Individual Details
Earl Robert Dudley
(24 Jun 1532 - 4 Sep 1588)
From Wikipedia
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, c. 1564. In the background are the devices of the Order of Saint Michael and the Order of the Garter; Robert Dudley was a knight of both.
Born 24 June 1532
Died 4 September 1588 (aged 56)
Cornbury, Oxfordshire
Resting place Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
Title Earl of Leicester
Tenure 1564–1588
Other titles Baron of Denbigh
Known for Favourite of Elizabeth I
Nationality English
Residence Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Leicester House, London
Wanstead, Essex
Locality West Midlands
North Wales
Wars and battles Kett's Rebellion
Campaign against Mary Tudor, 1553
Battle of St. Quentin, 1557
Dutch Revolt
Spanish Armada
Offices Master of the Horse
Lord Steward of the Royal Household
Privy Councillor
Governor-General of the United Provinces
Spouse(s) Amy Robsart
Lettice Knollys
Issue Sir Robert Dudley (illegitimate)
Robert Dudley, Lord Denbigh (died as a child)
Parents John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland
Jane Guildford
Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester KG (24 June 1532 or 1533[note 1] – 4 September 1588) was an English nobleman and the favourite and close friend of Elizabeth I's, from her first year on the throne until his death. He was a suitor for the queen's hand for many years.
Dudley's youth was overshadowed by the downfall of his family in 1553 after his father, the Duke of Northumberland, had failed to establish Lady Jane Grey on the English throne. Robert Dudley was condemned to death but was released in 1554 and took part in the Battle of St. Quentin under Philip II of Spain, which led to his full rehabilitation. On Elizabeth I's accession in November 1558, Dudley was appointed Master of the Horse. In October 1562, he became a Privy Councillor and, in 1587, was appointed Lord Steward of the Royal Household. In 1564, Dudley became Earl of Leicester and, from 1563, one of the greatest landowners in North Wales and the English West Midlands by royal grants.
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, was one of Elizabeth's leading statesmen, involved in domestic as well as foreign politics alongside William Cecil and Francis Walsingham. Although he refused to be married to Mary, Queen of Scots, Dudley was for a long time relatively sympathetic to her until, from the mid-1580s, he strongly advocated for her execution. As patron of the Puritan movement, he supported non-conforming preachers but tried to mediate between them and the bishops of the Church of England. A champion also of the international Protestant cause, he led the English campaign in support of the Dutch Revolt (1585–87). His acceptance of the post of Governor-General of the United Provinces infuriated Queen Elizabeth. The expedition was a military and political failure, and it ruined the Earl financially. Leicester was engaged in many large-scale business ventures and was one of the main backers of Francis Drake and other explorers and privateers. During the Spanish Armada, the Earl was in overall command of the English land forces. In this function, he invited Queen Elizabeth to visit her troops at Tilbury. This was the last of many events he had organised over the years, the most spectacular being the festival at his seat Kenilworth Castle in 1575 on occasion of a three-week visit by the Queen. Dudley was a principal patron of the arts, literature, and the Elizabethan theatre.[1]
Robert Dudley's private life interfered with his court career and vice versa. When his first wife, Amy Robsart, fell down a flight of stairs and died in 1560, he was free to marry the Queen. However, the resulting scandal very much reduced his chances in this respect. Popular rumours that he had arranged for his wife's death continued throughout his life, despite the coroner's jury's verdict of accident. For 18 years he did not remarry for Queen Elizabeth's sake and when he finally did, his new wife, Lettice Knollys, was permanently banished from court. This and the death of his only legitimate son and heir were heavy blows.[2] Shortly after the child's death in 1584, a virulent libel known as Leicester's Commonwealth was circulated in England. It laid the foundation of a literary and historiographical tradition that often depicted the Earl as the Machiavellian "master courtier"[3] and as a deplorable figure around Elizabeth I. More recent research has led to a reassessment of his place in Elizabethan government and society.
