Lettice Knollys

HOW DID SHE RISE TO PROMINENCE?

Her grandmother was Elizabeth I’s aunt, Mary Boleyn, and her mother was a close companion of Elizabeth. Lettice served in Elizabeth’s household, where she is said to have been a favourite of the queen.

WHO WERE HER LOVE INTERESTS?

Lettice was married three times: to Walter Devereux, who died of dysentery in 1576; to Robert Dudley; and finally to Sir Christopher Blount, who was executed in 1601 for conspiring against the queen.

DID SHE HAVE ANY CHILDREN?

She had one son with Robert Dudley and five children with Walter Devereux. Of these, the most famous was Robert Devereux, who lost his head after leading the conspiracy that cost Sir Christopher Blount his life.

WHEN DID SHE DIE?

Christmas Day, 1634.