Artistic and Political Patronage in Early Stuart England explores the remarkable life and career of William Herbert, Third Earl of Pembroke. Pembroke was one of the most influential aristocrats during the reigns of Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I. He was a great patron, a prominent politician and electoral manager, an entrepreneur, and a gifted poet. Yet despite his influence and many talents, Pembroke’s life has been little studied by historians. Drawing on archival material, this book throws new light on Pembroke, and demonstrates just how significant he was during his lifetime. This book will appeal to scholars and students of early modern British history, as well as those interested in politics and patronage during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Brian O'Farrell is a Lecturer at U3A International, Spain. He was previously a Professor at Regents College, London.
Foreword ix1 Inheritance and Education, 1580–1597 12 At the Court of Elizabeth I, 1597–1601 133 Exile, 1601–1603 304 At the Court of James I, 1603–1612 475 The Rise of the Favourites, 1612–1621 716 ‘Thy Mother’s Glass’ 937 ‘The Greatest Maecenas’ 1108 Parliament and Politics, 1621–1625 1369 At the Court of Charles I 1625–1627 15610 The Lord Steward 1627–1630 177Epilogue 193Appendix 1. Pembroke’s Landed Interests 195Appendix 2. Aristocratic Entrepreneur 210Appendix 3. The Pembroke ‘Connection’ 228Appendix 4. Recognisances for Debt 231Appendix 5. Works Dedicated to Pembroke 233