Education and marriage[edit]
Robert Dudley was the fifth son of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, and his wife Jane, daughter of Sir Edward Guildford.[4] John and Jane Dudley had 13 children in all and were known for their happy family life.[5] Among the siblings' tutors figured John Dee,[6] Thomas Wilson, and Roger Ascham.[7] Roger Ascham believed that Robert Dudley possessed a rare talent for languages and writing, regretting that his pupil had done himself harm by preferring mathematics.[8] Robert learned the craft of the courtier at the courts of Henry VIII, and especially Edward VI, among whose companions he served.[9]
In 1549 Robert Dudley participated in crushing Kett's Rebellion and probably first met Amy Robsart, whom he was to wed on 4 June 1550 in the presence of the young King Edward.[10] She was of the same age as the bridegroom and the daughter and heiress of Sir John Robsart, a gentleman-farmer of Norfolk.[11] It was a love-match, the young couple depending heavily on their fathers' gifts, especially Robert's. John Dudley, who since early 1550 effectively ruled England, was pleased to strengthen his influence in Norfolk by his son's marriage.[12] Lord Robert, as he was styled as a duke's son, became an important local gentleman and a Member of Parliament. His court career went on in parallel.[13]
Condemned and pardoned[edit]
On 6 July 1553 King Edward VI died and the Duke of Northumberland attempted to transfer the English Crown to Lady Jane Grey, who was married to his second youngest son, Guildford Dudley.[14] Robert Dudley led a force of 300 into Norfolk where Mary Tudor was assembling her followers. After some ten days in the county and securing several towns for Jane, he took King's Lynn and proclaimed her in the market-place.[15] The next day, 19 July, Jane's reign was over in London. Soon, the townsmen of King's Lynn seized Robert Dudley and the rest of his small troop and sent him to Framlingham Castle before Mary I.[16]
He was imprisoned in the Tower of London, attainted, and condemned to death, as were his father and four brothers. His father went to the scaffold.[17] In the Tower, Dudley's stay coincided with the imprisonment of his childhood friend,[18] Mary's half-sister Elizabeth, who was sent there on suspicion of involvement in Wyatt's rebellion. Guildford Dudley was executed in February 1554. The surviving brothers were released in the autumn; working for their release, their mother (who died in January 1555) and their brother-in-law, Henry Sidney, had befriended the incoming Spanish nobles around Philip of Spain, Mary's husband.[4]
In December 1554, Ambrose and Robert Dudley took part in a tournament held to celebrate Anglo-Spanish friendship.[4] Yet, the Dudley brothers were only welcome at court as long as King Philip was there,[19] otherwise they were even suspected of associating with people who conspired against Mary's regime.[20] In January 1557 Robert and Amy Dudley were allowed to repossess some of their former lands,[21] and in March of the same year Dudley was at Calais where he was chosen to deliver personally to Queen Mary the happy news of Philip's return to England.[22] Ambrose, Robert, and Henry Dudley, the youngest brother, fought for Philip II at the Battle of St. Quentin in August 1557.[23] Henry Dudley was killed in the following siege by a cannonball—according to Robert, before his own eyes.[24] All surviving Dudley children—Ambrose and Robert with their sisters Mary and Katherine—were restored in blood by Mary I's next parliament in 1558.[18]
Robert Dudley was counted among Elizabeth's special friends by Philip II's envoy to the English court a week before Queen Mary's death.[18] On 18 November 1558, the morning after Elizabeth's accession, Dudley witnessed the surrender of the Great Seal to her at Hatfield. He became Master of the Horse on the same day.[4] This was an important court position entailing close attendance on the sovereign. It suited him, as he was an excellent horseman and showed great professional interest in royal transport and accommodation, horse breeding, and the supply of horses for all occasions. Dudley was also entrusted with organising and overseeing a large part of the Queen's coronation festivities.[25]
In April 1559 Dudley was elected a Knight of the Garter.[26] Shortly before, Philip II had been informed:
Lord Robert has come so much into favour that he does whatever he likes with affairs and it is even said that her majesty visits him in his chamber day and night. People talk of this so freely that they go so far as to say that his wife has a malady in one of her breasts[note 2] and the Queen is only waiting for her to die to marry Lord Robert ... Matters have reached such a pass ... that ... it would ... be well to approach Lord Robert on your Majesty's behalf ... Your Majesty would do well to attract and confirm him in his friendship.[27]
