Robert Sidney, 4th Earl of Leicester (17 December 1649 – 11 November 1702) was the son of Philip Sidney, 3rd Earl of Leicester, and the former Lady Catherine Cecil.[1]

Life

As a child, Robert Sidney and his sister Dorothy had their portrait painted by Sir Peter Lely.[2] He is commemorated in St John the Baptist, Penshurst.

Elizabeth, Countess of Leicester, by Peter Lely

He succeeded his father to the earldom in 1698. He married Lady Elizabeth Egerton, daughter of John Egerton, 2nd Earl of Bridgewater, and they had four sons:[3]

Three of his sons succeeded their father in turn to the earldom. The youngest son, Jocelyn, was the last earl of this creation.

Sidney's memorial can be seen at Penshurst.[4] His tomb in Penshurst Church was designed by William Stanton of Holborn and completed by William woodman.[5]

Peerage of England Preceded byPhilip Sidney Earl of Leicester 1698–1702 Succeeded byPhilip Sidney Baron Sydney(writ in acceleration) 1689–1702

References

  1. ^ McNeill, Ronald John (1911). "Leicester, Robert Sidney, Earl of" . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 16 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 392.
  2. ^ "Dorothy Cheeke (née Sidney); Robert Sidney, 4th Earl of Leicester when children". National Portrait Gallery. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  3. ^ "Leicester, Earl of (E, 1618 – 1743)". Cracrofts Peerage. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  4. ^ John Piper. "Photograph of monument to Robert Sidney 4th Earl of Leicester in Penshurst, Kent". Tate. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  5. ^ Dictionary of British Sculptors 1660-1851 by Rupert Gunnis p.368
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