Edward De Vere- The 17th Earl Of Oxford's Shakespeare Secret

There is a fascinating discussion that has captivated many for quite some time, centering on the true identity of the writer behind some of the most celebrated plays and poems in the English language. This conversation often brings up the name of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, a figure from the Elizabethan era whose life story is, in some respects, just as intriguing as the works themselves. He was, you know, a man of his time, deeply connected to the court and the arts, and his story presents a compelling alternative perspective to what many of us learned in school.

This particular idea, that the 17th Earl of Oxford might be the actual creator of the works attributed to William Shakespeare, really began to gain attention much later than his own lifetime. It was a schoolteacher in the early 1900s who first put forward this thought, suggesting that the traditional account simply didn't add up for him. People started looking at the details of Edward de Vere's personal experiences, his schooling, and his connections, trying to see if they matched up with the sort of knowledge and background one might expect from the author of those famous plays.

So, as we consider the life of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, we begin to uncover a person who certainly had the kind of upbringing and exposure that could have shaped a brilliant writer. From his early days in a noble household to his travels and his own creative pursuits, there's a lot to unpack. This exploration gives us a chance to look at a historical puzzle, one that continues to spark debate and curiosity among those who love literature and history, very much indeed.

• Head Gear
• Oakland Hills Country Club
• William Floyd High School
• Black Forest Industries
• The Bostonian Hotel Boston

Table of Contents

• Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford - A Life Story
  • Personal Details of the 17th Earl of Oxford
• Who Was Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, Really?
• What Did the 17th Earl of Oxford Do in His Younger Years?
  • Early Life and Schooling of the 17th Earl of Oxford
• How Did the 17th Earl of Oxford Become a Candidate for Authorship?
  • The Authorship Discussion and the 17th Earl of Oxford
• What Kind of Influence Did the 17th Earl of Oxford Have?
  • The 17th Earl of Oxford as a Supporter of the Arts

Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford - A Life Story

Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was a person of considerable standing in Elizabethan England, born on April 12, 1550, at Castle Hedingham in Essex. His journey through life, from a young age, was marked by significant events and connections that, for many, paint a picture of a man uniquely positioned within the cultural currents of his time. He was a lyric poet, someone who crafted verses, and a supporter of the stage, very much interested in plays and performances. His path, you see, took him through various experiences, shaping him into the figure we now discuss in relation to one of history's most enduring literary mysteries.

His early days were spent in a noble setting, a situation that provided him with a particular kind of upbringing. Sadly, when he was just twelve years old, his father passed away. This meant that Edward came into his family's grand roles, taking on the titles of Lord Great Chamberlain and the 17th Earl of Oxford. This change, in a way, placed him directly into the care of the crown, making him what was known as a royal ward. This shift, too, meant that his education and future would be guided by influential figures at court, shaping his experiences in ways that were quite distinct from many others.

The life of the 17th Earl of Oxford remained somewhat out of common knowledge for a long stretch of time after his passing on June 24, 1604, in Newington, Middlesex. He was laid to rest in a church, though the specific location isn't fully detailed in all records. It wasn't until the year 1920 that his connection to the works of Shakespeare truly came into public discussion. That was when an English schoolmaster, John Thomas Looney, brought forth his idea that Edward de Vere was the actual creator of the Shakespeare plays, publishing his thoughts in a book called "Shakespeare" Identified in Edward de Vere the Seventeenth Earl of Oxford. This moment, basically, changed how some people looked at the history of English literature.

• Greenway High School
• New Riff Distillery
• Starbucks Phone Number
• 02 Dome
• Bright Horizons Daycare

Personal Details of the 17th Earl of Oxford

To get a clearer picture of this interesting individual, here are some key facts about Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford:

Who Was Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, Really?

So, who was this Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, beyond just his name and titles? He was, in essence, a person of high social standing, educated in a manner fitting for someone of his background. His learning began with private tutors, and then he moved on to formal studies at both Cambridge University and Gray's Inn, which was a sort of legal college. This kind of education, in that period, was quite extensive, covering a wide range of subjects that would have been considered essential for a well-rounded gentleman. It suggests, too, a mind that was exposed to many different ideas and forms of expression.

Beyond his schooling, Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, had connections to creative people within his own family. Two of his uncles, Lords Sheffield and Surrey, were recognized for their skill in writing verses. This family link to the world of poetry suggests that creative expression might have been a natural part of his environment. There was also a third uncle, Arthur Golding, who was responsible for putting Ovid's "Metamorphoses" into English. This particular work, as a matter of fact, is often thought of as a book that William Shakespeare himself particularly enjoyed. These familial ties, you know, could have certainly fostered an early interest in literature and dramatic storytelling for the young earl.

As he grew older, Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, became a well-known figure at Queen Elizabeth I's court. He was, to be honest, someone who spent time traveling across the continent, which would have exposed him to different cultures and ways of thinking. This kind of experience, in that era, was quite unusual for many, giving him a broader outlook on the world. His presence at court, coupled with his travels, meant he was right in the middle of the social and cultural goings-on of the time, making him a witness to and a participant in the very fabric of Elizabethan life, which is kind of interesting to consider.

What Did the 17th Earl of Oxford Do in His Younger Years?

When we look at the younger days of the 17th Earl of Oxford, we find a story that begins with a significant family change. His father's passing when Edward was just a boy meant he suddenly found himself holding important family roles. This event, in a way, shaped his immediate future, as he then came under the care of the crown. Being a royal ward meant that his upbringing and guidance were overseen by powerful figures, rather than just his immediate family. This kind of arrangement, you know, often meant a very specific type of instruction and a certain path laid out for one's life, especially for someone of his standing.

