Essex, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of

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Essex, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of (1566–1601) English courtier and soldier. A favourite of Elizabeth I, he attacked Cádiz, sw Spain, in 1596. Following a quarrel with Elizabeth, he was made a reluctant Lord Lieutenant of rebellious Ireland. He returned in disgrace six months later, attempted a coup d'état, and was executed for treason.

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