Sir John Fenwick, 3rd Baronet, English general and politician (b. 1645)

Sir John Fenwick, 3rd Baronet (c. 1645 – 28 January 1697), was a notable figure in late 17th-century English politics, primarily recognized as a staunch Jacobite conspirator. Born around 1645, Fenwick inherited the hereditary title of Baronet of Fenwick, associated with his family's estates in Northumberland, upon the death of his father, Sir William Fenwick, in 1676. This succession placed him within the landed gentry, a class often deeply involved in the political and religious turmoils of the era.

As a devoted adherent of the Jacobite cause, Fenwick's political allegiance was to the exiled Catholic King James II. The Jacobite movement sought to restore James II and his direct heirs to the English, Scottish, and Irish thrones, following the Glorious Revolution of 1688 which saw the Protestant monarchs William III of Orange and Mary II ascend the throne. Fenwick's commitment to this cause led him to participate in increasingly dangerous schemes against the new regime.

His notoriety stems from his central involvement in the infamous Jacobite Assassination Plot of 1696. This audacious conspiracy aimed to assassinate King William III, thereby creating a power vacuum that conspirators hoped would facilitate a French invasion and the restoration of James II. The plot involved a detailed plan to ambush the King's coach near Turnham Green on his return from hunting. Fenwick was not merely a peripheral figure; he was deeply implicated in the planning and execution of this treasonous enterprise, making him a high-value target for the authorities.

Following the discovery of the plot, Sir John Fenwick attempted to flee England but was apprehended in June 1696. During his interrogation, he tried to secure clemency by implicating several prominent Whig leaders, including the Duke of Shrewsbury and Lord Godolphin, in Jacobite sympathies. However, his uncorroborated confessions were deemed unreliable and failed to save him.

Facing insufficient evidence for a conventional treason trial, which legally required two independent witnesses to the same overt act, the Whig-dominated Parliament employed an extraordinary legal instrument: a Bill of Attainder. A Bill of Attainder is a legislative act that declares a person guilty of treason or felony, bypassing the judicial process of a trial by jury. This controversial measure allowed Parliament to condemn Fenwick to death based on perceived guilt rather than strict legal proof. Despite a vigorous defence and considerable debate within Parliament regarding the constitutional implications of such a bill, it ultimately passed.

Sir John Fenwick was subsequently executed for high treason by beheading on Tower Hill in London on 28 January 1697. His death marked a significant historical moment: he was the last person in England to be condemned to death by a Bill of Attainder, a practice that subsequently fell into disuse. His case remains a notable example of the political and legal complexities of the post-Glorious Revolution era and the lengths to which Parliament would go to secure the new Protestant succession against its Jacobite challengers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sir John Fenwick

Who was Sir John Fenwick?

Sir John Fenwick was an English nobleman and the 3rd Baronet of Fenwick, prominently known for his role as a Jacobite conspirator in the late 17th century.

What was the Jacobite movement?

The Jacobite movement was a political and religious cause dedicated to restoring the Stuart dynasty, specifically King James II and his descendants, to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland after the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

What was the "Assassination Plot of 1696"?

The Assassination Plot of 1696 was a major Jacobite conspiracy to murder King William III of Orange, who had replaced James II on the English throne. The plot aimed to create chaos and facilitate a French invasion to restore James II.

Why was Sir John Fenwick condemned by a Bill of Attainder?

Fenwick was condemned by a Bill of Attainder because the traditional legal requirement for a treason trial—two independent witnesses to the same overt act—could not be met. Parliament used this extraordinary legislative measure to bypass a jury trial and declare him guilty of treason.

What is the historical significance of Sir John Fenwick's execution?

Sir John Fenwick's execution on 28 January 1697 on Tower Hill holds significant historical weight as he was the last person in England to be condemned to death by a Bill of Attainder. This case highlighted the constitutional tensions between parliamentary power and judicial process.