The Earl of Essex | |
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![]() Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, as Earl Marshal of England, 1575 | |
Tenure | 1572–1576 |
Successor | Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex |
Other titles | Viscount Hereford |
Known for | Soldier and courtier |
Born | 16 September 1541 Carmarthen, Wales |
Died | 22 September 1576 Dublin Castle, Ireland | (aged 35)
Buried | Carmarthen |
Nationality | English |
Wars and battles | Plantations of Ireland |
Offices | Earl Marshal |
Spouse(s) | Lettice Knollys |
Issue | Penelope Devereux Dorothy Devereux Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex Walter Devereux Francis Devereux |
Parents | Sir Richard Devereux Dorothy Hastings |
Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, KG (16 September 1541 – 22 September 1576), was an English nobleman and general. From 1573 until his death he fought in Ireland in connection with the Plantations of Ireland, most notably the Rathlin Island massacre. He was the father of Robert, 2nd Earl of Essex, who was Elizabeth I's favourite during her later years.