Was The Mysterious Death Of Amy Robsart Really An Accident? Or Something Worse?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Amy Robsart - or by her married name, Amy Dudley - is most famous, sadly, for her death. On the 8th September 1560, Amy was found dead at the foot of a flight of stairs, apparently having broken her neck. Her inquest was death by accident, but due to her husband Robert Dudley being the favourite of Elizabeth I, rumours began that her death might actually be murder. This video takes a look at the parts of Amy's life that get forgotten, and the different scenarios regarding her tragic passing...
*TRIGGER WARNING* This video contains discussion of suicide in a historic setting.
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6 years ago, a coworker's father was walking up the stairs to join his wife for lunch, mis stepped halfway up and fell breaking his neck and cracking his skull. He was a perfectly healthy and active man so regardless of what people THINK, a fall down the stairs can end in tragedy even in a modern American ranch house, never mind a Tudor English manor house.
I'm so sorry to hear that. Poor man. And yes I would agree that it's more than possible to fall a short flight of stairs and break a neck, especially when,in those days, stairs were often times make of stone
Exactly - there are plenty of tragic deaths involving stairs, you're absolutely right. I think the evidence I read said the data showed there were around 50 accidental deaths a year involving stairs on average, in healthy individuals under the age of 50. Amy's death was only regarded as anything else because of poisonous propaganda, in my humble opinion.
@@HistorysForgottenPeople i think it was suiced becuse she knew she was the third wheel between Elizabeth and Robbie. Kinda like kagami in the love triangle between her, aidrien and Marinette in meraculous ladybug 😅.
So sad to hear of your friends Father…
Only God knows all…..these women had no resources or
absolutely no- one to turn to for help.
What a tragic fate to have been born a woman
in this century & others.
I would be I’m sure a Joan of Arc and
a Coco Channel lady in pants 😎
My next-door neighbor just moved into his house, got up to use the restroom, opened the wrong door and fell down the basement stairs breaking his neck also. He was healthy and vibrant, so it can happen.😢
Elizabeth I was a astute woman. I doubt she would have married anyone. All her life before she became Queen she witnessed what powerful men could do to a wife - her mother, Catherine Howard, Mary (her sister) it also would have served her well to keep those at home and abroad, wanting an alliance via marriage, on their toes. All in all she probably loved Dudley but i doubt she would have actually married him.
Maybe if her brother lived long enough to father an heir elizabeth most likely would have married then.
I recently heard the same theory shared in the video - that she had cancer that weakened her spine and may have caused her to fall down and break her neck. It’s possible 🤷♀️ I personally don’t think she was killed because if she was Dudley’s enemies would have seized their chance and would have banged the drum about that until Robert was in prison.
That sounds VERY logical and possible. Thanks for the input. Bone Cancer.
Absolutely this! They attempted to spread rumours about him because that was ALL they could do. It was highly effective, because nearly five centuries later there are still lots of people who wholeheartedly believe Robert killed Amy (and we can't discount it either, but it is the most unlikely of the theories).
Metastatic breast cancer to the bone will cause a honeycomb effect. She would not have even had to fall down a lot of stairs to die. Very sad and we will never know the whole truth.
Is there anyone who thinks elizabeth I ordered her death .
@@Ravenproctor2966 and making people more suspicious about herself and Robert! what a wise strategic thing and in character for her to do👎👎👎
If Dudley had married the Queen, he may not have lived long.
Absolutely this! And I think he knew it.
If he cheated.... He would have died.
@@barbranyberg2694Kinda more like *when* he cheated. Dudley is certainly a complicated character even when viewed in the complicated Tudor times.
@@sharonminer9350 I think there would have been outright rebellion against Elizabeth. She knew she couldn't marry him, or anyone else, and keep her throne.
Best coverage of this story.
Wow, thank you so much! 😊
@@HistorysForgottenPeople do you think it's possible that elizabeth ordered her death or ridiculous since she wouldn't marry him.
