Community Chat

[Oznell]

Amye Robsart,  through no fault of her own,  was an "obstacle" standing between her husband, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and Queen Elizabeth I.

(Side note--  I'm using the spelling of "Amye" that was used for and by Amye Robsart during her lifetime--  it's one of the many charming old English variants, dating back to medieval times.  I actually think it's a shame that most modern historians have reverted to the standard, inaccurate spelling of her name when referring to her, but that's another tangent...) 

The powerful queen Elizabeth was very dependent on her married courtier Dudley,  and some sort of romantic/psychological attachment existed between them, although in all likelihood, not physically consummated, some historians say.

While Dudley was off at court, or travelling on various missions, his wife Amye Robsart, sadly, stayed at home, sometimes in very remote, borrowed or rented country manors, like Cumnor Place, a converted abbey  in Oxfordshire.

Sketch of Cumnor, before it was demolished a few hundred years later--

Fantasy portrait of the Dudleys at Cumnor Hall.

On a late summer day there, September 8, 1560,  Amye was found alone, at the bottom of a flight of stairs, her neck broken.

At the coroner's inquest, surprising testimony was received.  On the day in question, the usually demure Amye had been adamant, had almost quarreled with those of her retinue who wanted to stay with her in the deserted house.  There was a fair in nearby Abingdon, and she vehemently insisted that her servants and companions go without her.

Murder, suicide, or accident?   The conclusion reached was accidental death--  but from that day to this, rumors have swirled.

Much later, in the 19th century, Sir Walter Scott's novel "Kenilworth"  added intensity to the interest and speculation.

An artist's conception of Amye Robsart, on a lonely staircase before her death--

The interest went so far, that 'fantasy' portraits of the elusive Amye were painted by well-known artists, sympathetic to her plight.

Although during Elizabeth's time, many people suspected a murder conspiracy involving Dudley, modern historians tend to absolve him of any guilt, for a variety of reasons.

An interesting upshot of the tragedy was that, it is now believed, that the whole affair finally soured Elizabeth on the idea of marrying Dudley--  much as she was drawn to him, she could not tolerate scandal.

There's so much more to this!   Wiki actually has a pretty good entry on this fascinating historical mystery-- a good place to start if interested.

Yet another poignant fantasy portrait--

Edited to correct my own faulty spelling of "Cumnor"!

[alliswell]

@Oznell Based on your recommendation in another thread, after much searching, I finally obtained a copy of: 

            

I'm just beginning the book & very much enjoy Elizabeth Jenkins' writing style. 

I'll remember to look for mention of Amye Robsart and Robert Dudley. 

@Oznell Thank you!

[spiderw]

Thank you Oznell, for this informative interesting story.   I  will love to own the portrait of Amye on the staircase, so lovely.  I also find the portrait of the lady in blue, just stunning.  This story is fascinating and I always enjoy reading historical novels.  I would enjoy reading this book!

[spiderw]

Oznell, I ordered the book in paperback, looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the recommendation!!!!

[sugar plum]

Thanks @Oznell for the great synopsis and pics!

And what a coincidence. I watched "Elizabeth I Killer Queen" on Freevee on Tuesday night about this very subject. Cue Twilight Zone music...

[Oznell]

I'm thrilled you thought it was worthwhile to find the book, and that you like her writing, @alliswell !    For me, it does take my whole attention, since I can easily get lost among all the titled nobles, the battles, the dates, etc.  Jenkins has an easy familiarity with all the players, but I don't-- so have to work at it!  But it's worth it for the charm of her narrative.

The discussions of the Robsart affair in the book are disappointingly brief, but it's there.  Right now, I'm re-reading fascinating passages she wrote about Elizabeth's cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, and how she may have been implicated in her own hapless husband Lord Darnley's murder...

@spiderw ,  I love those portraits too.  Gosh, with you and @alliswell both reading the book, I'd love to hear any impressions you might have when you're done.  So great to discuss with other history-lovers!

@sugar plum ,  that documentary that you watched on Elizabeth's life sounds very interesting.  There's no question she was complicated, and could be ruthless in her own way.  But also brilliant and strategic, and one of the most fascinating monarchs of that or any era...  

[SharkE]

I'm surprised at you, Oznel, never had you pegged as being interested in English history.

Elizabeth I is my favorite. I can't state in here why, but, she was more open minded toward religion.

I believe she made the right decision in not marrying and having direct heirs. Anything was better then that horrible half sister of hers. Good riddance ! when she didn't last long.

[sugar plum]

I found a paperback copy of the book by Elizabeth Jenkins!! 😁 Oh, on Amazon as you mentioned in the other thread @Oznell. Can't wait to start reading but I have to wait until 8 March, slow shipping...

BTW, another royal doc on Freevee/Amazon Prime that was really good is entitled Princess Alice: The Queen's Mother-in-Law. It's all about Prince Philip's mother and her life. Poor woman, she went through terrible trials and tribulations during her lifetime as did Prince Philip. I must admit I have new respect for him.

The doc is only about 50 minutes long if anyone's interested.

[Oznell]

@SharkE ,   I'm interested in various aspects of history, although I'm not the avid student of the English royals that you are.  Elizabeth I has always interested me b/c of the unusual quality of her intellect, and her skill at statecraft, etc.  She was pretty wily.

@sugar plum ,  that does sound good too.  Agreed, Prince Philip's melodramatic family history,  and his chaotic, lonely upbringing, do inspire respect for the way he still managed to survive and prosper.   You can see why he was so tough and developed such a hard shell.   

[Imaoldhippie]

How very interesting.  I vote for suicide.  The story has all the classic signs in my opinion.