Saturday, October 03, 2020


Lord Robert Dudley,

Later created Earl of Leicester by Queen Elizabeth I.

He was born on June 24, 1532.

During the last few days Lord Robert has come so much into favour that he does whatever he likes with affairs and it is even said that her Majesty visits him in his chamber day and night. People talk of this so freely that they go so far as to say that his wife has a malady in one of her breasts and the Queen is only waiting for her to die to marry Lord Robert. I can assure your Majesty that matters have reached such a pass that I have been brought to consider whether it would not be well to approach Lord Robert on your Majesty's behalf, promising him your help and favour and coming to terms with him.

18 April 1559. Count De Feria to King Philip II.
Calendar of Spanish Letters and State Papers, I.55.

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