EARLS COLNE HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Earls of Oxford
Aubrey de Vere, grandson of the dynasty’s founder, was granted the Earldom of Oxford in 1142 and the title passed down through
20 generations, together with the hereditary post of Lord Great Chamberlain.
Like all families, they had times of mixed fortune, but some Earls had particularly interesting careers.
ROBERT, the NINTH EARL (1362 to 1392)
Robert was a close friend of King Richard II and was at the King’s side during his negotiations with the leaders of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381.
JOHN, the THIRTEENTH EARL (1442 to 1513)
John de Vere (known to his friends as ‘Jack’) was a commander of Henry Tudor’s troops during the final battles of the Wars of the Roses.
EDWARD, SEVENTEENTH EARL (1550 to 1604)
More has been written about Edward, Seventeenth Earl of Oxford than any other member of the de Vere family. He was a prominent figure
in his own lifetime, but interest in him grew when theories were published in 1920 that he had written plays and poems under the pen
name of ‘Shakespeare’. Much more detailed information on The Earls of Oxford is to be found in the museum.
EDWARD, SEVENTEENTH EARL (1550 to 1604)
More has been written about Edward, Seventeenth Earl of Oxford than any other member of the de Vere family. He was a prominent figure
in his own lifetime, but interest in him grew when theories were published in 1920 that he had written plays and poems under the pen
name of ‘Shakespeare’. Much more detailed information on The Earls of Oxford is to be found in the museum.
Arms of the
Earls of Oxford
on Pew Ends
in St Andrew’s Church, Earls Colne
Earls of Oxford
on Pew Ends
in St Andrew’s Church, Earls Colne
Photographs by J. Watt
© Earls Colne Heritage Museum
© Earls Colne Heritage Museum
