Causes of the rebellion Essex was one of Elizabeth’s closest companions. He was much younger than her and had been brought up by one of Elizabeth’s favourites, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Essex was exceptionally charming and he flattered the queen which won her affection. However, Essex was also proud, reckless and extravagant and very different from his step-father, Dudley. In 1587 Elizabeth made Essex her Master of Horse, a court position that had been held by Robert Dudley. As the Queen’s Master of Horse Essex had the opportunity to spend time in the company of the queen. He became a Privy Councillor in 1593 and led a successful expedition to attack the Spanish port city of Cadiz, returning to England a hero in 1596.
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Elizabeth promoted Robert Cecil as Secretary of State in 1596 as his father, William Cecil was too crippled to continue the role. Essex had wanted to influence her decision thereby gaining influence over royal patronage. His failure to do this made him look weak and made him angry with the queen.
Cecil and Essex each began to build up rival factions at court. This was something Elizabeth had sought to avoid for most of her reign.
Essex was sent to Ireland to defeat a rebellion, but instead made peace with the rebels against Elizabeth’s orders. Upon his return from Ireland Essex broke into Elizabeth’s bedchamber hoping to explain his actions which alarmed and angered her.
As punishment he was banned from court and financially ruined. He was fortunate to avoid a charge of treason for his actions.
