but a longer life.

[@gettinoveritgettinoverit1062]

🍷G.O.A.T. Wino$ of thee 1600$😮 🤔

[@kayallen7603]

You failed to mention that the medicines Rochester took for his venereal diseases contained mercury and or arsenic.

[@allanbarton]

I also failed to discuss the cause of his death whatsoever, I don't go beyond the written evidence into the realms of speculation.

[@anne-marie2972]

Is there a monkey in the potrait 🤔 ?

[@theoldar]

Does abducted mean raped?

[@a24-45]

not necessarily. But it was a very real threat for the young woman who was kidnapped. Usually the abductor's goal was a legal marriage to his victim --so it was in his interests to get her to cooperate with this idea, if at all possible. That usually meant some pretence at being nice. But some abductors would have taken full advantage of their victim, counting on the probability that her parents would insist on her agreeing to marry him, once her chastity had been compromised. (see my longer comment on this topic further down).

[@TT-zd6nr]

A very rushed pace unlike your usual style.

[@allanbarton]

I experimented taking my long pauses out in the editing process as someone said I was slow and tedious! Someone said on one of my videos that it was listenable only if sped up 1.5 times.

[@TT-zd6nr]

@@allanbarton I will admit I prefer the former style and I am afraid I abandoned the video as I felt breathless. Possibly you could ask for a vote on this?

[@matthewwigley1613]

@@allanbarton I've always considered your stuff to be well paced and informative. I can't recall being irritated by long pauses or slow pace. Maybe the fact that you only get one or two adverse comments from a subscription of nearly 50k should be your guiding light. After all, It's all about the facts, not the way it's presented. If the dissenters were so aggrieved and so expert they could always go away and produce their own content!!! Keep doing what you've done up till now please, 50,000 people can't all be wrong. I personally love what you do and it always brightens my day when I see that you have posted. Keep on truckin', kind regards, Matt

[@heatherracho]

Crazy I was just thinking wtf is he buried 😅 thanks for the video.

[@heatherracho]

Methinks I see you, newly risen From your embroider'd Bed and pissing, With studied mien and much grimace, Present yourself before your glass, To vanish and smooth o'er those graces, You rubb'd off in your Night Embraces by : John Wilmot