Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was a once-favored courtier of Queen Elizabeth I, whose fortunes waned in the late 1590s due to his increasingly erratic behavior and political disfavor. Despite his earlier military successes, particularly in Ireland, he found himself sidelined as Elizabeth's attention turned to other advisers. His growing dissatisfaction culminated in a desperate bid for power that took form in a rebellion against the monarch. On a cold February morning, Devereux launched his insurrection with about 140 supporters, attempting to rally popular support for his cause amid a public increasingly weary of court politics.

As Essex entered London, he proclaimed his intentions, promising to end corruption and gain popular support. However, his rebellion lacked both logistical planning and the necessary backing from key military leaders, leaving him and his followers vulnerable. After encountering little enthusiasm from the public and facing swift resistance from government forces, the attempt quickly unraveled. Devereux was ultimately apprehended, and the rebellion was crushed within a matter of hours. His capture marked the end of Elizabethan political contention, as he was charged with treason and executed later that year.