Tudor Times is the online repository for all things Tudor and Stewart (1485–1625)

The 16th September 1541 was the birthday of Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex. He was extremely well connected, descended from no fewer than four of Edward III’s five sons, as well as from Edward I and Henry III via other lines of descent. He inherited the title of Viscount Hereford on the death of his grandfather in 1558. He served Elizabeth faithfully all his life. A staunch Protestant, he was entrusted with the guardianship of Mary, Queen of Scots and took part in the repression of the Rising of the Northern Earls in 1569.

He served on two campaigns in Ireland, first as Lord Lieutenant, then briefly, before his death, as Earl Marshal. He was no more successful than most of the Lords Lieutenant, but was notable for his plans to colonise Ulster with suitable English Protestants. Elizabeth recreated the Earldom of Essex for him previously held by his Bourchier ancestors. In around 1561 Walter married Lettice Knollys, daughter of the Queen’s first cousin. By her he had four children who lived to adulthood, including Lady Penelope Devereux and Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, Elizabeth’s last favourite.

On 15th September 1514, Thomas Wolsey was appointed as Archbishop of York, second highest appointment within the English Church, although much less prestigious than Canterbury which had been occupied since 1504 by William Warham. Whilst York was subservient to Canterbury, Wolsey was also a Cardinal, and Papal legate which gave him all of the power and prestige he needed, sporting his scarlet cardinal’s hat.

Wolsey was far too busy with his activities as the King’s chief minister to think of visiting his northern archbishopric. It was not until his fall from power in 1529 that he even visited it, but his plans then for an extravagant enthronement merely led to further calls for his trial. It was at the archiepiscopal palace at Cawood that he was finally arrested by Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, whom he had bitterly humiliated for his liaison with Anne Boleyn. Read more on Wolsey’s incredible career here

The 14th September 1520 was probably the birthday of William Cecil, Lord Burghley. Some sources give it as the 13th, but there are two letters from Cecil, the first dated 12th September, referring to his birthday the next day, and the second, saying he had mistaken the previous day’s date, thinking it the 13th. The location of his birth is not in doubt – Bourne in Lincolnshire. He was the oldest child of Richard Cecil, a page in Henry VIII’s Chamber, who earlier that year had accompanied the King to the Field of Cloth of Gold. Cecil’s education was designed to fit him for a role in the King’s service. It was certainly effective, as he served both Edward VI and Elizabeth I as Secretary, and remained in post longer than any other minister of the era. Follow Cecil’s footsteps as he rose from country childhood to the role of Queen’s Lord Treasurer and closest advisor.