WHO was the witness that claimed Amy sent the entire household away for the day? That's suspicious!
It was misconstrued in later accounts (such as Leicester's Commonwealth) in order to increase the drama and possibility of a murder. In truth, Mrs Odingsells and Mrs Owens remained at the property, along with all of their servants, so it would have been difficult for someone to sneak in and kill Amy. Not impossible, but incredibly difficult.
@@HistorysForgottenPeoplethanks to bridgerton I've considered the possibility of an deadly allergic reaction as a cause of death.
My uncle fell on stairs at a restaurant and died freak accident
Oh, I'm so sorry! That's so awful. :(
This is ridiculous! She OBVIOUSLY had at least one CAT living in the house!!!! Everyone knows (at least anyone who’s ever lived with a feline) that one of their main goals is to trip humans on stairs… 😅/😉
OMG you're right! Why didn't we all see it - obviously it was the CAT! And they got away with it! 😂 (I also live with a cat who is constantly trying to take me out lol).
@@HistorysForgottenPeopleDogs are out to get us too. My dog shoved me off a step ten days ago and broke my foot. Two days later she stood on it, just to hear me scream. I should have named her Psycho.
@@elizabethwoolnough4358 Sorry, a tad late(-by two months-)but *Ouch* how are you doing now? A broken foot takes ages to heal. Is 'Psycho' still trying to do you in-let her know she isn't in your Will anymore and she might ease up 😉, seriously I hope you're healing well 🌻 take care sweets
@@AussieBenita Hi, all better now thanks. I'm back to abnormal, as my ex used to say. 😁
@@elizabethwoolnough4358 That's good to know. And being *quirky* unique or 'abnormal' is better than boring cookie cutter 😅Yes, on a good day I'm quirky on a bad day don't ask 😂Hope your pup remembers not to bite the hand that feeds her...or in her case not shoving you down steps. Have a good one sunshine 😁
I absolutely LOVE your videos! I especially love the images of the subjects you speak about. It actually puts a face to the story. ❤❤
Thank you so much, I'm glad you're enjoying the video and the 'people' I try to make. ☺
People always forget the pressure of the crown. As a favourite he essentially was socially unable to leave without her leave. Is it possible that he wanted to help keep his friend as sane and safe as possible in her elevated position of power where everyone wants something from her? Maybe but it is possible that she wanted him close too. That reminder of what was, and someone who knew her before she took the crown. A visible reminder of the promise to never marry perhaps. It's a bit of a series of out there thoughts. But I've never believed either Dudley or Elizabeth had anything to do with Amy's death. They had nothing to gain. A relationship was never going to be an option after her death, too many whispers and rumours.
Such a tragedy that happened 😢
I'm loving your videos!
It's impossible for me to believe Elizabeth would ever have married anyone. I can't see her ever compromising her control, which surely would have been necessary had she married. She was sharp and I think she knew full well the success of her reign resided in herself alone, that when she said she had the heart of a KING she meant it! I also think Amy's death was an accident. Politics still stir the empty pot if there's any possible gain to be had.
Excellent work H’sFP ♥️
Thank you! ☺
Back in those day it was really rare for husbands and wives to be in love like these two were or to have had happy marriages because they were mostly marriages for status and political alliances. I love this story between these two.
Great video and helps to sort thru all the rumors
Her autopsy was found. I'm just starting the video so idk if it was mentioned but he had a huge puncture mark in the back of her head
They weren't as good as autopsies back then as now. That could have happened if she hit the edge of the stairs while falling. And if someone had wanted to murder her you'd think they couldn't have done a better job? They wouldn't have left something like that
@@LKMNOP i disagree. things were so easy to cover up back then if you had money. and you just tied up lose ends by killing extras. you keep your opinion and i'll keep mine :)
This story has always made me so sad for Amy! :((
She was sick. She also how to settle the score with dudley. I think she took the opportunity to cut short her own life in order to cast doubts. With the circumstances of Amy's death, the queen could never be sure and thus would never marry the earl after that.
