Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex
Robert Devereux, the son of Walter Devereux, 18th Earl of Essex and Lettice Knollys, was born in 1566. At the age of nine he inherited the earldom and the family estates from his father. His mother later married Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.
After studying at Cambridge University he was brought to court by his stepfather. In 1586 Devereux went with the Earl of Leicester on his military campaign in the Netherlands.
On his return to England he became close to his cousin, Elizabeth, who thought him charming and good looking. In 1591 the queen granted him the command of an expedition to help Henri IV of France. Although only moderately successful, Devereux was appointed to the Privy Council in 1593. Devereux now became increasingly interested in politics and this brought him into conflict with William Cecil and Robert Cecil.
In 1596 he was given command of one of the five squadrons to attack Spain. Disobeying orders, he landed in Cadiz and his men plundered the town. The following year he led a failed attempt to capture the Spanish treasure fleet in the Azores. During this campaign he quarrelled bitterly with Walter Raleigh.
Elizabeth eventually gave him the post of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He fought a poor campaign against the Irish and in September 1600 he decided to sign a peace agreement with Hugh O'Neill. Elizabeth was furious and he was arrested on his arrival back in England. Devereux was eventually released but the queen punished him by not renewing his right to levy duty on sweet wines.
Facing financial ruin, Devereux, attempted to lead a rebellion in London in February, 1601. Robert Devereux, 19th Earl of Essex, was captured and executed for treason.