Earl of Leicester
Leicester, Robert Dudley, First Earl of (fourth creation) (1532?-1588), an English nobleman who was a favorite of Elizabeth I. He was the son of John Dudley duke of Northumberland, who was put to death for trying to win the English throne for Lady Jane Grey in 1553. For aiding his father in that effort, the future earl was also sentenced to die, but was pardoned by Mary I.
As a suitor to Elizabeth, Dudley was showered by her with wealth and was given public offices. He became one of her privy councilors and in 1564 was created earl of Leicester. In 1585 he led an expedition to the Low Countries to aid a Dutch revolt against Spanish rule. Elizabeth recalled him for accepting election as governor there against her wishes. But she appointed him commander of an army to defend England in 1588 against the Spanish Armada.
Sir Walter Scott's novel Kenilworth is based in part on the story of Amy Robsart. the first of Dudley's three wives.