As a religious Tudor woman, Amy would expect to go to Hell if she committed suicide. She may have done it but falling downstairs would be an unreliable method. I think it was either natural causes, ie she had cancer and a spontaneous fracture caused the fall, or Cecil had her offed to create a scandal to prevent Dudley marrying the Queen.
What score did she have against her husband? There were no indications that he was thrusting her aside. If you look at the history of the time anyone in court spent most of their time at court. Their spouses knew this. And she was married to one of the most powerful men. She spent lavishly. And there is no proof, only rumors, that Dudley and the queen wanted to marry
Hi, awesome live history video I enjoyed it. How are you and Mallard your cat doing? I'm doing well, and so is my cat Benjamin. We both enjoy watching your live history videos. In the next video, in the future, could you do Queen Mary the first from the Tudor times 16th century . Have a great day. See you next video 😊 we have warm weather in Ontario Canada. How is the weather where you are?
Hi Michelle, we're good, thanks! I'm glad you and Benjamin are both well. ☺ And it's lovely to have the warm weather, we've finally got it too! Nice to spend more time outside. And I have done a video (a while ago now) on Mary I. I think it's somewhere in my Tudor playlist.
My cat Della says hello.
The idea that Amy was despondent over not seeing her husband is brought up by people who didn't understand what went on in Royal courts. Many people didn't even see their mothers and fathers that much when they were at court. Husbands and wives often did not see each other when one of them was at court. This was accepted at the time and known. It wouldn't make someone despondent in the least.
Her autopsy report was discovered recently which revealed she suffered considerable injuries beyond a broken neck, notably a thumb deep hole in her skull. Who benefitted from her death? Certainly not Dudley or the queen. Her death under suspicious circumstances would absolutely prevent a marriage between them. Many hated and feared Dudley but one above all others: William Cecil. He's responsible in my book.
Cecil was too efficient to have a murder done that obviously. The thumb mark at the base of the skull could have been done by somebody picking her up or the body being moved. Remember that decomposition happens very very quickly especially in a warm summer. It is very easy to put your thumb through the base of a neck especially when tissues are breaking down already. These weren't our modern autopsies after all.
I think she always knew she was 2nd choice for Robert & the absences along with the rumours, with nothing to do each day she perhaps was mentally tortured. She might have killed herself for revenge. Who knows. Very interesting anyway. Thankyou.
Rumors. No facts only rumors. You even stated. Don't forget the many rumors that Elizabeth was sleeping with him and had a baby by him. Do you believe those also?
Ivana Trump died,falling down the stairs. It still happens.
Yes...but Ivana is more likely to have been "assisted..."
For the question I’m leaving History (well, sort of, technically this is History, although very VERY recent History), but who’s your fav Beatle?
Personally I always struggle w the first spot, but all things considered, gotta go with Paul :)
You’re leaving history. NOOO ! Please 🙏 don’t.
@DarthDread-oh2ne ...she was leaving a question...LOL. Not leaving the channel.
Our favorite Beatle has always been Sir John Ono Lennon.
@@DarthDread-oh2ne I took a break for this week, next week a historical question will be back lol
@@rogertaylor7433 he wrote several gems alright! Also, nice username :) It might well be just a coincidence and I’m sounding stupid, but as a lifelong Queen fan, liked it.
Amy Robsart looks very pretty from the portrait - a real English rose.
As a petty individual myself, good she banned Lettice from the court, would have done it myself, such a tragic love story on both sides and and poor Amy, sounded like a melancholy girl.
there's something really fishy about Lettice Knollys. like, we all know she wasn't exactly faithful to her first husband. but the fact that she married Christopher Blount, only six or seven months after Robert Dudley's death, like not even waiting for at least one year (the exact same thing Katherine Parr did after Henry VIII's death, like you can tell she had the exact respect to Robert which Catherine had for Henry) Are we really supposed to believe that in only a few months she fell madly in love with a man, who was also 12 years her junior, to the point she decided to not show at least public respect to her dead husband? and there was nothing between them before? it's really hard for me to believe that and the fact she behaved so morally loose about her first, says more
Tak!
Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊
@@HistorysForgottenPeople I just love your videoes, Thank you for all your hard work 😊
❤😊❤
Like deployed 👍
Thank you! ☺
Ridiculous to think that a trigger warning has to be placed before a video of historical events.
A generation of softies given a voice and not enough of the good side of this generation having a voice… just as loud/promoted, whichever word will do 🤨
Well, for monetisation purposes (from my point of view) it's better to have one than not.
@@HistorysForgottenPeople I completely understand and know that you have to follow crazy rules, it’s not you choosing to do it.
I appreciate and your work HFP 💜
Children do watch these channels. And not all of them have seen death yet.
@@LKMNOP that’s a parent problem.
I’m a parent and soon to be grandparent and i don’t give people too young to comprehend death free reign on TH-cam.
Thank you for sharing these older infamous deaths!!! I very much enjoy all of your videos from historic events!!!
Thank you so much, I'm glad you're enjoying them! ☺ This was definitely one that's been requested a few times, so I thought I'd better get on with it!
I have always thought that it was either Amy herself or Cecil. Amy was suffering terribly and she was totally abandoned by her husband, killing herself would finally give her peace with the added bonus of giving her revenge against Robert and Elizabeth beyond her grave, she would have known her scandalous death would have dashed the posibility of the 2 lovers marriage. If it was Cecil, well he was beyond disgusted with the idea of dudley marrying the Queen, so he would see it as doing it for the realm's greater good
Agree. It was either natural causes, ie spontaneous fracture because of cancer, causing a fall near the bottom of the stairs, or it was a political assassination on Cecil's orders, to prevent Dudley's subsequent marriage to the Queen.
Thanks for that. The books I’ve read about that period seem to start just before or after her death. I’m glad to know they truly seemed to love each other.
It's obviously a lot of speculation, but the evidence we have does seem to really hint that not only did they love each other, but that Robert never stopped loving her - hopefully that is true!
Metastatic Breast Cancer also sadly travels to the Brain. So accounting for Mood Swings and Balance issues, not as exciting but just as trajic.
Ah, I didn't know that! That could also explain her switching between moods.
I think this was a terrible accident. I feel she was ill and wanted her household to go out and enjoy the day and the fair. She didn't want to be a burden to anyone. Perhaps Amy desired some solace to herself. All the physical evidence recorded at the time is consistent with such a fall. People take terrible and fatal tumbles down flights of stairs all the time even to this day.
I don't think Cecil or Dudley had anything to do with this. Nor do I believe she parished by her own hand. I think the rumor mill conjured up all sorts of nonsense. Both Robert and Cecil had many enemies. Queen Elizabeth also possessed a treasure trove of enemies. Such gossip was drummed up at some aim towards one of these individuals. Perhaps all of them were the object of distain. Mainly focusing towards Elizabeth. Calling out her favorite or one of her closest ministers for sinister acts were all designed to be a blight on the queen's name to have such associates.
This is just an unfortunate and tragic accident.
💔👑💔
I agree - my personal opinion is that it was a tragic accident, or possibly a suicide (which could just as easily explain any inquest tampering from Cecil or Dudley as much as anything else).
Loved your videos , You really give limelight to those women who were often overlooked but had played a significant role in history ❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much, I'm glad you're enjoying them! ☺
@@HistorysForgottenPeople out of curiosity do you believe dudley was the love of Elizabeth's life?
As to the lack of injury to the rest of her body, is there a chance that the substance of her dress possibly cushioned her body & prevented damage?
Thank you for your videos and the way that you talk makes it easy for me to understand. I get sidetracked easily but this is very clear and concise😊
You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! ☺
@@HistorysForgottenPeoplewhere do you find these portraits?
