THE LIFE OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JAMES RADCLIFFE, THIRD EARL OF DERWENTWATER, AND THE LIFE AND EXECUTION OF HIS BROTHER, CHARLES RADCLIFFE, DE JURE FIFTH EARL OF DERWENTWATER*


Major Francis John Angus Skeet, published by Hutchinson, 1929

This Derwentwater biography focuses on the martyrdom of the Earl of Derwentwater and provides a detailed account of his trial in Westminster Hall. The Earl's response to the charge of High Treason is quoted verbatim, as is the narrative of his execution, described by his chaplain, Father Pippard.

A number of letters are transcribed which were written to the Countess of Derwentwater and which testify to supernatural favours and miraculous healings that had taken place after her husband's death. Details relating to the life and execution of Charles Radcliffe are described, as well as a glowing account of his gallantry and bravery during the Rising of 1715.

An interesting account is given of the various family portraits and heirlooms which, up until 1914, were kept at Slindon House in Sussex, formerly the home of Anthony James Radcliffe, 4th Earl of Newburgh, the last of Charles Radcliffe's descendants. The book is enhanced with illustrations of a number of these portraits, as well as a pedigree of the Radcliffes, going back to the first baronet, who died in 1619.