Within a month the Spanish ambassador, Count de Feria, counted Robert Dudley among three persons who ran the country.[note 3] Visiting foreigners of princely rank were bidding for his goodwill. He acted as official host on state occasions and was himself a frequent guest at ambassadorial dinners.[28] By the autumn of 1559 several foreign princes were vying for the Queen's hand; their impatient envoys came under the impression that Elizabeth was fooling them, "keeping Lord Robert's enemies and the country engaged with words until this wicked deed of killing his wife is consummated."[29] "Lord Robert", the new Spanish ambassador de Quadra was convinced, was the man "in whom it is easy to recognise the king that is to be ... she will marry none but the favoured Robert."[30] Many of the nobility would not brook Dudley's new prominence, as they could not "put up with his being King."[31] Plans to kill the favourite abounded,[32] and Dudley took to wearing a light coat of mail under his clothes.[33] Among all classes, in England and abroad, gossip got under way that the Queen had children by Dudley—such rumours never quite ended for the rest of her life.[34]
Amy Dudley's death[edit]
Further information: Amy Robsart
Already in April 1559 court observers noted that Elizabeth never let Dudley from her side;[35] but her favour did not extend to his wife.[36] Lady Amy Dudley lived in different parts of the country since her ancestral manor house was uninhabitable.[37] Her husband visited her for four days at Easter 1559 and she spent a month around London in the early summer of the same year.[38] They never saw each other again; Dudley was with the Queen at Windsor Castle and possibly planning a visit to her, when his wife was found dead at her residence Cumnor Place near Oxford on 8 September 1560:[39]
There came to me Bowes, by whom I do understand that my wife is dead and as he sayeth by a fall from a pair of stairs. Little other understanding can I have of him. The greatness and the suddenness of the misfortune doth so perplex me, until I do hear from you how the matter standeth, or how this evil should light upon me, considering what the malicious world will bruit, as I can take no rest.[40]
Retiring to his house at Kew, away from court as from the putative crime scene, he pressed for an impartial inquiry which had already begun in the form of an inquest.[41] The jury found that it was an accident: Lady Dudley, staying alone "in a certain chamber", had fallen down the adjoining stairs, sustaining two head injuries and breaking her neck.[42] It was widely suspected that Dudley had arranged his wife's death to be able to marry the Queen. The scandal played into the hands of nobles and politicians who desperately tried to prevent Elizabeth from marrying him.[43] Some of these, like William Cecil and Nicholas Throckmorton, made use of it,[44] but did not themselves believe Dudley to be involved[45] in the tragedy which affected the rest of his life.[4]
Most historians have considered murder to be unlikely.[46] The coroner's report came to light in The National Archives in 2008 and is compatible with an accidental fall as well as suicide or other violence.[47] In the absence of the forensic findings of 1560, it was often assumed that a simple accident could not be the explanation[48]—on the basis of near-contemporary tales that Amy Dudley was found at the bottom of a short flight of stairs with a broken neck, her headdress still standing undisturbed "upon her head",[49] a detail that first appeared as a satirical remark in the libel Leicester's Commonwealth of 1584 and has ever since been repeated for a fact.[50] To account for such oddities and evidence that she was ill, it was suggested in 1956 by Ian Aird, a professor of medicine, that Amy Dudley might have suffered from breast cancer, which through metastatic cancerous deposits in the spine, could have caused her neck to break under only limited strain, such as a short fall or even just coming down the stairs.[49] This explanation has been widely accepted.[46] Suicide has also often been considered an option, motives being Amy Dudley's depression or mortal illness.[51]
Marriage hopes and proposals
Elizabeth remained close to Dudley and he, with her blessing and on her prompting, pursued his suit for her hand in an atmosphere of diplomatic intrigue.[52] His wife's and his father's shadows haunted his prospects.[4] His efforts leading nowhere, in the spring of 1561 Dudley offered to leave England to seek military adventures abroad; Elizabeth would have none of that and everything remained as it was.[4]