I was so sure you'd already made this video. But no. It was just a discussion that was had in another of your video's comments. XD
But yeah, I still lean heavily towards an actual accident. So many reasons as to why, like the clothes people were wearing during that time, her health, the stairs having no railings and them being of stone? Ouch, and so easy to break something then, even when you are 100% healthy.
We will never know the answer to how amy ended up at the foot of a flight of stairs, most of what we know is pure conjecture,there are three choices accident, Murder, or suicide,who can say which there is not enough proof, thank you as always for your take on this Tudor mystery, superb as always.
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊 And you're right, sadly, we'll never really know the answer.
@@HistorysForgottenPeople Thank you HFP always a plesure. 😊
Did enjoyed so very much .What I read that the queen banished Dudley from the court till the result of the verdict .Even if Amy died from her illness the queen won't marry him .she was just having good times in his company as any human deserve specially ruling her kingdom by her self . She learned from a young age that will not have a man to rule her after watching her brutal father treated his women .Thank you .
I think she would have married him but couldn't because of this.
I never considered that Robert night not have wanted to marry the Queen. But it makes sense. He did what he had to do in order to stay in favor and live the lifestyle they were accustomed to
It's a really interesting thought, isn't it? I think most of us (me included for a long time) just accept that there was something romantic between Elizabeth and Robert even if there was no affair. But the more evidence you dig down into, it comes across as a woman who was in love with her best friend, and a man who knew this, wasn't in love with her, but still valued her as his best friend. It must have been very complicated for them both, as well as poor Amy.
@@HistorysForgottenPeople But he hugely opposed to Elizabeth's flirtatiousness with Duke of Anjou and was jealous of another one of her favorites which his name I don't remember, but know that he was a fan of Mary Stuart's execution. and of all people Robert choses to marry the woman who's a younger image of queen in appearance! aren't these also evidence for what he felt?
Good for u including trigger at beginning
I have not seen that before.
Thanks, I just thought it might be a helpful thing to pop in, even if a lot of people do know Amy might have taken her own life as one of the possibilities.
OOOOH THIS OUGHT TO BE SO GOOOOD👀👀 thanks :)
I did ask you abt her death once, and then my opinion was leaning on some sort of foul play but can never be sure. Of course, it’s been almost half a millennium, so we can really never be sure, but hopefully this video will provide some more answers :)
(if youtube ever goes south [pray not🙏], Private detective would be a way to go haha)
Have a nice week :)
Hi friend. I discovered this great show on George the fourth.
I couldn't decide what I leaned into more, but after finding more research that shows Robert may have only thought of Elizabeth as a friend (and Cecil knew him well enough to know this personally), I lean more towards accident now. But we can all agree on all the theories, as it's sadly unlikely we'll ever know the truth! I will say this was one of my most requested videos, so I thought I'd better get on with it! 😂
Fingers crossed it never goes south, but if it does, we should definitely start a private detective agency! 😂☺
great video. thank you.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your videos and what seems so thoroughly researched, as well as being quite objective.
Thank you, I really appreciate that! ☺ I do try to remain objective when I can, although it's hard sometimes with people like Henry VIII. 😂
I wonder why not many people care about Elizabeth I's court, the same way they're obsessed with that of her father, Henry VIII's?🤷♀ it may not have been as messy, but it was also full of dramas and soap operas and strange consequential cases. Amy Robsart included
Absolutely! The 'feel' of it was very different, but it was still a dramatic court. I think part of it is that Elizabeth was a LOT less prone to imprisoning or executing people.
Full of drama yes, but Henry VIII courts was full of death. And not just the people he married. He killed favorites.
She must have been in tremendous pain. Perhaps it was too much.
Very cool video topic. I always look forward to your new videos on Sunday! Thanks ❤
Aww, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. ☺
I wonder about the idea of William Cecil taking her out so no marriage could happen with Dudley and Elizabeth, ever. There is a great documentary on TH-cam suggesting that since he saw her last. And she had all of the staff leave the day of the fair.
