A dedicated servant to Elizabeth I, Walter Devereux was named earl of Essex in 1572 and installed as knight of the garter in the same year. Having been appointed marshall of Ireland in 1574, Devereux died shortly thereafter, either of dysentery or poison. He was succeeded by his son Robert (1566–1601), the second earl of Essex and a significant favorite of the queen until 1601, when he attempted to raise a rebellion and was executed.

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