Braddon, Lawrence

Epithet: Barrister

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000473.0x000284

Lawrence Braddon (d. 1724), politician, was called to the bar at the Middle Temple. He was imprisoned in 1683 after he spread rumours that the death of the Earl of Essex in the Tower had been the result of murder. He was released in 1689, and in 1695 became solicitor to the wine licence office. His published works included material concerning Essex's death. Braddon died on 29 November 1724.

Arthur Capel, Earl of Essex (1631-1683), was sent to the Tower in 1682 for plotting against Charles II with James Scott, Duke of Monmouth. He was found dead with his throat slit in July 1683. Although he probably committed suicide, some contempories claimed Essex had been murdered on the orders of the court.

From the guide to the Lawrence Braddon: Reflexions on the Vindication of the Countess Dowager of Essex, 1690, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)