Elizabeth I`s Last Favourite - Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex

In the later years of Elizabeth I's reign, Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex, became the aging queen's last favorite. Despite his selfishness and greed, Elizabeth showered him with affection and gifts, but his disastrous commissions led to his ultimate rebellion and her ultimate decision to ensure his troubled her no more.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 26 March 2021
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

Despite the widespread interest in Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex, there has been a significant lack of written material about him in recent decades. In her book, Elizabeth I's Last Favourite, Sarah-Beth Watkins reintroduces the story of his life and demise to the public consciousness. During the later years of Elizabeth I's reign, Robert Devereux, a young courtier, emerged as the aging queen's final favorite. He was the stepson of her renowned love, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Despite his efforts to emulate his stepfather's legacy, Essex could never fully live up to his expectations. His love for the queen was intertwined with selfish desires and greed. Nevertheless, Elizabeth showered him with affection, gifts, and the remarkable tolerance of a mother towards an errant son. Essex, in turn, initially flattered and catered to the queen's every whim. However, his relationship with Elizabeth began to deteriorate due to a series of disastrous commissions, encompassing military campaigns, treasure voyages, and his role as spymaster. Ultimately, his final act of rebellion led to Elizabeth I taking measures to ensure that her last favorite would no longer cause her any further trouble.

Background:
Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex, was a prominent figure in the Elizabethan era, known for his charisma, ambition, and controversial actions. Born in 1571, he was the son of Francis Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, and Elizabeth Woodville. Despite his noble lineage, Devereux's life was marked by a series of setbacks and challenges.

Elizabeth I's Reign:
During the reign of Elizabeth I, Robert Devereux rose to prominence as a courtier and military leader. He was appointed as the Lord Deputy of Ireland in 1599 and played a significant role in the suppression of the Irish Rebellion. However, his ambitions and desire for power led him to clash with other influential figures in the court, including his stepfather, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester:
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, was Elizabeth I's most famous love and the father of Robert Devereux. He was a powerful and influential figure in the court, known for his military prowess, political acumen, and charisma. However, his relationship with Elizabeth was complicated by his previous marriage to Anne Boleyn, which had been annulled by the Pope.

Essex's Relationship with Elizabeth I:
Robert Devereux's love for Elizabeth I was intense and unwavering. He was devoted to her and sought to gain her favor by showering her with gifts, flatteries, and loyalty. However, his love was also tinged with selfishness and greed. He was eager to advance his own political career and sought to undermine his stepfather, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who was considered a rival for Elizabeth's affections.

Essex's Downfall:
Despite his initial success, Robert Devereux's relationship with Elizabeth I began to deteriorate. His ambitious nature and desire for power led him to engage in a series of reckless actions, including military campaigns that were not successful and treasure voyages that were plagued by misfortune. His role as spymaster also proved to be a source of controversy, as he was accused of disloyalty and betrayal.

Final Act of Rebellion:
In 1601, Robert Devereux's relationship with Elizabeth I reached its breaking point. He rebelled against her, seeking to overthrow her and claim the throne for himself. His rebellion was short-lived, however, and he was captured and executed in 1601.

Legacy:
Robert Devereux's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a talented and charismatic courtier, but his desire for power and his reckless actions ultimately led to his downfall. He remains a controversial figure in English history, with some admiring his ambition and others condemning his actions.

Conclusion:
Despite the lack of written material about Robert Devereux in recent decades, his story remains a fascinating and important part of English history. Elizabeth I's Last Favourite provides a fresh perspective on his life and death, shedding light on the complex and often tumultuous relationship between a queen and her favorite courtier.

Weight: 190g
Dimension: 141 x 215 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789045956