ON THIS DAY - 21 September 1578

On This Day 21 Sep 1578, Lettice Knollys, Dowager Countess of Essex married Elizabeth I's 'favourite' Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester.

'Portrait of a noblewoman, possibly Lettice Knollys (1539-1634)' Artist: Nicholas Hilliard (c.1537-1619) Year: c.1580 © Sotheby's

There had been rumours of an affair between the couple for years, including whilst Lettice had still been married to her first husband Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex.

In Sep 1565, when heavily pregnant, she reportedly flirted with Robert whilst at court. And from 1574, she was a frequent visitor to Kenilworth Castle, participating in the summer hunts in the surrounding parkland.

'Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester (1532-1588) (from pair with Elizabeth I)' Artist: Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619) Year: c.1575 © Bonham's

There were rumours of a secret marriage between Lettice and Robert in Spring 1578 at Kenilworth Castle; however, with no known witnesses, another ceremony was undertaken later in the year, at her father Sir Francis Knollys' insistence.

The marriage took place at the Earl's home at Wanstead Hall, Essex; it was an intimate ceremony, with 6 witnesses, including Lettice's father and brother Richard, and Robert's brother Ambrose, 3rd Earl of Warwick. The priest who married the couple later testified that Lettice was dressed in a 'loose-fitting gown', alluding to her being pregnant; however, no child is known to have survived from this time, with their only known child Robert being born in Jul 1581.

' ‘View of Wanstead House and Gardens for the Honourable Richard Child 1st Earl of Tylney, from the east’' Artists: Johann Kip and Leonard Knyff Year: 1728 © British Library

Elizabeth I was not immediately informed of this marriage - in fact, she came to stay at Wanstead only days after the ceremony, with no knowledge of the union. When she was informed of the marriage, there was reportedly a heated and violent conflict between Elizabeth and her kinswoman and former gentlewoman Lettice. Elizabeth viewed Lettice's actions as a great betrayal, brandishing her "that She-Wolf", and banishing her from court.

'Queen Elizabeth I' Unknown Artist Year: c. 1575 © National Portrait Gallery, London

Lettice bore the brunt of Elizabeth's wrath for the rest of her life in regards to this perceived disloyalty from the pair. Whilst Robert was able to maintain his position at court, any attempts at a reconciliation between the two women failed and they remained estranged.