Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland
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Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland (16 January 1362-1392) was a favorite companion and advisor of Richard II of England. He was originally the 9th Earl of Oxford, but the king created him Marquess of Dublin and Duke of Ireland for life. He was thus the first marquess, and the first non-royal Duke in England.
De Vere was married to Philippa de Coucy the King’s cousin and also had an affair with Agnes de Launcekrona, a Czech lady-in-waiting of the Queen, Anne of Bohemia. There were also rumours of a homosexual relationship between de Vere and the King.
De Vere was hugely unpopular with the nobles and magnates and Richard’s close relationship with him was one of the catalysts for the emergence of an organised opposition to his rule in the form of the Lords Appellant.
In 1387, de Vere led Richard’s forces to defeat at Radcot Bridge outside Oxford, against the forces of the Lords Appellant. He was forced into exile by parliament in 1388, and his lands were confiscated. He was killed by a boar he was hunting in France in 1392, and in 1395 King Richard had his embalmed body brought back to England for burial. Many of the lords refused to attend the funeral, during which Richard had the coffin opened to kiss his lost friend's hand.
After his death his uncle Aubrey was restored to the family titles and estates, becoming 10th earl of Oxford.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by The Earl of Oxford |
Lord Great Chamberlain 1371–1388 |
Succeeded by The Duke of Exeter |
| Peerage of England | ||
| Preceded by Thomas de Vere |
Earl of Oxford 1371–1388 |
Succeeded by Aubrey de Vere |
