Henry Dudley (conspirator) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Dudley
Born	1517
Died	1568 London
Allegiance	Kingdom of England
Service/branch	Royal Navy
Years of service	1536–1568
Rank	Vice-Admiral
Commands held	Admiral of the Narrow Seas Captain of the Guard at Boulogne
Battles/wars	Boulogne Battle of Cadiz (1596) Islands Voyage Siege of Kinsale Battle of Castlehaven Battle of Sesimbra Bay
Relations	Son of John Sutton, 3rd Baron Dudley and Cicely Grey

Sir Henry Dudley (born 1517, died 1568) was an important English admiral, soldier, and diplomat. He lived during the exciting Tudor period in England. He was also involved in some secret plans.

Who Was Henry Dudley?

His Family and Early Life

Henry Dudley was born at Dudley Castle in Staffordshire, England. He was the second son of John Sutton, 3rd Baron Dudley. His mother was Cicely, whose father was Thomas Grey, 1st Marquis of Dorset.

Henry Dudley had some famous relatives. He was a cousin to Lady Jane Grey's father, Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk. He was also a distant cousin of Elizabeth I. This was through their shared great-grandmother, Elizabeth Woodville.

Starting His Career

In 1535, Henry Dudley began working for Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell was a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. Dudley then became a soldier. He served in Ireland in 1536 under his uncle, Leonard Grey. Later, he fought in Scotland from 1540 to 1543.

Dudley showed great bravery during the siege of Boulogne in 1544. Because of his courage, he was made a Captain in 1545. He served under Lord Clinton.

Rising Through the Ranks

Becoming an Admiral

Henry Dudley was promoted to Admiral of the Narrow Seas in March 1552. This happened when Lord Clinton was the main Admiral. Dudley was also knighted by the King. This special ceremony took place at Hampton Court on October 11, 1551.

Time in Prison

Dudley was a close friend of his cousin, the Duke of Northumberland. The Duke sent him to France in July 1553. His mission was to talk with King Henry II of France. They wanted to see if France would help England. This was in case another country interfered in England's affairs.

However, Dudley was arrested on July 25, 1553, in Calais. He was then sent to the Tower of London. But Queen Mary pardoned him. He was set free on October 18, 1553.

Secret Plans and Exile

Visiting Paris

Henry Dudley had many friends in France. He had once been the Captain of the Guard at Boulogne. In December 1555, he visited Paris. King Henry II of France welcomed him warmly.

Dudley returned to England with only vague promises of help. At the same time, Pope Paul was also unhappy with Queen Mary. This was because of her marriage into the powerful Habsburg family. That same month, the Pope signed a secret agreement with Henry II against Spanish power.

Starting a Conspiracy

In January, Henry Dudley and his helpers began their secret plan. They hid ammunition in important places. They also took a large sum of money from the Exchequer. Dudley knew the Exchequer well and had friends there. This money was hidden "in water by (London) bridge." It was meant to fund an invasion.

The money was to be sent to France. There, his Protestant supporters, who were living in exile, would use it. Their goal was to invade England.

The Invasion Plan

In Spain, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor gave up his throne on January 16, 1556. This made Philip and Mary King and Queen of Spain. Spain also controlled the Netherlands at that time. Philip knew that the English Parliament and people were unhappy. It was unlikely he would be crowned King of England soon.

Sir Henry Dudley went back to France. By March, he was gathering an invasion force. He planned to land on the Isle of Wight and march on London. The plot aimed to send Queen Mary to Spain. There, she could be with King Philip. The plan was to make Elizabeth the new Queen of England.

The Plot Fails

This plan was very bold. But most of the English gentry (wealthy landowners) did not support it. They were waiting for time to solve their problems with the Queen. Henry Dudley, however, took action. While others hesitated, he organized a large and complex rebellion from abroad.

One of his helpers was Henry Peckham. Peckham was a courtier and a Member of Parliament. He was caught trying to get money for the plot from the Exchequer. He was then sent to the Tower of London. In July 1556, he and his assistants faced serious consequences for their actions against the queen.

Life in Exile and Return

After the plot was discovered, it fell apart. Henry Dudley remained in France. His big plan failed because of careless talk and too many people involved. He lived in exile in France, serving the French, from 1556 to 1563.

However, he returned to England in 1563. He served as "Capt. Dudley." Later that year, Queen Elizabeth gave him a yearly payment for his service. In 1567, Elizabeth also protected him from his creditors. This protection lasted until 1568. Sir Henry Dudley died sometime between 1568 and 1570. No will of his is known to exist.