Henry Cuffe facts for kids

Henry Cuffe (born 1563 – died March 13, 1601) was an English writer and politician. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He was executed for going against the Queen.

Life Story of Henry Cuffe

Early Years and Education

Henry Cuffe was born in 1563 in Hinton St George, England. He was the youngest son of Robert Cuffe. At age 15, he became a student at Trinity College, Oxford. He was very good at learning Greek.

A famous scholar, Sir Henry Savile, helped him with his studies. Henry Cuffe also became friends with John Hotman, a French Protestant scholar. They wrote many letters to each other.

Cuffe earned his first degree in 1580. He became a fellow (a kind of teacher or researcher) at his college in 1583. Later, he taught Greek at Merton College. In 1590, he became the Regius Professor of Greek at the university. This was a very important teaching job. He held this role for seven years.

In 1592, he gave a speech in Latin to Queen Elizabeth when she visited Oxford. He also served as a junior proctor, helping to manage the university. Soon after, he left Oxford and moved to London.

Working with the Earl of Essex

In London, Henry Cuffe became the secretary to Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex. Essex was a powerful nobleman and a favorite of Queen Elizabeth. He hired many educated men to help him, especially with letters to other countries. Cuffe was known as a "great philosopher." He could use old ideas to understand new events.

Cuffe went with Essex on a military trip to Cadiz, Spain, in 1596. He wrote about this trip, but the Queen did not allow it to be published.

In 1599, Cuffe traveled to Dublin, Ireland, with Essex. Essex was leading an army there. Cuffe later went to London to deliver important messages to the Queen. These messages explained why Essex was taking so long to deal with a rebellion in Ireland. Cuffe spoke well to the Queen. However, the Queen's reply was not friendly.

Cuffe returned to Essex. Soon after, Essex made a sudden visit to London, which led to his arrest and imprisonment. During this time, Cuffe stayed in touch with Essex. After Essex was released in 1600, Cuffe continued to work for him.

Political Challenges and Advice

Henry Cuffe strongly wanted Essex to regain the Queen's favor. He believed Essex should meet the Queen and explain his problems. Cuffe thought the Queen would then forgive him. He also felt that Essex should not give in to his enemies, like the Cecils and Raleigh.

Cuffe advised Essex's friends to work together. He wanted them to form a strong group against those who opposed Essex. He helped bring these friends together for secret meetings.

Some of Essex's family members saw that Cuffe's advice was causing problems. They convinced Essex to fire Cuffe in November 1600. However, Cuffe asked for help from the Earl of Southampton, a friend of Essex. Southampton convinced Essex to let Cuffe return.

Cuffe did not support using force. He was not part of the public uprising in London on February 8, 1601. But he was still arrested with Essex and sent to the Tower. Before his execution, Essex said that Cuffe had been one of the main people who encouraged him to act against the Queen.

Trial and Execution

In late February, Henry Cuffe answered questions from the Queen's council. He told them about Essex's talks with King James of Scotland. Cuffe also explained his discussions with Sir Henry Neville.

On March 5, 1601, Cuffe was put on trial with others. He was accused of encouraging Essex's actions against the Queen. Cuffe said he only wanted Essex to get back into the Queen's good graces. He stated he did not leave Essex House on the day of the rebellion. The jury found him guilty.

Henry Cuffe was executed on March 13, 1601, at Tyburn. He began a speech, admitting some guilt but denying other charges. He was interrupted and then focused on his prayers before his execution.

Writings and Legacy

Henry Cuffe was a scholar and writer. In 1607, some of his philosophical and scientific writings were published. These writings showed his knowledge of Greek philosophers. He also believed in astrology and divine providence.

Cuffe helped with an edition of Pastoral of Daphnis and Chloe, a Greek story. He also wrote some Greek poems for William Camden's book Britannia. Another work, Aphorismes Political, which discussed the life of the Earl of Essex, is also thought to be his.