Do you believe Arthur Dudley was the son of Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley?

Question

It was even said that they got married secretly. Their supposed son was taken away to be raised by a servant as his own son. I myself highly doubt this is true. Elizabeth had said she never wanted to marry. Plus he never came forward to press a claim to the English throne. Anyone believe this rumor? It's quite fascinating.

Answer 1

I found the story about Raleigh and Elizabeth I in my ancestry research.

Edward Smalley is also a direct ancestor of mine.

However, no one seems to have paid any attention to the fact that Edward Smalley was apparently born in 1589. Elizabeth I was born in 1533.

To have a firstborn child at the age of 56 would have been quite the accomplishment! Especially without anybody noticing! LOL!