The Essex Rebellion

By Crusader1307

History has often been construed to facilitate ''tales'' which add ''more or less'' to it's already rich (and often confusing) path. So true is the infamous ''Essex Rebellion'' of England in 1601. Involving none other than Queen Elizabeth I and a Lord of Her Court, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex - most Historians ''on the subject'' will dismiss the many ''stories'' that ''The Rebellion'' was born out of a ''love affair'' between the two. In fact, no one is quite sure ''when'' the ''rumors'' started, but when they did they undoubtably did - it was perhaps initiated by jealous ''Court'' denizens. One will perhaps never truly know. But the true background into the very real conflict is as follows:

BACKGROUND:

Since England's break with The Catholic Church under King Henry VIII, the small Nation was a ripe target for the larger ''Catholic Countries'' of both Dpain and France. Henry, establishing His own religion or The Anglican Order, was seen as an afront to The Catholic Church. An state of ''religious war'' existed as such. After a series of conflicts between Henry and France, it would be His daughter and heir - Elizabeth I, who would face a conflict with Spain. A series of unlikely events would find England victorious. This would set England firmly on the path to true European ''Superpower''. Elizabeth was a firm yet understandable Ruler. One without a ''mate'' or heir for Her Throne. This made Her ripe for Her Privy Counsel to ''marry Her off''. Queen Elizabeth I was staunchly against this hence Her rather ''insultive'' nickname of ''The Virgin Queen''. Nonetheless, The Queen did ''enjoy'' being surrounded by ''handsome men'' in Her Court. Mostly of these were Lords in their own right, but others had ''other motives'' of currying favor with their Queen.

One of Elizabeth's ''favorites'' was Robert Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex. Married, Essex was a ''handsome man'' who captured the Queen's heart. Any intimacies can be only guessed at, but most never reported such. With Robert's impending death (undisclosed illness), He brought into The Queen's Court his adoptive Ward - who took his name and later Title. The Queen took to His charms. She lavished upon Him concessions and Military Titles abound. This did not sit well with The Queen's Privy Counsel - who saw the young rake as a potential threat to their advises. In short, deserved or not, The 2nd Earl of Essex had ''enemies''.

Elizabeth gave Devereux the task of breaking Spanish Commerce (via legitimate naval warfare and privateering). He exceeded His power and attempted to lay siege to The Port City of Cadiz, Spain. Long seen as an important component to Spain's naval defenses, Essex was soundly defeated with major loss of English life and of course - monies. The Queen's Counsel saw this as a means to ''remove'' Devereux from ''favor''. Rather, Elizabeth ''forgave'' His error. She would eventually ''promote'' Him to General of Her Armies in Ireland, to quell the ongoing rebellions plaguing Her Reign there. Devereux's lack of any real combat experience would result in an even greater defeat to The English Army, and again The Queen's ''purse''. Brought back in dishonor, Essex (knowing of The Counsel's hatred of Him), began to machinate plans (presumaby) against The Queen. History claims that The Earl wished to remove Elizabeth in favor of Her sister Mary's heir (James IV). A Catholic, the political move was seen as a means of calming The Catholic Church which would no doubt reap ''great rewards'' upon Devereux.

THE REBELLION:

Essex recruited many ''like minds'' in His move against Queen Elizabeth. His goal was to sway The Queen's Guard Commanders into ''securing'' The Queen. A small Force would next move againt The Privy Counsel, which would no doubt result in their slaughter. Brides and pledges were made. In fact, several of The privy Counsel were claimed to have been a part of the treason. However, as with all such plans, ''loopholes in loyalty'' would prove disasterous to Essex and His Band. The Queen's Guard did NOT turn, and after a brief ''heated engagement'' outside of The Palace, Essex (wounded) - would be captured - along with His confederates. The resulting ''trial'' would find most of Essex's supporters imprisoned facing execution. For many reason, it would be only The Earl of Essex who would be beheaded at Tyburn Prison, His head properly ''spiked'' upon ''Traitor's Gate''. The others would be communted in their complicity, made to pay fines and suffer loss of lands and Title.