In October 1562 the Queen fell ill with smallpox and, believing her life to be in danger, she asked the Privy Council to make Robert Dudley Protector of the Realm and to give him a suitable title together with twenty thousand pounds a year. There was universal relief when she recovered her health; Dudley was made a privy councillor.[53] He was already deeply involved in foreign politics, including Scotland.[54] In 1563 Elizabeth suggested Dudley as a consort to the widowed Mary, Queen of Scots, the idea being to achieve firm amity between England and Scotland and diminish the influence of foreign powers.[55] Elizabeth's preferred solution was that they should all live together at the English court, so that she would not have to forgo her favourite's company.[4] Mary of Scotland at first enquired if Elizabeth was serious, wanting above all to know her chances of inheriting the English crown.[56] Elizabeth repeatedly declared that she was only prepared to acknowledge Mary as her heir on condition that she marry Robert Dudley.[57] Mary's Protestant advisors warmed to the prospect of having Dudley as their prince,[58] and in September 1564 he was created Earl of Leicester, a move designed to make him more acceptable to Mary.[4] In January 1565 Thomas Randolph, the English ambassador to Scotland, was told by the Scottish queen that she would accept the proposal.[59] To his amazement, Dudley was not to be moved to comply:
But a man of that nature I never found any ... he whom I go about to make as happy as ever was any, to put him in possession of a kingdom, to lay in his naked arms a most fair ... lady ... nothing regardeth the good that shall ensue unto him thereby ... but so uncertainly dealeth that I know not where to find him.[60]
Dudley indeed had made it clear to the Scots at the beginning that he was not a candidate for Mary's hand and forthwith had behaved with passive resistance.[61] He also worked in the interest of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, Mary's eventual choice of husband.[62] Elizabeth herself wavered as to declaring Mary her heir, until in March 1565 she decided she could not bring herself to it.[63] Still, she finally told the Spanish ambassador that the proposal fell through because the Earl of Leicester refused to cooperate.[64]
By 1564 Dudley had realised that his chances of becoming Elizabeth's consort were small.[65] At the same time he could not "consider ... without great repugnance", as he said, that she chose another husband.[66] Confronted with other marriage projects, Elizabeth continued to say that she still would very much like to marry him.[67] Dudley was seen as a serious candidate until the mid-1560s and later.[68] To remove this threat to Habsburg and Valois suitors, between 1565 and 1578, four German and French princesses were mooted as brides for Leicester, as a consolation for giving up Elizabeth and his resistance to her foreign marriage projects.[69] These he had and would continue to sabotage.[70] In 1566 Dudley formed the opinion that Elizabeth would never marry, recalling that she had always said so since she was eight years old; but he still was hopeful—she had also assured him he would be her choice in case she changed her mind (and married an Englishman).[71]
As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, c. 1564. In the background are the devices of the Order of Saint Michael and the Order of the Garter; Robert Dudley was a knight of both.
Born 24 June 1532
Died 4 September 1588 (aged 56)
Cornbury, Oxfordshire
Resting place Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
Title Earl of Leicester
Tenure 1564–1588
Other titles Baron of Denbigh
Known for Favourite of Elizabeth I
Nationality English
Residence Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Leicester House, London
Wanstead, Essex
Locality West Midlands
North Wales
Wars and battles Kett's Rebellion
Campaign against Mary Tudor, 1553
Battle of St. Quentin, 1557
Dutch Revolt
Spanish Armada
Offices Master of the Horse
Lord Steward of the Royal Household
Privy Councillor
Governor-General of the United Provinces
Spouse(s) Amy Robsart
Lettice Knollys
Issue Sir Robert Dudley (illegitimate)
Robert Dudley, Lord Denbigh (died as a child)
Parents John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland
Jane Guildford
Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester KG (24 June 1532 or 1533[note 1] – 4 September 1588) was an English nobleman and the favourite and close friend of Elizabeth I's, from her first year on the throne until his death. He was a suitor for the queen's hand for many years.
