Elizabethan England Topic Summaries

Essex’s rebellion

GCSE > History > AQA > GCSE History: Elizabethan England (1558-1603) > Elizabeth’s accession > Essex’s rebellion
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Key terms
  • The Earl of Essex (Robert Devereux) was one of Elizabeth I’s favourites at court and a member of the Privy Council but a rival of William and Robert Cecil.
  • He had a monopoly on sweet wine, giving him wealth and influence.
  • He became famous after a military victory over the Spanish in 1596 and was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
  • In Ireland, he went against Elizabeth’s orders by making a truce with the Irish rebel leader. Upon return, he saw Elizabeth in a vulnerable state (without her wig and makeup). She then banned him from court, refused to renew his sweet wine monopoly, and stripped him of political power.
  • In 1601, Essex tried to stage a rebellion with around 200 supporters, but most rebels deserted after being offered a pardon. The rebellion collapsed in just 12 hours. Essex was tried for treason and executed privately to avoid public sympathy.

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