Anne Turner, English murderer (d. 1615)

Mrs. Anne Turner, also widely known as Mistress Anne Turner, (born 5 January 1576 – executed 15 November 1615) was a figure central to one of the most sensational and scandalous criminal cases of early 17th-century England: the notorious poisoning of Sir Thomas Overbury.

Who Was Anne Turner?

A sophisticated woman of her time, Anne Turner was the widow of a highly regarded London physician, Dr. George Turner. Her connections and social standing within Jacobean London society were considerable, allowing her access to influential circles, including the volatile court of King James I. Beyond her domestic life, she was also known for her entrepreneurial spirit, particularly for popularizing a fashionable yellow starch used to stiffen ruffs, a key accessory of the era.

The Overbury Poisoning Scandal of 1613

Anne Turner's infamy stems directly from her involvement in the infamous 1613 murder of Sir Thomas Overbury. Overbury, a prominent poet, essayist, and a close confidant and advisor to Robert Carr, the King's favorite and Earl of Somerset, was imprisoned in the Tower of London. His imprisonment was engineered largely because he vehemently opposed the planned marriage between Robert Carr and the Countess of Essex, Frances Howard, who was seeking an annulment from her first husband, Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex. Overbury's opposition, born from a deep understanding of Frances Howard's controversial past and perhaps a genuine concern for Carr, ultimately sealed his fate.

Anne Turner's Role in the Conspiracy

The poisoning of Sir Thomas Overbury was a complex conspiracy involving high-ranking figures. Frances Howard, a manipulative and ambitious woman, became the primary orchestrator, aided by her new husband, Robert Carr. Anne Turner served as a crucial accomplice and trusted confidante to Frances Howard. Her specific role included the procurement and alleged administration of various poisons to Overbury during his confinement in the Tower. These poisons were delivered covertly by various agents, slowly eroding Overbury's health until his eventual death, which was initially attributed to natural causes.

Trial, Execution, and Lasting Legacy

The truth about Overbury's death emerged years later, leading to a series of shocking trials in 1615 and 1616 that exposed the deep corruption and moral decay within the Jacobean court. Anne Turner was among the first of the conspirators to be brought to justice. Convicted for her direct involvement in the murder, she was publicly hanged at Tyburn on 15 November 1615. Her execution was a public spectacle, made all the more memorable by the fact that she reportedly wore a ruff stiffened with her signature yellow starch. This detail quickly became a morbid symbol, cementing her connection to the crime and leading to a temporary decline in the fashionability of yellow starch.

The Overbury poisoning became one of the most significant Jacobean scandals, not only due to its sensational nature but also because it implicated some of the highest echelons of society and government, including the King's own favorite. The public fascination with the case was immense, inspiring numerous literary works that both documented and dramatized the events. These include:

• A New Trick to Cheat the Devil
• The Widow
• The World Tossed at Tennis
• The City Nightcap

These plays reflect the profound societal impact of the scandal, showcasing how it permeated public consciousness and served as a cautionary tale about ambition, betrayal, and justice in the Stuart era.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anne Turner and the Overbury Scandal

Who was Anne Turner?

Anne Turner was the widow of a respected London doctor who gained infamy for her pivotal role in the 1613 poisoning of Sir Thomas Overbury, a major Jacobean court scandal.

What was the Sir Thomas Overbury poisoning?

It was a notorious murder plot orchestrated by Frances Howard and Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset, against Sir Thomas Overbury. Overbury was poisoned while imprisoned in the Tower of London for opposing Carr and Howard's marriage. The scandal exposed significant corruption within King James I's court.

What was Anne Turner's specific role in the poisoning?

Anne Turner acted as a close accomplice and confidante to Frances Howard. She was responsible for acquiring and facilitating the delivery of the poisons used to slowly kill Sir Thomas Overbury in his prison cell.

Where was Anne Turner executed?

Anne Turner was publicly hanged at Tyburn, London, on 15 November 1615, a common site for high-profile executions during that period.

How did Anne Turner become associated with yellow starch?

Anne Turner was known for inventing and popularizing a fashionable yellow starch used for ruffs. At her execution, she reportedly wore a yellow-starched ruff, which tragically linked the fashion trend to her infamy and led to its temporary decline in popularity.