The Earls of Essex

Profusely illustrated with rare and unpublished images
An extraordinary insight into the Capell family
A tale of plots, intrigue, battles, court cases and family quarrels
A thoroughly researched and very readable account of this astounding family


This is the dramatic, often erratic, and at times unbelievable story of the fortunes and misfortunes over 900 years to the present day of one of England’s premier aristocratic families, who in 1661 were given the Earldom of Essex by Charles II.


This previously untold story begins just after the Norman Conquest and ends at the present day. Over a period of 400 years, the Capell family built a fortune, and over the next 500 years, lost it due to an incredible number of mistakes, bad judgement calls, and misfortunes. The Earls of Essex examines the rise and fall of this family, providing in-depth analysis and judgement on the reasons behind their decline.