Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester (l. c. 1532-1588 CE), was a high-ranking courtier who rose to become a favourite of Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603 CE). Rumours abounded that Dudley sought to marry the queen, and their relationship may well have gone beyond that of monarch and minister. Holding all manner of titles and estates, Dudley pushed for a more aggressive approach to foreign policy but came unstuck in two failed expeditions to help rebel Protestants in the Netherlands between 1585 and 1587 CE. Dashing and entertaining, the Earl of Leicester accompanied the queen on many of her annual tours around England and maintained a special place in her affections until his death in September 1588 CE.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 1532 - 1588Life of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester.
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1550Robert Dudley marries Amy Robsart.
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1559Robert Dudley is appointed Master of the Horse by Elizabeth I of England.
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1560Rumours begin that Elizabeth I of England is in a relationship with Robert Dudley.
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8 Sep 1560Robert Dudley’s wife Amy Robsart is found dead lying at the bottom of a flight of stairs.
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Oct 1562Robert Dudley is made a member of the Privy Council of Elizabeth I of England.
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1564Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester is made chancellor of Oxford University.
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28 Sep 1564Robert Dudley is made the 1st Earl of Leicester by Elizabeth I of England.
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1585Rober Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester leads an expeditionary force to help Protestant rebels in the Netherlands.
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1587Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester returns to the Netherlands to assist Protestant rebels there.
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Sep 1588Death of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, from illness.
