The Tryal of Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Before the..

1679. [London: s.n.], Printed in the Year 1679.. [London: s.n.], Printed in the Year 1679. An Infamous Earl Gets Away with Murder Herbert, Philip, 7th Earl of Pembroke [1653-1683], Defendant. The Tryal of Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Before the Peers in Westminster-Hall, On Thursday the 4th. Of April 1678. [London: s.n.], Printed in the Year 1679. [2], 28 pp. Folio (12" x 7-3/4"). Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet, recently resewn, marbled edges. Light toning, spine and edges of a few leaves discreetly mended with tissue, light foxing and soiling in a few places, illegible early annotations to foot of title page. $750. * Only edition. Pembroke was a nobleman from an eminent family. Notorious for his fits of violent rage, he had an extensive criminal record. In 1678, he kicked Nathaniel Cony to death in a tavern and was indicted for murder. Using his nobility to the fullest possible advantage, Pembroke claimed his right to be tried by his peers in the House of Lords. When they convicted him of manslaughter, he then invoked the privilege of peerage, which allowed him to escape punishment for his first offense. His reputation was such that the presiding judge warned him that "no man can have the benefit of that Statute but once," advice that Pembroke was unable to heed; he committed at least one additional murder, and possibly more, though he continued to evade justice. English Short-Title Catalogue R18066.