Dudley's youth was overshadowed by the downfall of his family in 1553 after his father, the Duke of Northumberland, had failed to establish Lady Jane Grey on the English throne. Robert Dudley was condemned to death but was released in 1554 and took part in the Battle of St. Quentin under Philip II of Spain, which led to his full rehabilitation. On Elizabeth I's accession in November 1558, Dudley was appointed Master of the Horse. In October 1562, he became a Privy Councillor and, in 1587, was appointed Lord Steward of the Royal Household. In 1564, Dudley became Earl of Leicester and, from 1563, one of the greatest landowners in North Wales and the English West Midlands by royal grants.
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, was one of Elizabeth's leading statesmen, involved in domestic as well as foreign politics alongside William Cecil and Francis Walsingham. Although he refused to be married to Mary, Queen of Scots, Dudley was for a long time relatively sympathetic to her until, from the mid-1580s, he strongly advocated for her execution. As patron of the Puritan movement, he supported non-conforming preachers but tried to mediate between them and the bishops of the Church of England. A champion also of the international Protestant cause, he led the English campaign in support of the Dutch Revolt (1585–87). His acceptance of the post of Governor-General of the United Provinces infuriated Queen Elizabeth. The expedition was a military and political failure, and it ruined the Earl financially. Leicester was engaged in many large-scale business ventures and was one of the main backers of Francis Drake and other explorers and privateers. During the Spanish Armada, the Earl was in overall command of the English land forces. In this function, he invited Queen Elizabeth to visit her troops at Tilbury. This was the last of many events he had organised over the years, the most spectacular being the festival at his seat Kenilworth Castle in 1575 on occasion of a three-week visit by the Queen. Dudley was a principal patron of the arts, literature, and the Elizabethan theatre.[1]
Robert Dudley's private life interfered with his court career and vice versa. When his first wife, Amy Robsart, fell down a flight of stairs and died in 1560, he was free to marry the Queen. However, the resulting scandal very much reduced his chances in this respect. Popular rumours that he had arranged for his wife's death continued throughout his life, despite the coroner's jury's verdict of accident. For 18 years he did not remarry for Queen Elizabeth's sake and when he finally did, his new wife, Lettice Knollys, was permanently banished from court. This and the death of his only legitimate son and heir were heavy blows.[2] Shortly after the child's death in 1584, a virulent libel known as Leicester's Commonwealth was circulated in England. It laid the foundation of a literary and historiographical tradition that often depicted the Earl as the Machiavellian "master courtier"[3] and as a deplorable figure around Elizabeth I. More recent research has led to a reassessment of his place in Elizabethan government and society.
