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Paternal Family Tree: Knollys
Maternal Family Tree: Emma de Dinan 1136-1208
On 26th April 1540 [her father] Francis Knollys (age 28) and [her mother] Catherine Carey (age 16) were married.
On 8th November 1543 Lettice Knollys Countess Essex was born to Francis Knollys (age 31) and Catherine Carey (age 19).
After 1549 Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 5) was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 15).
On 4th June 1550 [her future husband] Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester (age 17) and Amy Robsart (age 17) were married at Sheen Palace [Map]. King Edward VI of England and Ireland (age 12) and William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 29) attended. He the son of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland (age 46) and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland (age 41).
Around 1561 Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 19) and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 17) were married. She by marriage Viscountess Hereford. They were fourth cousins.
In January 1563 [her daughter] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire was born to [her husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 21) and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 19) at Chartley Castle [Map].
All About History Books
The Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough, a canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: "In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed." Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
Around 1564 [her daughter] Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland was born to [her husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 22) and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 20).
On 10th November 1565 [her son] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex was born to [her husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 24) and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 22).
On 15th January 1569 [her mother] Catherine Carey (age 45) died at Hampton Court Palace, Richmond [Map].
In 1570 [her son] Walter Devereux was born to [her husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 28) and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 26).
On 28th January 1571 Anne Bourchier 7th Baroness Bourchier (age 54) died from a fall from a horse at Benington, Hertfordshire. Her first cousin twice removed [her husband] Walter (age 29) succeeded 8th Baron Bourchier. Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 27) by marriage Baroness Bourchier.
On 4th May 1572 [her husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 30) was created 1st Earl Essex. Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 28) by marriage Countess Essex.
On 22nd September 1576 [her husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex (age 35) died. His son [her son] Robert (age 10) succeeded 2nd Earl Essex, 3rd Viscount Hereford, 12th Baron Ferrers of Chartley, 9th Baron Bourchier.
On 21st September 1578 Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester (age 46) and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 34) were married secretly much to the anguish of Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 45) who developed a deep hatred of Lettice Knollys Countess Essex. She by marriage Countess of Leicester. Roger North 2nd Baron North (age 48) was present. He the son of John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland and Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland. They were fifth cousins.
In 1581 [her son] Robert Dudley was born to [her husband] Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester (age 48) and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 37).
On 10th January 1581 [her son-in-law] Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 21) and [her daughter] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 18) were married. She by marriage Baroness Rich of Leez. She the daughter of [her former husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 37).
All About History Books
The Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke. Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson. Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
On 17th July 1583 [her son-in-law] Thomas Perrot (age 30) and [her daughter] Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland (age 19) were married. The marriage took place without the consent of the Queen to whom Dorothy was lady in Waiting for which Thomas was imprisoned in the Fleet Prison [Map]. She the daughter of [her former husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 39). They were fifth cousins.
On 19th July 1584 [her son] Robert Dudley (age 3) died at Wansted House, Essex. He was buried in the Beauchamp Chapel [Map]. The inscription:
Here resteth the Body af the Noble Impe Robert of Dudley , Baron of Denbigh , Sonne of Robert Erle of Leicester ; Nephew and Heir unto Ambrose Erle of Warwicke Brethren both sons of the mightie Prince John late Duke of Northumberland ; that was Cousin and Heir to Sir John Gray , Viscount Lisle , Cousin and Heir to Sir Thomas Falbot . Viscount Lisle . Ne- phew and Heir to the Lady Margaret Countess of Shrewsbury , the eldest Daughter and Coheir of the noble Earl of Warwick , Sir Richard Beauchamp , here interred. A Child of greate Parentage but of farr greater hope and towardness , taken from this transitory unto the eve everlasting Life in his tender Age , at Wanstead in Essex , on Sundaye the 19th of July , in the year of our Lord God 1584 - being the 26th yeare of the happy Reigne of the most virtuous and godly Princis Queene Eliza- bethe , and in this Place layed up among his noble Auncestors in assured hope of the general Resurrection.
Robert Dudley: In 1581 he was born to Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex.
On 4th September 1588 [her husband] Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester (age 56) died at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire. He was buried at Beauchamp Chapel, St Mary's Church, Warwick [Map]. Earl of Leicester extinct.
