Tag Archives: Thomas Blount

Smith and Stevenson or Dining With The Jurors

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Christine Hartweg

On 8 September 1560, the aforesaid Lady Amy … being alone in a certain chamber within the home of a certain Anthony Forster, in the aforesaid Cumnor, and intending to descend the aforesaid chamber by way of certain steps (in … Continue reading →

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Was Amy Dudley Ill? The Evidence

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Christine Hartweg

The earliest known mention of Amy Dudley’s health occurred on 18 April 1559 in a dispatch of the Count of Feria to his master King Philip II of Spain: “Lord Robert has come so much into favour that he does … Continue reading →

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A Favourite’s Wife: The Lifestyle of Amy Dudley, Part I

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Christine Hartweg

The day of Elizabeth’s accession changed Amy Dudley’s life, whether she knew it or not. On 17 November 1558 she was most probably staying at Throcking, Hertfordshire, at the house of Mr. Hyde, where she (and possibly her husband) had … Continue reading →

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Believe the Coroner!

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Christine Hartweg

Murder, in Elizabethan England, was a rare occurrence. As opposed to manslaughter and the occasional “bloudie robberie”, “wilful murther” with “malice aforethought” made up only about 5% of indicted felonies in the courts of assize, and, interestingly, “killing one’s spouse … Continue reading →

Posted in Amy Robsart, errors & myths, sources & historians | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

The Death of Amy Robsart: Accident? Or Suicide?

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Christine Hartweg

Lady Amy Dudley née Robsart is best known for falling down the stairs. The question has always been: did she fall, did she jump, was she pushed, or was her body arranged at the foot of the staircase after the … Continue reading →

Posted in Amy Robsart, Elizabeth I, errors & myths, letters, Robert Dudley | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment