Leicester, Robert Dudley, Earl of

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Leicester, Robert Dudley, Earl of (1532–88) English courtier. He was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, who ennobled him and gave him a castle at Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England. Marriage to Elizabeth seemed possible, but instead Elizabeth proposed his marriage to Mary, who rejected him. Leicester unsuccessfully led (1585–87) an English force in the Revolt of the Netherlands against Spain.

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