Robert Devereux

Born: January 1591, London, England
Died: 14th September 1646, London, England
Allegiance: Parliamentarian
Position: 3rd Earl of Essex, Lord General of Parliamentarian army (1642-1645)

Son of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, who was executed for treason in 1601. Because of this, he had to apply for special permission from parliament to gain his title and lands. He became the 3rd Earl of Essex in 1604.

Essex married Frances Howard, countess of Suffolk, in 1606, but was divorced by James I so that she could marry his favourite. This may have been the root of his dislike of the Stuarts.

He served in the military from 1620, undergoing five campaigns in the 30 Years War. He was then made Vice Admiral for an expedition against the Spanish port of Cadiz.

Charles I appointed him as second in command for the bishops war of 1639, but this did not make Essex support the king when the civil war broke out.

Essex was appointed Lord General of the Parliamentary army in July, 1642. Essex marched an army out from London to prevent Charles taking the capital. The two armies met at Edgehill (Oct 1642), but the battle was inconclusive. Charles was met by another force at Turnham Green and turned away.

Essex' army was defeated at Lostwithiel (Aug 1644), but he escaped by boat to Plymouth. After this defeat, he did not feel up to the task of Lord General, and resigned in April, 1645.

Essex continued to sit in parliament until his death in 1646. He had no heir to pass his title on to.