Education and marriage[edit]
Robert Dudley was the fifth son of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, and his wife Jane, daughter of Sir Edward Guildford.[4] John and Jane Dudley had 13 children in all and were known for their happy family life.[5] Among the siblings' tutors figured John Dee,[6] Thomas Wilson, and Roger Ascham.[7] Roger Ascham believed that Robert Dudley possessed a rare talent for languages and writing, regretting that his pupil had done himself harm by preferring mathematics.[8] Robert learned the craft of the courtier at the courts of Henry VIII, and especially Edward VI, among whose companions he served.[9]
In 1549 Robert Dudley participated in crushing Kett's Rebellion and probably first met Amy Robsart, whom he was to wed on 4 June 1550 in the presence of the young King Edward.[10] She was of the same age as the bridegroom and the daughter and heiress of Sir John Robsart, a gentleman-farmer of Norfolk.[11] It was a love-match, the young couple depending heavily on their fathers' gifts, especially Robert's. John Dudley, who since early 1550 effectively ruled England, was pleased to strengthen his influence in Norfolk by his son's marriage.[12] Lord Robert, as he was styled as a duke's son, became an important local gentleman and a Member of Parliament. His court career went on in parallel.[13]
Condemned and pardoned[edit]
On 6 July 1553 King Edward VI died and the Duke of Northumberland attempted to transfer the English Crown to Lady Jane Grey, who was married to his second youngest son, Guildford Dudley.[14] Robert Dudley led a force of 300 into Norfolk where Mary Tudor was assembling her followers. After some ten days in the county and securing several towns for Jane, he took King's Lynn and proclaimed her in the market-place.[15] The next day, 19 July, Jane's reign was over in London. Soon, the townsmen of King's Lynn seized Robert Dudley and the rest of his small troop and sent him to Framlingham Castle before Mary I.[16]
He was imprisoned in the Tower of London, attainted, and condemned to death, as were his father and four brothers. His father went to the scaffold.[17] In the Tower, Dudley's stay coincided with the imprisonment of his childhood friend,[18] Mary's half-sister Elizabeth, who was sent there on suspicion of involvement in Wyatt's rebellion. Guildford Dudley was executed in February 1554. The surviving brothers were released in the autumn; working for their release, their mother (who died in January 1555) and their brother-in-law, Henry Sidney, had befriended the incoming Spanish nobles around Philip of Spain, Mary's husband.[4]
In December 1554, Ambrose and Robert Dudley took part in a tournament held to celebrate Anglo-Spanish friendship.[4] Yet, the Dudley brothers were only welcome at court as long as King Philip was there,[19] otherwise they were even suspected of associating with people who conspired against Mary's regime.[20] In January 1557 Robert and Amy Dudley were allowed to repossess some of their former lands,[21] and in March of the same year Dudley was at Calais where he was chosen to deliver personally to Queen Mary the happy news of Philip's return to England.[22] Ambrose, Robert, and Henry Dudley, the youngest brother, fought for Philip II at the Battle of St. Quentin in August 1557.[23] Henry Dudley was killed in the following siege by a cannonball—according to Robert, before his own eyes.[24] All surviving Dudley children—Ambrose and Robert with their sisters Mary and Katherine—were restored in blood by Mary I's next parliament in 1558.[18]
Robert Dudley was counted among Elizabeth's special friends by Philip II's envoy to the English court a week before Queen Mary's death.[18] On 18 November 1558, the morning after Elizabeth's accession, Dudley witnessed the surrender of the Great Seal to her at Hatfield. He became Master of the Horse on the same day.[4] This was an important court position entailing close attendance on the sovereign. It suited him, as he was an excellent horseman and showed great professional interest in royal transport and accommodation, horse breeding, and the supply of horses for all occasions. Dudley was also entrusted with organising and overseeing a large part of the Queen's coronation festivities.[25]
In April 1559 Dudley was elected a Knight of the Garter.[26] Shortly before, Philip II had been informed:
Lord Robert has come so much into favour that he does whatever he likes with affairs and it is even said that her majesty visits him in his chamber day and night. People talk of this so freely that they go so far as to say that his wife has a malady in one of her breasts[note 2] and the Queen is only waiting for her to die to marry Lord Robert ... Matters have reached such a pass ... that ... it would ... be well to approach Lord Robert on your Majesty's behalf ... Your Majesty would do well to attract and confirm him in his friendship.[27]
