Artistic and Political Patronage in Early Stuart England The Career of William Herbert, Third Earl of Pembroke, 1580-1630 Routledge Research in Early Modern History Series

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.

Foreword ix

1 Inheritance and Education, 1580–1597 1

2 At the Court of Elizabeth I, 1597–1601 13

3 Exile, 1601–1603 30

4 At the Court of James I, 1603–1612 47

5 The Rise of the Favourites, 1612–1621 71

6 ‘Thy Mother’s Glass’ 93

7 ‘The Greatest Maecenas’ 110

8 Parliament and Politics, 1621–1625 136

9 At the Court of Charles I 1625–1627 156

10 The Lord Steward 1627–1630 177

Epilogue 193

Appendix 1. Pembroke’s Landed Interests 195

Appendix 2. Aristocratic Entrepreneur 210

Appendix 3. The Pembroke ‘Connection’ 228

Appendix 4. Recognisances for Debt 231

Appendix 5. Works Dedicated to Pembroke 233

Brian O'Farrell is a Lecturer at U3A International, Spain. He was previously a Professor at Regents College, London.