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Essex, Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of 1591-1646
English soldier

He was the eldest son of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. In 1604 the earldom was restored to him after his father's execution for treason in 1601. In 1606 he married Frances Howard (1592-1632). From 1626 Essex attached himself to the popular party, and in 1642 he received the command of the Parliamentary army. Though personally brave, he was a poor general, and the prolongation of the war was largely due to him. The drawn Battle of Edgehill, the capture of Reading, and the relief of Gloucester were followed by his blundering march into Cornwall, whence he fled by sea. In 1646 he resigned the command, and died soon afterwards.