After reading 'The House of Dudley' by Dr Joanne Paul (2022), which first introduced me to the one of the illustrations below, I was able to locate the full 'Codex' online. This manuscript documents the genealogy of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester (1532-1588). It was written in c.1572, likely on his appointment as lieutenant of the Order of the Garter. This work, which is currently held at the University of Pennsylvania, has been attributed to Robert Cooke (whose known work in the British Library holds significant similarities to this one).
The author traces Robert Dudley's ancestry back to the 11th and 12th centuries, confirming his direct descent from the earldoms of both Leicester and Chester, and providing heraldic devices/shields for the principal members of these families. In regards to his more recent ancestry, information is provided regarding his paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Grey, the daughter of Sir Edward Grey and Elizabeth Talbot - the combined Dudley and Grey heraldry highlighting her marriage.
The author then provides details regarding Robert Dudley's parents, John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland (1504-ex.1553) and Jane Guildford (c.1508-1555), including a detailed combined coat of arms.
Further information is then given regarding the other children of the Dudleys (although Robert's birth was not recorded along with his siblings). His name was added in a different hand in the margin at a later date!
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