Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester Quiz

Answer: Jane Grey

John Dudley and Robert Dudley were both part of the plot to get the Lady Jane Grey on the throne of England after the death of King Edward VI. When their attempt failed and Mary Tudor took the throne for herself, she had John executed for the part he played and left Robert in the Tower as a prisoner.

Answer: Amy Robsart

Robert's first wife was Amy Robsart. She was the daughter of a wealthy landowner, but the family had no political power. Robert eventually abandoned her and she died of a broken neck in 1560. Her death is still regarded with suspicion today.

Answer: Master of the Horse

When Elizabeth first became the queen, she gave her childhood friend, Robert, the position of Master of the Horse. It was an important post in the Royal Household. With this position, he and Elizabeth worked closely together as she rode out often.

Answer: Mary, Queen of Scots

Elizabeth sought to marry her trusted friend Robert to her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. Elizabeth believed that it would do her well politically to have someone she trusted so well to help try to get Mary to sway towards her, and to possibly even manipulate Mary and her dealings through Robert.

Answer: Lady Douglas Sheffield

Lady Douglas Sheffield and Robert Dudley had a brief affair, which resulted in a son, Robert Dudley (named for her father). She claimed that they were in fact secretly wed, but Robert rejected these claims. By claiming he and the Lady Douglas Sheffield never married, he condemned his son to bastardy, but kept himself free for marriage with another woman.

Answer: The Gypsy

The couriers had nicknamed Robert Dudley 'The Gypsy' for his dark hair and looks, which not many English men and women had.

Answer: Lettice Knollys

In 1573, Robert secretly married the Lady Lettice Knollys. The daughter of Catherine Carey, who was the daughter of Mary Boleyn (sister of Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth's mother), Lettice was the first cousin once removed, of Elizabeth. This family relation and Robert's long standing relationship with Elizabeth did nothing to help either of the pair, and they were both banished from court.

While Robert was eventually put back into the good graces of Elizabeth, she never again allowed Lettice back at court.

Answer: The Netherlands

Robert was appointed the commander of the English forces in the Netherlands. The campaign in which he and his forces were fighting for was to attempt to help the Dutch people during their revolt against Spanish rule.

Answer: "His Last Letter"

"His Last Letter" were the words written on Robert Dudley's last letter given to Elizabeth before his death. She kept it and mourned his death. She still had it in her box of jewelry when she died.

Answer: Lettice Knollys

Robert is buried at Beauchamp Chapel in St. Mary's Collegiate Church in Warwick. Next to him in his final resting place, lies his second wife, Lettice Knollys. Close by the tombs of Robert Dudley and Lettice Knollys is the tomb of their son, who died at a young age, but was very well known for being loved and cherished by his father.