I agree, it's definitely still a possibility (I think it was Alison Weir who first floated the idea). Not all the staff were gone, however, only her own - the staff of Mrs Odingsells and Mrs Owens were still there, as well as the two elderly ladies themselves. It doesn't discount the possibility, but it does mean it might have even been someone they trusted, if that is what really happened.
@@HistorysForgottenPeopleAllison Weir is not a good historian at all. Very opinionated and those opinions usually based on emotion and not historical fact.
When my mother was in the final stage of breast cancer, it initially metastasized to her spine, resulting in fragile bones and limited mobility. Eventually it was transferred to the brain, and she often said some emotionally charged words or made stubborn demands, but she was still an amiable person when she didn't have an attack. It is completely understandable if Amy was indeed suffering from breast cancer at that time, suddenly had stubborn demands, and even died from falling down the stairs (considering that the architectural design and clothing at that time were very different from today, the probability of death was higher).
A tragic story; one that has a carried much intrigue.
She was sick because Robert and Elizabeth were having an affair. They drove her to ill health.
We can speculate about something like that, but obviously there's no proof, especially of an affair. (There's actually more evidence to the contrary).
I take it your comment was tongue in cheek
I haven’t come across anything that shows that they were having an affair??
She was probably envious of Elizabeth, but even that doesn’t ‘make’ you sick…. Bacteria, virus, cancer, or a weakened skeletal strength caused by maybe osteoporosis and/ or some sort of mental health problems can do that ….
Abington are my distant family relatives
If it is true that she sent ALL of her servants away that day, I happen to believe it was suicide. It is too coincidental in my mind that she happened to fall on the one day that they were all out. However, there are many possible scenarios demonstrated in this insightful video and perhaps there are yet more possibilities. Maybe, what actually happened has not been thought of.
She didn't. At least four were still in the house.
@@LKMNOP did one of them discover her? Did one of them push her?? It seems we will never know the truth.
The earl of Warwick was a devil for sure
The earl of Warwick? Was that earldom still in use in the 1560s? I can't remember hearing of an earl of Warwick being involved in this case.
@@elizabethwoolnough4358I thought that the last Warrick had been killed by Henry the 7th. And on a chumped up charge
I thought Lady Jane Grey was younger....thst drawing of her makes her look like she was in her fifties....
She was 17
She had head wounds like a beating around the head that has nothing to do with cancer of the chest
Did you actually watch the video?
She could have hit her head on the banisters or steps in the fall.
@@elizabethwoolnough4358let's not forget to by the time they didn't autopsy the body had already been decaying. The damage to the head could have been done by people just handling her.
Excellent content...thankyou
My pleasure, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊
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Dudley wanted to marry Elizabeth. I think Amy had some help falling down those stairs. They killed people for less prizes.
It was also believed that Amy had ordered a new gown and hood as she was joyfully expecting a visit from Robert....he hadn't seen her for a year at this time because of his duties at court and because Elizabeth wanted him by her side all the time. So Amy would have been happy and excited by a visit from him.....but then something happened to her......
Definitely! That's the letter to her tailor. As I say in the video, I do personally lean more to an accident, but we'll never really know.
But why would she send the servants away to see her husband? I think she was expecting someone else. A lover? And that person killed her.
@@lilibetp She wasn't the type to her a lover, she loved her husband and was waiting for a visit from him.
@@Juanita-gf4te why would she send her servants away if it were her husband. He's been on a dusty road, he's going to want to clean himself up and have a drink and maybe a snack, right? This seems more secretive.
@@lilibetp She wasn't expecting him on that exact day but some time soon, or she would have been all dressed up in her new outfit which wasn't ready yet in any case. She had ordered it but it hadn't been delivered yet. We don't know the why's and wherefores.
Cecil did it.
My money is on Cecil
I always go with the worse .