Robert Radclyffe, 5th Earl of Sussex facts for kids
Robert Radclyffe, 5th Earl of Sussex (born 12 June 1573 – died 22 September 1629) was an important English nobleman. He was also a Knight of the Order of the Garter, a special group of knights.
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Life and Career
Robert Radclyffe was the only son of Henry Radclyffe, the 4th Earl of Sussex. He became known as Viscount Fitzwalter in 1583. When his father passed away on 4 December 1593, Robert took over as the Earl of Sussex.
A Royal Mission to Scotland
In August 1594, Robert Radclyffe was sent to Scotland. His job was to be a special ambassador. He attended the baptism of Prince Henry, the eldest son of James VI of Scotland. This event took place at Stirling Castle.
Sussex carried the baby prince from his room to the Chapel Royal. He also had important talks with King James VI. These discussions were about Catholics and Scottish rebels. After his mission, Sussex left Scotland on 12 September. He received a gift of silver plates.
Military Service and Honors
In 1596, Sussex joined the army that went to Cadiz in Spain. He was a colonel in charge of a group of soldiers. He played a big part in capturing the town. For his bravery, he was made a knight on 27 June 1596.
He also served as the Earl Marshal of England. This was during the parliaments in 1597 and 1601. In 1599, he became a colonel-general of foot soldiers. This army was formed in London to prepare for a possible Spanish invasion. That same year, he became a Knight of the Garter.
Even though he was involved in a rebellion led by the Earl of Essex in 1601, he was still chosen to be one of the judges for Essex's trial. On 26 August 1603, he became the lord lieutenant of Essex. This was a very important position. He was also in charge of Harwich and Landguard Fort.
Life After the Union of Crowns
After James VI of Scotland also became King of England (known as the Union of Crowns), Sussex traveled with Queen Anne of Denmark. She was moving south to Windsor Castle. During this journey, he had a disagreement with the Earl of Argyll. At Worksop Manor, other important nobles announced that everyone should put aside their arguments.
On 20 July 1603, Sussex asked the Queen for help. He had money problems because of debts his father and grandfather owed to the crown.
In July 1622, he sold his family estate, Newhall, Essex, for £22,000. He also gave up his role as lord-lieutenant of Essex. However, he was reappointed to this role in 1625.
Sussex was often at court. He carried the special purple robe when Prince Charles became Prince of Wales in 1616. He also carried the orb at the coronation of King Charles I in 1626. Robert Radclyffe passed away at his home in Clerkenwell on 22 September 1629. He was buried in the church of Boreham with his father and uncle.
Supporting Artists and Writers
Robert Radclyffe was a "patron" of writers and artists. This means he supported them with money or influence.
- In 1592, the writer Robert Greene dedicated his book Euphues Shadow to him.
- George Chapman included a poem to Sussex in his translation of the Iliad in 1598.
- Henry Lok also wrote a poem to the Earl in his book Sundry Christian Passions (1597).
- Emanuel Ford dedicated his popular story Parismus to Sussex in 1598.
Family Life
Robert Radclyffe was married two times.
His first wife was Bridget Morison. She was the daughter of Sir Charles Morison. Robert Greene also honored her in his book Philomela. A music book called The New Booke of Tabliture was also dedicated to her in 1596.
Their marriage had problems. It was reported that the Earl treated her unkindly. Bridget and her children separated from Sussex before 1602. She received £1,700 a year from him. She passed away in December 1623.
Robert and Bridget had four children, but all of them passed away before him:
- Henry Radclyffe, who married Jane Stanhope in 1614.
- Thomas Radclyffe.
- Elizabeth Radclyffe, who married John Ramsay, 1st Earl of Holderness. Their wedding was celebrated with a special play called The Hue and Cry After Cupid in 1608.
- Honora Radclyffe.
Sussex's second wife was Frances Meautas. She was the widow of Francis Shute. Frances passed away on 18 November 1627.
Since all of Robert's children passed away before him, his cousin, Edward Radclyffe, became the 6th Earl of Sussex.
