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.
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