On 10th October 1588 [her former husband] Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester (deceased) was buried at the Beauchamp Chapel, St Mary's Church, Warwick [Map].
His wife Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 44) commissioned a monument with the inscription:
Sacred to the God of the Living. In certain hope of a resurrection in Christ, here lieth the most illustrious Robert Dudley, fifth son of John, Duke of Northumberland, Earl of Warwick, Viscount Lisle, & c. He was Earl of Leicester, Baron of Denbigh. Knight both of the order of the Garter and St. Michael. Master of the Horse to Queen Elizabeth, (who distinguished him by particular favor) soon after Steward of the Queen's Household, Privy councellor, Justice in Eyre of the Forests, Parks, Chases, & c. on this side Trent, from the year 1585 to the year 1587, Lieutenant and Captain General of the English Army sent by the said Queen Elizabeth to the Netherlands; Governor General and Commander of the Provinces united in that place; Lieutenant Governor of England against Philip the Second of Spain, in the year 1588, when he was preparing to invade England with a numerous fleet and army.
He gave up his soul to God his Saviour, on the 4th day of September, in the year of Salvation, 1588. His most sorrowful wife Letitia, daughter of Francis Knolles, Knight of the order of the Garter, and Treasurer to the Queen, through a sense of conjugal love and fidelity, hath put up this monument to the best and dearest of husbands.
Spe certa resorgendi in Christo, hic situs est illustrissimus Robertus Dudleyus, Johannis, Ducis Northumbriæ Comitis Wawwici, Vicecomitis: Insulæ, &c. filius quintus; Comes Lecestriæ; Baro Denbighie, ordinis tum S. Georgii, tum S. Michaelis, Eques auratus; Reginæ Elizabethæ [apud quem Singulari gratia florebat] Hippocomus, Regæ Aulæ subinde Seneschallus; ab intimis Consilijs: Forestarum, Parcorum, Chacearum, &c. citra Trentham summus Justiciarius: Exercitus Anglici a dicta Regina Eliz: missi in Belgio, ab Anno MDLXXXV, ad Annum MBLXXXVII. Locum tenens et Capitaneus generalis: Provinciarum Confederatarum, ibidem Gubinator generalis et præfectus; Regnique Angliæ locum tenens contra Phalipum II. Hispanum, numerosa Classe et Excercitu Angliam MD MDLXXXVIII. Invadentem.
Animam Deo servatori reddidit Anno salutis MDLXXXVIII. Die quarto Septembris. Optimo et charissimo marito, mœstissima uxor Leticia Francisci Knoiles ordinis S Georgii equitis aurati et Regiæ Thesauraij filia, amoris et conjugalis fidei ergo, posuit.
In 1589 [her son] Walter Devereux (age 19) and [her daughter-in-law] Margaret Dakins (age 18) were married. He the son of [her former husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 45).
Around April 1589 Christopher Blount (age 24) and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 45) were married. The difference in their ages was 21 years; she, unusually, being older than him.
In 1590 [her son] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 24) and [her daughter-in-law] Frances Walsingham Countess Essex (age 23) were married. She by marriage Countess Essex. He the son of [her former husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 46). They were half fourth cousin once removed.
In 1591 [her son] Walter Devereux (age 21) died at the 1591 Siege of Rouen.
Around 1592 Nicholas Hilliard (age 45) painted a portrait of Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 48).
In 1594 [her son-in-law] Henry "Wizard Earl" Percy 9th Earl of Northumberland (age 29) and [her daughter] Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland (age 30) were married. She the daughter of [her former husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 50). He the son of Henry Percy 8th Earl of Northumberland and Katherine Neville Countess Northumberland (age 49). They were third cousin once removed.
Around 1595 Marcus Gheeraerts (age 33). Portrait believed to be of Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 51).
All About History Books
The Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough, a canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: "In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed." Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.
Before 1596 George Gower (age 55). Portrait of Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 52) with the 
Knollys Arms with Elephant Crest on her right.
On 19th July 1596 [her father] Francis Knollys (age 84) died.
On 25th February 1601 [her son] Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex (age 35) was beheaded at Tower Green, Tower of London [Map] as a consequence of his involvement in the Essex Rebellion. Earl Essex, Viscount Hereford, Baron Bourchier and Baron Ferrers of Chartley forfeit. He was the last person to be executed at the Tower of London. It isn't clear whether his other titles Viscount Hereford, Baron Ferrers of Chartley and Baron Bourchier were forfeit.
