The Essex Rebellion

• In 1601, Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex, and Robert Dudley's stepson rebelled against Elizabeth
• Essex's rebellion had escalated from a rivalry between him and Robert Cecil, William Cecil's son, who had been granted the role of Secretary of State.
• Robert Cecil had been trained by both his father William Cecil and Sir Francis Walsingham. He was a shrewd and clever politician who held a lot of responsibility.
• The Earl of Essex was frustrated at Cecil's rise to power. They were polar opposites in character.
• Robert Devereaux was quick to temper and a very impulsive character. He had once insulted the Queen so greatly over her refusal to promote one of his favourites that she punched him!
• In 1598 he was asked by the Queen to put down a rebellion in Ireland, however he went against her wishes. Instead of defeating the rebellion he made peace with Hugh O Neill, the Earl of Tyrone and the leader of the rebellion.
• When Essex returned from Ireland he was furious because Cecil had been promoted yet again! He stormed into Elizabeth's chambers before she was wigged and gowned. This was a serious sign of disrespect and questioned the Queen's authority.
• After Essex stormed in on her, the Queen hauled him for 5 hours in front of the Privy Council. He was banned from court and placed under house arrest. He also lost all of his wealth as his monopoly on sweet wine was taken away, he was left a broken man.
• After losing his monopoly on sweet wine and being placed under house arrest Essex was furious. He began gaining supporters and arms. The Queen caught wind of this but refused to go to court to answer for his actions.
• In February 1601 four members of the Privy Council were sent to arrest Essex. He captured them and took them hostage.
• After his rebellion had started many of Essex's supporters waivered, as they had been offered pardons if they deserted him.
• Essex found his route to the Queen blocked, so returned home to find his house surrounded and his prisoners gone. He was arrested and then charged with treason.
• On the 25th February 1601, Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex was executed at the Tower of London on charge of treason.
• Essex's rebellion lasted only 12 hours. But the fact one of the Queen's favourites had rebelled demonstrated that the Queen's position was being brought under question.