biography
| name: |
Leicester, Robert Dudley, Earl of
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also known as Baron Denbigh and Sir Robert Dudley
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pronunciation:
[lester]
| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (c.1532–88)
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| biography:
| Nobleman, the favourite and possibly the lover of Elizabeth I. He became Master of the Horse, Knight of the Garter, a privy councillor, baron, and finally Earl of Leicester (1564). In 1550 he married Amye Robsart and was supposed by some to have brought about her murder in 1560. He was high steward of Cambridge University (1562) and chancellor of Oxford University (1564). He continued to receive favour from Elizabeth in spite of his unpopularity at court and a secret marriage in 1573 to the Dowager Lady Sheffield. In 1575 he entertained Elizabeth with masques at Kenilworth Castle, and in 1577 took part in Drake's expedition. In 1578 he bigamously married the widow of Walter, Earl of Essex, yet Elizabeth was only temporarily offended. In 1585 he commanded the expedition to the Low Countries, but was recalled in 1587 for alleged conspiracy with the Prince of Orange. He was nonetheless appointed in 1588 to command the forces against the Spanish Armada but died before he could set sail. |
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