A New Addition to Our Collections: A Book from Robert Dudley’s Private Library

Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester was more than just an ambitious courtier and Elizabeth I’s life-long favourite; he was also a prolific book collector and one of the most important patrons of literature throughout the Elizabethan age, dubbed ‘England’s Maecenas’ by multiple scholars.

In August 2025, a book of Roman history from Leicester’s library was donated to the Lord Leycester Hospital, which Leicester himself founded in 1571. Until now, the book has not been subject to close study.

This talk presents research undertaken over the past year by independent scholar Corina Apostu, aided by Hever Castle historian Kate McCaffery, to ascertain, as close as possible, the date of the binding, the binder who produced the finished product and the provenance of the book. The research also works to place the book, as well as Leicester’s known collection, in historical context.

The following questions were always kept in mind: where did Leicester acquire his books? What were his goals or aims when curating his collection? What, if anything, does his book collection say about his role as a politician, patron and statesman? And finally, how does this challenge traditional narratives about the notorious Earl?

About the Speaker

Corina Apostu is an independent researcher of Elizabethan history with a specific interest in the unique relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and her noted favourite, Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester.

She holds a master’s degree in Medieval and Early Modern Studies from the University of Kent as well as a bachelor’s degree in History and Medieval Studies from the University of Toronto. She runs a website called Exploring Elizabethan History which does exactly what it says on the tin. She is currently working on her debut novel, White Bear Red Rose.