3-056-823 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, c1743-c1751.An English courtier and favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, Dudley (1532-1588) was regarded as her most likely choice for a husband. However his wife's mysterious death in 1560 placed a dark spot on his reputation. In 1561 he suggested to Philip II to restore Roman Catholicism in England in return for Philip's endorsement of his to Elizabeth. Yet by 1563 Elizabeth realised the impracticality of such a marriage. She offered his hand to Mary Queen of Scots and created him Earl of Leicester in 1564, however Mary married Lord Darnley. Below his portrait is a cartouche of a queen receiving a soldier. From "The Heads and Characters of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, with their Portraits engraven by Mr. Houbraken and Mr. Vertue. With their lives and characters by T. Birch. L.P."