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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Earl of Essex
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(Robert Devereux, c.1567–1601, 2nd earl 1576) The youngest favourite of *Elizabeth I and the only one to be executed in her lifetime. His glittering career at court was interspersed with a series of dashing military and naval expeditions. His most important command was as lord lieutenant of Ireland from 1599, during which he lost the queen's favour by making an unauthorized treaty and by returning to England without her permission. Isolated and petulant, he launched a half-hearted rebellion for which he was tried and beheaded (see also *Richard II).
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