Edward de vere descendants

1. Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford
2. Arrival at Court and University Studies
3. Violent Incident and Legal Woes
4. Marriage and European Travels
5. Alleged Catholic Conspiracy and Sexual Misconduct
6. Military and Personal Struggles
7. Literary Patronage and Shakespeare Authorship Debate

Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford

Edward de Vere was born into one of England's most illustrious noble families, the Earls of Oxford. His father, the 16th Earl, died when Edward was just 12 years old, passing on the title and the position of Lord Great Chamberlain to his young son.

Orphaned but of high rank, young Edward became a ward of the English Crown. He was raised in the household of Sir William Cecil, Lord Treasurer, a close advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Cecil's guidance provided Edward with an exceptional education, including a mastery of languages and philosophy.

Arrival at Court and University Studies

In the late 1560s, Edward de Vere joined the royal court. He earned a bachelor's degree from Cambridge University in 1564 and a master's degree from Oxford University in 1566. He then pursued legal studies at Gray's Inn in London. However, historian Alan Nelson claims that de Vere may have "obtained his university degrees without merit."

Violent Incident and Legal Woes

While practicing fencing at Cecil's house in 1567, de Vere accidentally killed a cook named Thomas Brinknell. The subsequent trial resulted in a verdict of suicide, but the incident damaged de Vere's reputation.

Marriage and European Travels

In 1571, de Vere married Anne Cecil, the 15-year-old daughter of his guardian. The marriage was unusual because de Vere came from an ancient aristocratic family, while Cecil had only recently been ennobled by Queen Elizabeth I. The couple had five children, three of whom survived to adulthood.

In 1575, Oxford embarked on a European tour, visiting Germany, France, and Italy. During his journey, he displayed his Catholic sympathies. Upon his return to England, his ship was attacked by pirates, and he narrowly escaped death. In his absence, his wife had been unfaithful and given birth to a child.

Alleged Catholic Conspiracy and Sexual Misconduct

In 1580, de Vere accused several Catholic acquaintances of conspiracy and treason, while denying his own Catholic sympathies. However, the accused turned the tables on him, accusing de Vere of numerous offenses, including plotting to murder court favorites. Queen Elizabeth I dismissed the charges, but Oxford's reputation was tarnished.

In 1581, de Vere was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London for having an affair with Anne Vavasour, who bore him a child. The affair led to a deadly feud with Vavasour's uncle, Sir Thomas Knevet, which resulted in a duel that left Oxford seriously injured and caused him to limp for the rest of his life.

Military and Personal Struggles

In 1585, the Earl of Oxford commanded troops in the Netherlands. In 1588, he played a role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada. During this period, Anne Cecil died at the age of 32. In 1591, de Vere remarried, choosing Elizabeth Trentham, a lady-in-waiting to the Queen.

Despite his wealth, Oxford spent lavishly and was on the verge of financial ruin. Queen Elizabeth I granted him a pension of £1,000 annually, which was continued by King James I after her death. It is believed that the pension was awarded because Oxford had supported a group of poets and playwrights, including Edmund Spenser and Robert Greene.

Literary Patronage and Shakespeare Authorship Debate

Edward de Vere was a renowned patron of the arts and a poet in his own right. Since the publication of the Looney theory in 1920, he has been suggested as the true author of Shakespeare's works. Proponents of this theory cite similarities between events in Shakespeare's plays and Oxford's life. They also note Oxford's literary ability and access to court life.

Opponents of the Oxford authorship theory point to the fact that 11 Shakespearean works were written after Oxford's death in 1604. They also argue that Shakespeare's extensive use of biblical references does not match Oxford's known writings.

Regardless of the authorship debate, Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, remains a fascinating figure in English history, known for his aristocratic lineage, colorful life, and enduring legacy as a patron of the arts.