His father died in 1562, and the young man succeeded to the earldom, and to the title lord great chamberlain on 3 August of that year. As was the case with others of his age, class, and circumstances (such as the young earl of Southampton), he became a royal ward in the household of William Cecil, Lord Burghley. Burghley drew up an elaborate and detailed program of study and recreation for the young man, designed to furnish him with a variety of accomplishments of mind and body. Oxford accidentally killed his manservant during rapier practice in 1567 at Burghley's house. In later life he kept a large group of armed and liveried retainers.
Oxford was a prominent figure at Elizabeth's court from about 1564 to 1582, although there were significant periods of absence and loss of favor throughout that time. He had a turbulent and unsettled life as a courtier, making many enemies. He was impetuous and extravagant, and even his allies found him distinctly erratic in his political judgment and behavior. All the poems that can be reliably attributed to him seem to date from his time at court.
This is a free page. This page contains 189 words. This
biography contains 5,954 words (approx. 20 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Biography with our Edward de Vere Access Pass.
