On this day in Tudor history, 5th June 1600, Elizabeth I’s favourite, thirty-four-year-old Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was charged with insubordination during his time in Ireland at a special hearing at York House.
Essex had been made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1599, but his campaign against the Irish was unsuccessful. He constantly ignored the Queen's orders, acted contrary to her wishes and constantly worried about what his enemies were up to back in London. He ended up returning to England without Elizabeth’s permission, which amounted to desertion.
On this day in 1600, he was deprived of his office and ordered to remain under house arrest. Of course, he’d eventually organise a rebellion, which led to him being executed on 25th February 1601.
You can enjoy some videos on Robert Devereux:
- April 15 - The beginning of the end for Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex - https://youtu.be/qUWCwqudEzo
- September 28 - Essex sees Elizabeth I without her mask of youth - https://youtu.be/m4Zlq8Ctm4w
- February 25 - The execution of Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex - https://youtu.be/lQ0nFNgD74s
Also on this day in Tudor history...
Image: A portrait of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, by Marcus Gheeraerts
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