Within a month the Spanish ambassador, Count de Feria, counted Robert Dudley among three persons who ran the country.[note 3] Visiting foreigners of princely rank were bidding for his goodwill. He acted as official host on state occasions and was himself a frequent guest at ambassadorial dinners.[28] By the autumn of 1559 several foreign princes were vying for the Queen's hand; their impatient envoys came under the impression that Elizabeth was fooling them, "keeping Lord Robert's enemies and the country engaged with words until this wicked deed of killing his wife is consummated."[29] "Lord Robert", the new Spanish ambassador de Quadra was convinced, was the man "in whom it is easy to recognise the king that is to be ... she will marry none but the favoured Robert."[30] Many of the nobility would not brook Dudley's new prominence, as they could not "put up with his being King."[31] Plans to kill the favourite abounded,[32] and Dudley took to wearing a light coat of mail under his clothes.[33] Among all classes, in England and abroad, gossip got under way that the Queen had children by Dudley—such rumours never quite ended for the rest of her life.[34]
Amy Dudley's death[edit]
Further information: Amy Robsart
Already in April 1559 court observers noted that Elizabeth never let Dudley from her side;[35] but her favour did not extend to his wife.[36] Lady Amy Dudley lived in different parts of the country since her ancestral manor house was uninhabitable.[37] Her husband visited her for four days at Easter 1559 and she spent a month around London in the early summer of the same year.[38] They never saw each other again; Dudley was with the Queen at Windsor Castle and possibly planning a visit to her, when his wife was found dead at her residence Cumnor Place near Oxford on 8 September 1560:[39]
There came to me Bowes, by whom I do understand that my wife is dead and as he sayeth by a fall from a pair of stairs. Little other understanding can I have of him. The greatness and the suddenness of the misfortune doth so perplex me, until I do hear from you how the matter standeth, or how this evil should light upon me, considering what the malicious world will bruit, as I can take no rest.[40]
Retiring to his house at Kew, away from court as from the putative crime scene, he pressed for an impartial inquiry which had already begun in the form of an inquest.[41] The jury found that it was an accident: Lady Dudley, staying alone "in a certain chamber", had fallen down the adjoining stairs, sustaining two head injuries and breaking her neck.[42] It was widely suspected that Dudley had arranged his wife's death to be able to marry the Queen. The scandal played into the hands of nobles and politicians who desperately tried to prevent Elizabeth from marrying him.[43] Some of these, like William Cecil and Nicholas Throckmorton, made use of it,[44] but did not themselves believe Dudley to be involved[45] in the tragedy which affected the rest of his life.[4]
Most historians have considered murder to be unlikely.[46] The coroner's report came to light in The National Archives in 2008 and is compatible with an accidental fall as well as suicide or other violence.[47] In the absence of the forensic findings of 1560, it was often assumed that a simple accident could not be the explanation[48]—on the basis of near-contemporary tales that Amy Dudley was found at the bottom of a short flight of stairs with a broken neck, her headdress still standing undisturbed "upon her head",[49] a detail that first appeared as a satirical remark in the libel Leicester's Commonwealth of 1584 and has ever since been repeated for a fact.[50] To account for such oddities and evidence that she was ill, it was suggested in 1956 by Ian Aird, a professor of medicine, that Amy Dudley might have suffered from breast cancer, which through metastatic cancerous deposits in the spine, could have caused her neck to break under only limited strain, such as a short fall or even just coming down the stairs.[49] This explanation has been widely accepted.[46] Suicide has also often been considered an option, motives being Amy Dudley's depression or mortal illness.[51]
Marriage hopes and proposals
Elizabeth remained close to Dudley and he, with her blessing and on her prompting, pursued his suit for her hand in an atmosphere of diplomatic intrigue.[52] His wife's and his father's shadows haunted his prospects.[4] His efforts leading nowhere, in the spring of 1561 Dudley offered to leave England to seek military adventures abroad; Elizabeth would have none of that and everything remained as it was.[4]
