Knollys, Lettice (c. 1541–1634)

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Knollys, Lettice (c. 1541–1634)

Countess of Leicester and Essex. Name variations: Lettice Dudley. Born around 1541; died in 1634; eldest daughter ofCatherine Carey (1529–1569) and Francis Knollys (c. 1514–1596, a diplomat); sister of William Knollys (1547–1632), comptroller of QueenElizabeth I's household; sister-in-law ofElizabeth Knollys ; married Walter Devereux, 1st earl of Essex; became second wife of Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester (c. 1532–1588, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth), in 1578 or 1579. Some accused Robert Dudley of bringing about the murder of his first wife, LadyAmy Robsart .

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