Biography

(1532-1588)

"Robert Dudley, the favourite and courtier of Queen Elizabeth I, was the fifth son of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland and Jane Guildford. At the age of eighteen, he married his first wife, Amy Robsart, whom he has been so often accused, but without sufficient evidence, of murdering in order to marry Elizabeth. He supported his father in the vain attempt to place Jane Grey on the throne in July 1553, was condemned to death for doing so, but pardoned in October 1554, went abroad and distinguished himself with his brother in the campaign against France in 1557. He received some kindness from Queen Mary’s husband, Philip II of Spain, but his real fortunes began when Elizabeth, upon her accession, made him her Master of the Horse."