In October 1562 the Queen fell ill with smallpox and, believing her life to be in danger, she asked the Privy Council to make Robert Dudley Protector of the Realm and to give him a suitable title together with twenty thousand pounds a year. There was universal relief when she recovered her health; Dudley was made a privy councillor.[53] He was already deeply involved in foreign politics, including Scotland.[54] In 1563 Elizabeth suggested Dudley as a consort to the widowed Mary, Queen of Scots, the idea being to achieve firm amity between England and Scotland and diminish the influence of foreign powers.[55] Elizabeth's preferred solution was that they should all live together at the English court, so that she would not have to forgo her favourite's company.[4] Mary of Scotland at first enquired if Elizabeth was serious, wanting above all to know her chances of inheriting the English crown.[56] Elizabeth repeatedly declared that she was only prepared to acknowledge Mary as her heir on condition that she marry Robert Dudley.[57] Mary's Protestant advisors warmed to the prospect of having Dudley as their prince,[58] and in September 1564 he was created Earl of Leicester, a move designed to make him more acceptable to Mary.[4] In January 1565 Thomas Randolph, the English ambassador to Scotland, was told by the Scottish queen that she would accept the proposal.[59] To his amazement, Dudley was not to be moved to comply:
But a man of that nature I never found any ... he whom I go about to make as happy as ever was any, to put him in possession of a kingdom, to lay in his naked arms a most fair ... lady ... nothing regardeth the good that shall ensue unto him thereby ... but so uncertainly dealeth that I know not where to find him.[60]
Dudley indeed had made it clear to the Scots at the beginning that he was not a candidate for Mary's hand and forthwith had behaved with passive resistance.[61] He also worked in the interest of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, Mary's eventual choice of husband.[62] Elizabeth herself wavered as to declaring Mary her heir, until in March 1565 she decided she could not bring herself to it.[63] Still, she finally told the Spanish ambassador that the proposal fell through because the Earl of Leicester refused to cooperate.[64]
By 1564 Dudley had realised that his chances of becoming Elizabeth's consort were small.[65] At the same time he could not "consider ... without great repugnance", as he said, that she chose another husband.[66] Confronted with other marriage projects, Elizabeth continued to say that she still would very much like to marry him.[67] Dudley was seen as a serious candidate until the mid-1560s and later.[68] To remove this threat to Habsburg and Valois suitors, between 1565 and 1578, four German and French princesses were mooted as brides for Leicester, as a consolation for giving up Elizabeth and his resistance to her foreign marriage projects.[69] These he had and would continue to sabotage.[70] In 1566 Dudley formed the opinion that Elizabeth would never marry, recalling that she had always said so since she was eight years old; but he still was hopeful—she had also assured him he would be her choice in case she changed her mind (and married an Englishman).[71]
As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]As "a male favourite to a virgin queen", Robert Dudley found himself in an unprecedented situation.[4] His apartments at court were next to hers,[73] and—perceived as knowing "the Queen and her nature best of any man"—his influence was matched by few.[74] Another side of such privileges was Elizabeth's possessiveness and jealousy. His company was essential for her well-being and for many years he was hardly allowed to leave.[4] Sir Christopher Hatton reported a growing emergency when the Earl was away for a few weeks in 1578: "This court wanteth your presence. Her majesty is unaccompanied and, I assure you, the chambers are almost empty."[75]
On ceremonial occasions Dudley often acted as an unofficial consort, sometimes in the Queen's stead.[76] In a personal letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, an old friend of Leicester's, Elizabeth said she considered Leicester as "another ourself".[77] He largely assumed charge of court ceremonial and organised hundreds of small and large festivities.[78] From 1587 he was Lord Steward,[79] being responsible for the royal household's supply with food and other commodities. He displayed a strong sense for economising and reform in this function, which he had de facto occupied long before his official appointment.[80] The sanitary situation in the palaces was a perennial problem, and a talk with Leicester about these issues inspired John Harington to construct a water closet.[81] Leicester was a lifelong sportsman, hunting and jousting in the tiltyard, and an indefatigable tennis-player.[81] He was also the Queen's regular dancing partner.[82]
Events
| Birth | 24 Jun 1532 | ||||
| Death | 4 Sep 1588 | ||||
| Title (Nobility) | 1st Earl of Leicester |
Families
| Father | Duke John Dudley (1501 - 1553) |
| Mother | Jane Guildford (1500 - 1555) |
| Sibling | Lord Guildford Dudley (1536 - 1554) |
| Sibling | Lord Henry Dudley ( - 1557) |
| Sibling | John Dudley ( - 1554) |