Royal favourite? Light-fingered jewel thief? Which one kept his head? This exhibition explored the contrasting fortunes of Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, and Captain Blood,17th century crown jewel thief.

WHICH ONE WAS GRANTED THE ROYAL PARDON?

ROBERT DEVEREUX, Earl of Essex, popular hero and charismatic favourite of the ageing Elizabeth 1?

CAPTAIN BLOOD, disaffected Irish republican and failed kidnapper, caught red-handed stealing the crown jewels in 1671?

If early promise were any guide, it should have been the Earl of Essex who lived to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Instead, in 1601, at the age of 35, Robert Devereux became the last person to be beheaded at the Tower of London while the disreputable Blood ended his days on a generous pension from Charles II.