BEING charming, dashing and popular was not enough to save Robert Devereux from a grisley death at the Tower of London.

Devereux was the 2nd Duke of Essex, and despite being Queen Elizabeth I's favourite at the time, was beheaded at the age of 34 for his part an attempted rebellion in 1601.

Learn about one of the most charismatic Elizabethan characters with a series of weekend re-enactments of key events from his life by costumed guides at the Tower of London in January and the first two weeks of February.

The events compliment the tower's current exhibition, Robert Devereux The Dashing Traitor, which is being held in the White Tower. On display are original documents and artefacts including a ring famously given to him by the queen, intimate letters and the chilling death warrant signed by Elizabeth herself.

Also on display is a full-size replica of the scaffold on which he died. The execution took place on Tower Green within the castle walls, an honour usually reserved for members of the royal family, because it was feared the public may try to save this popular figure.

Jan 19 and 20, 26 and 27, February 2 and 3 plus 9 and 10, guides performing vignettes, Tower of London, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 4pm, £11.30 adults and £8.50 children, 020 7709 0765, www.hrp.org.uk