Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex

Robert Devereux
Earl of Essex
The 2nd Earl of Essex, by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger
Tenure1576–1601
PredecessorWalter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex
SuccessorRobert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex
Known forFavourite of Elizabeth I
Born10 November 1565
Netherwood near Bromyard, Herefordshire, Kingdom of England
Died25 February 1601(1601-02-25) (aged 35)
Liberties of the Tower, London, Kingdom of England
Cause of deathExecution by beheading
BuriedChurch of St Peter ad Vincula, London
NationalityEnglish
ResidenceEssex House, London
Merevale Hall, Warwickshire
Wars and battlesDutch revolt
Spanish Armada
English Armada
Capture of Cádiz
Azores expedition, 1597
Irish Nine Years' War
OfficesMaster of the Horse
Privy Councillor
Earl Marshal
Master-General of the Ordnance
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Spouse(s)
(m. 1590)
IssueRobert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex
Lady Dorothy Devereux
Frances Seymour, Duchess of Somerset
Sir Walter Devereux (illegitimate)
ParentsWalter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex
Lettice Knollys
Signature
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Quartered arms of Sir Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, KG

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, KG, PC (/ˈdɛvəˌr/; 10 November 1565 – 25 February 1601) was an English nobleman and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. Politically ambitious, and a committed general, he was placed under house arrest following a poor campaign in Ireland during the Nine Years' War in 1599. In 1601, he led an abortive coup d'état against the government of Elizabeth I and was executed for treason.