Ker

Ker, or Carr, Robert, Viscount Rochester and Earl of Somerset, a member of the family of the Kers of Fernihurst, began life as a page to the Earl of Dunbar, but was taken to London by Sir Thomas Overbury, and introduced to James I., in whose service he rose rapidly. He married the profligate Countess of Essex, and both he and his wife were tried for the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury in 1615, George Villiers now having taken the place of his predecessor in the royal affections. Though their guilt was proved, the fear of discreditable revelations induced the king to let them escape and even grant them a pension of £4,000 a year. Their agents, however, were executed. The Earl of Somerset died in 1645.