After the death of the infamous explorer and adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh, his devoted wife Elizabeth "Bess" Throckmorton carried around a rather unusual keepsake - his embalmed head. Yes, you read that right. Bess kept her husband's severed and preserved head with her for years following his execution.
Walter Raleigh met a tragic end in 1618 when he was beheaded for allegedly conspiring against King James I. In the aftermath of his execution, Bess requested that his head be embalmed so she could keep it as a memento of her beloved husband. The head was reportedly placed in a velvet bag and remained in her possession until her own death in 1647.
The macabre souvenir became a topic of fascination and speculation among the nobility and upper classes of England. Some viewed it as a symbol of Bess's undying love and devotion to her husband, while others saw it as a morbid and disturbing reminder of the brutality of the times.
Despite the controversy surrounding the head, Bess remained steadfast in her decision to keep it close to her. She even had it buried with her when she was laid to rest, ensuring that she and Walter would be reunited in the afterlife.
Today, the story of Bess Throckmorton and the embalmed head of Walter Raleigh continues to captivate and intrigue historians and curious minds alike. It serves as a reminder of the complex and often bizarre customs and practices of the past, as well as the enduring power of love and devotion.
In conclusion, the tale of Walter Raleigh's wife carrying around his embalmed head after his death is a fascinating and somewhat unsettling chapter in history. It highlights the lengths to which some individuals will go to honor and remember their loved ones, even in the face of death and adversity.
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