Good morning
Warning: there’s a lot of conjecture and unverified “facts” in this edition. But what’s life without a conspiracy theory every now and then?
There’s been a lot of talk about royals over the last few days. And nobody fits the definition of “dictator” more than a person who spends multiple decades in power unopposed, enjoying a life of decadent opulence all while leeching off the public purse.
What a life.
Anyway, before the recently deceased Queen Elizabeth (she was the second of her name), there was another Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth I to be exact.
Lizzy 1 also ruled for a flipping long time; 45 years from 1558 to 1603. They really should make a biopic about this honey’s life because she saw it all: assasinations, family drama, adultery, incest (but I guess thats not all that scandalous for the royal family) and church politics.
Unfortunately, Lizzy 1 also struggled in love. Turns out the streets have always been the streets. Not even monarchs are spared the vicissitudes of the dating game. Never quite able to settle down, Lizzy 1 became known as “the Virgin Queen” - which is both a viruous and an insulting nickname, depending on how you look at it.
Despite the moniker, rumours began to swirl (gaining more traction after her death) that she had sired a secret lovechild: one Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford.
What does any of this have to do with the Bard of Avon?
Well, its ‘widely’ believed - again this depends on which alleyway of the internet you wander into - that de Vere wrote all of the plays accredited to Shakespeare. “William Shakespeare” was, then, just a pen name.
Look, man. Who knows if any of this is true?! But it certainly is fun to speculate.
Have a great weekend!