Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, English courtier and politician, Lord Great Chamberlain (d. 1604)

Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford (12 April 1550 – 24 June 1604), was a prominent English peer and courtier who lived during the vibrant and often tumultuous Elizabethan era. As heir to one of the kingdom's most ancient earldoms, his position afforded him significant social standing and influence. For a period, he enjoyed considerable favor within Queen Elizabeth I's court and was widely recognized as a generous patron of the arts. His contemporaries lauded him as a talented lyric poet and a court playwright, suggesting a creative spirit that aligned with the cultural flourish of the English Renaissance. However, his life was also marked by a volatile and impulsive temperament, which ultimately prevented him from achieving any sustained courtly or governmental responsibilities and contributed significantly to the eventual dissipation of his inherited estates.

Early Life, Wardship, and First Marriage

Edward de Vere was the only son born to John de Vere, the 16th Earl of Oxford, and Margery Golding. The continuation of noble lineage and the inheritance of vast lands were paramount in this period. Following his father's death in 1562, the young Edward, then just 12, became a ward of Queen Elizabeth I. This was a common practice for underage nobles whose fathers had died, placing them under royal guardianship. He was subsequently sent to reside in the household of the Queen's principal advisor, Sir William Cecil, a powerful and influential figure who would later become Lord Burghley. This upbringing within the heart of the English political establishment undoubtedly shaped his early years.

In 1571, Edward de Vere married Anne Cecil, Sir William Cecil's daughter, a union that further cemented his ties to one of the most powerful families in England. Together, they had five children. Despite this significant marriage, their relationship was deeply troubled. Oxford became estranged from Anne for a period of five years and notoriously refused to acknowledge paternity of their first child, highlighting a pattern of personal volatility and disregard for social conventions that would recur throughout his life.

A Man of Culture and Contradictions

Beyond his courtly duties, Oxford was a man of varied interests and talents. He was renowned as a champion jouster, excelling in a sport that was central to knightly prowess and courtly entertainment. His education and curiosity led him to travel extensively throughout Europe, particularly through France and the numerous independent states of Italy. These journeys were typical for gentlemen seeking cultural enrichment during the Renaissance, exposing him to new ideas in art, philosophy, and governance.

As a creative individual, Edward de Vere holds a notable place in English literary history. He was among the pioneering figures to compose and introduce love poetry to the Elizabethan court, contributing to the burgeoning literary scene. He also garnered praise as a playwright, although, tantalizingly, none of the plays explicitly attributed to him survive to this day. His impact on the arts extended far beyond his personal creations; he was a prolific and generous patron. Contemporary dedications speak volumes of his support for a wide array of works, including literary, religious, musical, and even medical texts. His patronage also extended to various performance groups, including both adult and boy acting companies, as well as individual musicians, tumblers, acrobats, and even trainers of performing animals, demonstrating a broad and enthusiastic engagement with the entertainment of his era.

Scandal, Disgrace, and Financial Ruin

The early 1580s marked a dramatic turning point in Oxford's relationship with Queen Elizabeth I. He fell precipitously out of favor and faced severe repercussions. The scandal unfolded when his mistress, Anne Vavasour, one of the Queen's own maids of honor, gave birth to his son within the confines of the royal palace. This egregious breach of courtly decorum and a direct affront to the Queen resulted in his exile from court and a brief imprisonment in the formidable Tower of London. Vavasour herself was also incarcerated for her part in the affair, which further escalated into violent street brawls between Oxford and her aggrieved kinsmen, illustrating the dangerous and intensely personal nature of honor and family reputation in Elizabethan society.

Despite the severe nature of the scandal, Oxford was eventually reconciled with the Queen in May 1583, a pivotal moment that took place at Theobalds, Sir William Cecil's grand estate. While his return to court was granted, the damage to his reputation and political standing proved irreparable. All previous opportunities for advancement within the Queen's service had been irrevocably lost. His financial situation, already precarious due to his extravagance and the sale of income-producing lands for ready money, continued to deteriorate. In a testament to either the Queen's enduring affection or perhaps a sense of royal responsibility for her former ward, in 1586, Elizabeth I granted Oxford a substantial annual pension of £1,000, equivalent to approximately $483,607 in 2020 US dollars, specifically to alleviate his dire financial distress.

Later Life and Legacy

After the death of his first wife, Anne Cecil, Edward de Vere married Elizabeth Trentham, who was also one of the Queen's maids of honor. With Elizabeth, he finally secured a male heir, Henry de Vere, who would become the 18th Earl of Oxford, ensuring the continuation of his ancient lineage. Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, passed away in 1604, having, by that time, regrettably spent the entirety of his once-vast inherited estates. His life was a complex tapestry of aristocratic privilege, artistic talent, personal extravagance, and courtly drama.

The Oxfordian Theory of Shakespeare Authorship

Since the 1920s, Edward de Vere has emerged as one of the most prominent alternative candidates proposed by certain scholars and enthusiasts for the authorship of William Shakespeare's works. This theory, often referred to as the "Oxfordian theory," posits that the biographical details, education, travel experiences, and aristocratic worldview evident in the Shakespearean canon align more closely with the known life of Edward de Vere than with the traditional biography of William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon. Proponents of this theory highlight Oxford's poetic skill, his deep knowledge of court life, his patronage of acting companies, and his personal experiences with themes such as legal disputes, Italy, and noble intrigue, suggesting these are reflected in the plays. While widely debated and not accepted by mainstream academic consensus, the Oxfordian theory remains a significant aspect of the discussion surrounding Edward de Vere's historical and cultural legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford

Who was Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford?
He was an English peer and courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, known for his aristocratic lineage, patronage of the arts, poetic talents, and a notoriously volatile temperament.
What was his role in the Elizabethan court?
Initially a court favourite and ward of the Queen, he served as a jouster and patron of culture. However, his temper and a major scandal led to his fall from grace, though he was later reconciled with the Queen.
Why was he known for his artistic patronage?
Oxford was a significant patron of his time, supporting a wide range of works including literature, music, and plays. He financially backed both adult and boy acting companies, musicians, and various performers, earning him considerable praise from those he supported.
What caused his fall from Queen Elizabeth's favor?
His primary fall from favor occurred in the early 1580s after his mistress, Anne Vavasour, a maid of honor, gave birth to his illegitimate son within the royal palace, a scandal that gravely offended the Queen and led to his imprisonment and exile from court.
Did Edward de Vere have children?
Yes, he had five children with his first wife, Anne Cecil, and an heir, Henry de Vere, with his second wife, Elizabeth Trentham. He also had an illegitimate son with his mistress, Anne Vavasour.
How did he manage his finances?
Edward de Vere was notoriously extravagant and faced severe financial distress throughout his life. He sold off income-producing lands and ultimately dissipated his entire inherited estate, despite receiving an annual pension from Queen Elizabeth I to help alleviate his debts.
What is the "Oxfordian theory" regarding Shakespeare's authorship?
The Oxfordian theory is a hypothesis proposing that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of the plays and poems traditionally attributed to William Shakespeare. Proponents suggest that Oxford's life experiences, education, and literary background align closely with the content and themes found in Shakespeare's works. This theory is not widely accepted by mainstream Shakespearean scholars.