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The final years of Elizabeth's reign were marked by military setbacks, political tensions, economic difficulties, and the dramatic rebellion of her former favourite, the Earl of Essex. This lesson examines the Essex Rebellion, the challenges of Elizabeth's later years, and the end of the Tudor dynasty.
Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex (1565–1601) was the last of Elizabeth's great favourites. He was handsome, charismatic, ambitious, and reckless — a dangerous combination at the Elizabethan court.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 November 1565 |
| Family | Son of Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex; stepson of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester |
| Rise at court | Became Elizabeth's favourite in the late 1580s after Leicester's death; showered with honours and monopolies |
| Military career | Fought at Zutphen (1586), the Portugal expedition (1589), Cadiz (1596), and the Azores (1597) |
| Character | Brave, impulsive, arrogant, and prone to violent outbursts; repeatedly clashed with Elizabeth and her other advisors |
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