Did she jump or was she pushed?
In 1560, Amy Robsart was found dead at the bottom of the stairs of a friend’s house with a broken neck. At the inquest, the coroner’s verdict was “accident by misfortune”.
But could it have been suicide or even murder?
Wymondham Heritage Museum features a display that tells Amy Robsart’s story and offers clues to the mystery, suggesting another reason for her death.
The display is adjacent to the museum’s Robert Kett exhibition, as there is a family connection. Amy married Robert Dudley, whom she may have met at Stanfield Hall near Wymondham, where she spent her childhood. Robert was the younger son of John Dudley, Earl of Warwick, who is thought to have stayed at the hall on his way to Norwich to defeat Kett’s Rebellion.
The marriage was not a happy one for Amy. Robert was sent to the Tower for his part in his father’s plot to put Lady Jane Grey on the throne instead of Mary Tudor. Following his release, Amy still didn’t see much of him. He went to fight for King Philip of Spain. On his return, Elizabeth I was on the throne. She took a shine to the handsome Robert, and he spent much time at court, fuelling rumours about his relationship with the monarch.
On that day in 1560, Amy insisted that all the servants go to a local fair, leaving her alone in the house. When they returned, they discovered her lifeless body at the bottom of the stairs. The evidence showed that the injuries were consistent with a fall downstairs.
Amy had had breast cancer, leaving her depressed, and speculation continued about Robert’s relationship with the Queen. So, was it an accident or suicide? Or could it have been murder, and if so, who was responsible?
Despite the coroner’s verdict, the death of Amy Robsart leaves outstanding questions. Wymondham Heritage Museum’s display explores a number of theories. Come along to the museum and discover the full story of Amy Robsart, her marriage to Robert Dudley and the clues that surround the manner of her death.
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