He grew up, as the information tells us, in the home of Lord Burghley. This was a hugely influential household at the time, and living there would have given the young Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, exposure to the highest levels of political and social life. It's almost certain that such an environment would have provided him with opportunities for learning and observation that were far beyond the norm. In 1571, he actually went on to marry Lord Burghley's daughter, Anne Cecil. This marriage, basically, further cemented his ties to one of the most powerful families in England, weaving him deeper into the political and social fabric of the court.

Early Life and Schooling of the 17th Earl of Oxford

The early life and schooling of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, were, in some respects, typical for someone of his noble birth, yet they also set him apart. He received private instruction, which would have included a wide array of subjects considered suitable for a gentleman of his station. This would have laid a solid foundation for his later studies. Then, he went on to attend two very respected institutions: Cambridge University and Gray's Inn. This combination of private learning and formal university education suggests a rigorous intellectual development, very much focused on classical texts, rhetoric, and legal principles, which were key to the period.

His background as an aristocrat meant that he was not just learning for the sake of it, but also preparing for a life of public service and influence. The fact that he was educated at such places points to a mind that was capable of absorbing complex ideas and expressing them, too. The curriculum at these institutions, you know, would have included Latin, Greek, history, philosophy, and perhaps even some early forms of dramatic arts. This kind of comprehensive learning would have provided the 17th Earl of Oxford with a vast store of knowledge, which some suggest can be seen reflected in the sheer breadth of topics and references found within the Shakespearean works, as a matter of fact.

How Did the 17th Earl of Oxford Become a Candidate for Authorship?

The idea that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, might be the true writer of Shakespeare's plays is a thought that really took hold in the 20th century. Before that, his life's accomplishments were not widely recognized, sort of hidden from public view. It was John Thomas Looney, the English schoolmaster, who in 1920, brought this idea to light. He felt that the usual story about William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon just didn't quite fit, and he decided to look at the plays themselves to figure out what kind of person the real author must have been. This was, you know, a different way of approaching the question, focusing on the content rather than just accepted history.

Looney, through his careful study of the works, put together a list of characteristics that he believed the actual author would possess. He then looked for someone in history who matched those traits, and Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, seemed to fit the description remarkably well. This led to the publication of his book, which, as I was saying, introduced the idea that Oxford was the person behind the pen name "Shakespeare." This theory gained traction because many people found that Oxford's life experiences, his education, and his personal interests seemed to align with the depth and variety of knowledge found in the plays, very much so.

The Authorship Discussion and the 17th Earl of Oxford

The discussion about who truly wrote the Shakespeare canon is a lively one, and Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, has emerged as the most prominent alternative choice for the person behind the alleged pen name, "Shakespeare." Those who support this idea, often called Oxfordians, put forward the thought that the plays and poems attributed to William Shakespeare were actually penned by the 17th Earl of Oxford. This perspective often points to specific details within Oxford's life that seem to mirror themes or situations found in the plays, creating a compelling case for many who question the traditional view.

For example, some supporters of the Oxfordian theory recognized the hand of the 17th Earl of Oxford in a poem called "Venus and Adonis," which is traditionally credited to Shakespeare. They see connections between Oxford's own known writings and the style and content of this particular piece. Kurt Kreiler's recent book, "The Man Who Invented Shakespeare," is just the latest work to agree with this theory, adding to the body of literature that explores this alternative view. This ongoing conversation, basically, keeps the figure of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, at the center of a significant literary debate, always prompting new questions and considerations about the past.

What Kind of Influence Did the 17th Earl of Oxford Have?

Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was certainly a person of considerable influence during the Elizabethan era, particularly as a leading supporter of the arts. He lived at the same time as William Shakespeare, and he was known for being a person who helped creative people, providing them with support and encouragement. This role as a patron meant he played a part in fostering the artistic scene of his day, which was, you know, a period of great flourishing for English theater and poetry. His presence and backing would have been important for many artists and performers looking to make their way.

Beyond being a supporter of others, Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was also a writer of verses and plays in his own right. This personal creative ability adds another layer to his story. The text mentions that twenty of his own writings, with notes, have been shown to be the early works of the author William Shakespeare, suggesting that Oxford used that name as a sort of pen name. This idea, basically, means that the creative output of the 17th Earl of Oxford was not just limited to supporting others, but also extended to creating works that are now considered among the greatest in the English language. This is, you know, a pretty big claim.

The 17th Earl of Oxford as a Supporter of the Arts

As a supporter of the arts, the 17th Earl of Oxford played a role that was, in some respects, quite common for noblemen of his time, yet his personal creative talents made him stand out. He was a wit and a poet at the court of Elizabeth I, meaning he engaged in intellectual and creative discussions and produced his own original verses. This suggests a deep personal interest and involvement in the literary and theatrical world, not just from a distance. The fact that he was a contemporary of Shakespeare, meaning they lived during the same period, is also a key point for those who argue for his authorship, as it places him directly within the cultural moment where these great works emerged, very much so.

The information we have about Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, includes details like a portrait of him in Paris, painted by an unknown artist around 1575, and references to his recognition for his unusual ways. These small details, you know, help to build a picture of a complex individual who was deeply embedded in the artistic and intellectual currents of his time. The hypothesis that this website puts forward, that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the author of the Shakespeare canon and other writings from the Elizabethan period, truly highlights his potential influence and contribution to literature, even if it was under a different name. It's a fascinating thought, to be honest.

This exploration has given us a look at Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, from his early life and education to his role as a patron of the arts and the ongoing discussion about his possible connection to the works of Shakespeare. We've covered his birth, his family ties, his schooling, and the way his name came to be linked with one of history's biggest literary puzzles. His story, as presented, paints a picture of a well-educated nobleman deeply involved in the creative world of Elizabethan England, whose life details continue to spark curiosity and debate among those who study literature and history.