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Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Of Essex: The Tragic Life of a Tudor Icon

David Foster Wallace

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Published in Elizabeth I S Last Favourite: Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Of Essex

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Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was a prominent figure in the Tudor court. He was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, but his ambition and impulsiveness ultimately led to his downfall. This article explores the life and legacy of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex.

Elizabeth I's Last Favourite: Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex

by Sarah-Beth Watkins

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Language	:	English
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Early Life and Rise to Power

Robert Devereux was born in 1565 to Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, and Lettice Knollys. He was the eldest of three children, and his father's death in 1576 made him the 2nd Earl of Essex. Essex was a precocious child, and he quickly gained the favor of Queen Elizabeth I. He was appointed Master of the Horse in 1587, and he soon became one of the Queen's most trusted advisors.

Essex's rise to power was meteoric. He was a skilled military commander, and he led the English army to victory in several key battles, including the Battle of Cadiz in 1596. Essex's popularity with the English people was immense, and he was widely seen as the heir to the throne.

Downfall and Execution

However, Essex's ambition and impulsiveness ultimately led to his downfall. In 1601, he led an unauthorized expedition to Ireland to put down a rebellion. The expedition was a disaster, and Essex was forced to return to England in disgrace. Elizabeth I was furious with Essex, and she had him imprisoned in the Tower of London.

In 1603, Essex was tried for treason and found guilty. He was executed on February 25, 1603, at the age of 38. Essex's death shocked the English people, and it marked the end of an era.

Legacy

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was a complex and tragic figure. He was a brilliant military commander and a popular favorite, but his ambition and impulsiveness ultimately led to his downfall. Essex's life and death provide a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the importance of humility.

Essex's legacy is still debated today. Some historians see him as a victim of Elizabeth I's jealousy and paranoia. Others believe that he was a reckless and ambitious man who brought about his own downfall. Regardless of one's interpretation, there is no doubt that Essex was a major figure in Tudor history.

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was a man of great ambition and potential. However, his impulsiveness and lack of judgment ultimately led to his downfall. Essex's life is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the importance of humility.