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Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester

Type Figure Region England Time 1532–1588 Also known as Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester、Lord Leicester、Robert Dudley

Robert Dudley was Elizabeth I's closest favourite and political ally, serving as Master of the Horse, Earl of Leicester and Governor of the Netherlan…

Timeline

  1. 1532–1558London · MiddlesexBorn into a Norfolk noble family, his father was John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. In 1553 the family lost power after the failed attempt to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne; after Elizabeth acceded in 1558 he quickly regained favour, becoming one of the queen's closest courtiers.
  2. 1561–1570London · MiddlesexServing as Master of the Horse and deeply involved in court politics, he was created Earl of Leicester in 1564. After his wife Amy Robsart died in the Cumnor Place incident in 1567, the possibility of his marriage to the queen was essentially ended, yet he still directed many diplomatic and military affairs as a favourite.
  3. 1585–1588Netherlands · NetherlandsIn 1585 he was ordered to lead English reinforcements to the Netherlands in support of the Dutch independence movement, serving as Governor of the Netherlands. In 1588 he helped organize defences against the Spanish Armada, and died of illness that September on his return journey.

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