On 18th March 1601 Charles Danvers (age 33) and [her husband] Christopher Blount (age 36) was beheaded for their part in the Essex Rebellion.
In 1605 [her son-in-law] Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 45) and [her daughter] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 41) were divorced.
On 26th December 1605 [her son-in-law] Charles Blount 1st Earl Devonshire (age 42) and [her daughter] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 42) were married at Wansted House, Essex during a service conducted by Archbishop William Laud (age 32) (future). The marriage was regarded as uncanonical and resulted in the disgrace of both parties, who were banished from King James I's court circles. She by marriage Countess Devonshire. She the daughter of [her former husband] Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 62). They were third cousins.
On 7th July 1607 [her daughter] Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 44) died.
On 3rd August 1619 [her daughter] Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland (age 55) died.
On 25th December 1634 Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 91) died. She was buried at the Beauchamp Chapel, St Mary's Church, Warwick [Map] with her husband [her former husband] Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester - see Monument [Map] and Inscription [Map].
Beauchamp Chapel, St Mary's Church, Warwick [Map]: Upon the death of the Excellent and Pious Lady Lettice Countess of Leicester who dyed upon Christmas Day in the Morning 1634.
Look in this Vault and search it well,
Much Treasure in it lately fell;
Wee all are robb'd and all do say
Our Wealth was carried thus away;
And that the Thieft might ne'er be found,
Ths buried closely under Ground:
Yet if you gently stirr the mould,
There all our loss you may behold;
There may you see that Face, that Hand
Which once was fairest in the Land.
She that in her younger Years:
Match’d with two great English Peers,
She that did supply the Warrs
With Thunder. and the Court with Starrs;
She that in her Youth had been
Darling to the maiden Queen,
'Till she was content to quit
Her Favour for her favourite,
Whose ‘gold Thread when she saw spun,
And the death of her brave Son,
Thought it safest to retire
From all Care and vain Desire
'To a Private Country Cell,
Where she spent her days so well,
That to her the better Sort
Came as to an Holy Court;
And the Poor that lived near
Death nor famine could not fear;
Whilst she liv'd she lived thus,
'Till that God displeased with Us,
Suffer’d her at last to fall,
Not from Him but from us All;
And because she took Delight,
Christ’s poor members to invite,
He fully now requites her Love,
And sent his Angels from above,
That did to Heaven her soul convey,
To solemnize his own Birth day.
Gervas Clifton.
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Kings Wessex: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 13 Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 19 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 14 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 6 Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 12 Grand Daughter of Louis VII King Franks
Kings France: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of Robert "Pious" II King France
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 20 Grand Daughter of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Knollys
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Knollys
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Knollys
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Knollys
Great x 3 Grandfather: William D'Oyley
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Doyley
GrandFather: Robert Knollys
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Troutbeck
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Troutbeck
Father: Francis Knollys
GrandMother: Lettice Peniston
Lettice Knollys Countess Essex 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Carey
Great x 3 Grandfather: Philip Carey 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Courtenay 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Carey 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Orchard
Great x 3 Grandmother: Christiana Orchard
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Carey 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Baldwin Fulford
Great x 2 Grandmother: Anna Fulford
GrandFather: William Carey 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Spencer
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Winstone Churchill Spencer
Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Spencer of Spencer Combe
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Spencer 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Beaufort Countess Ormonde 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Berkeley Countess Warwick 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Mother: Catherine Carey 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Geoffrey Boleyn
Great x 3 Grandfather: Geoffrey Boleyn
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Bracton
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Boleyn 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Hoo 1st Baron Hoo and Hastings 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Ann Hoo 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Wychingham 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James "White Earl" Butler 4th Earl Ormonde 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Butler 7th Earl Ormonde 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Beauchamp Countess Ormonde 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Butler 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Hankford
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Hankford Countess Ormonde 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Montagu Duchess Exeter 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
GrandMother: Mary Boleyn 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Howard 4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Mowbray Baroness Grey Ruthyn 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Moleyns 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Moleyns 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Tilney
Great x 3 Grandfather: Frederick Tilney
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Lawrence Cheney
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cheney 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cockayne 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England