ON THIS DAY - 22 September 1560

On This Day [22 Sep] 1560, Amy Robsart, wife of Robert Dudley, was buried at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford.

'The Yale Miniature' Artist: ?L. Horenbout year: c.1550 © Yale Center for British Art

Amy had been found dead at the bottom of a flight of stairs at Cumnor Place on 08 Sep 1560, with a Coroner's Inquest hearing that she died immediately of a broken neck.

'Amy Robsart' Artist: William Frederick Yeames Year: 1877 © Tate

Following her death, Amy's body was embalmed, placed in a coffin, and was moved to Gloucester Hall, Oxford (now the site of Worcester College, University of Oxford), where it lay beneath black cloth and hangings of Dudley and Robsart heraldry, and mourners were able to pay their respects.

'Gloucester Hall, 1675' © Worcester College, University of Oxford

The 1/2 mile funeral procession from the college to the church has been described by Chris Skidmore (2010) as a "traditional aristocratic funeral" - these included the Mayor of Oxford, university staff, a singing choir, poor men and women, and gentlewomen mourners, including those who had served her at Cumnor.

'The Funeral of Amy Robsart' Postcard, c.1907 © Museum of Fine Art Boston

Amy's half-brother, John Appleyard, walked infront of Amy's coffin, carrying a banner of arms, with her chief mourner being Lady Margery Norris, a long-time friend of Elizabeth I.

'St Mary the Virgin Church, Oxford' Early 20thc. © Oxford History

As was tradition, Amy's widower Robert Dudley did not attend the service. However, he funded the elaborate service, which reportedly cost in excess of £2000. The church had been draped in black cloth, decorated with 'escutcheons' (the shields which form coats of arms).

Amy Robsart Plaque University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford © University Church, Oxford

Amy was reportedly buried in the chancel of the church. However, the exact location of her grave has been lost. A plaque was later erected in 1874 near the high altar, commemorating her burial.