The Black Legend of the House of Dudley

Three generations of the cursed House of Dudley stained the executioner’s block in 16th-century England. Were its members murderous villains working to overthrow the monarchy, or shrewd political agents struggling to survive? 

Dancing la volta, often said to depict Elizabeth I with Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, 16th century.
Dancing la volta, often said to depict Elizabeth I with Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, 16th century © akg-images. 

To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive.

Buy Online Access  Buy Print & Archive Subscription

If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.

Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.