Page "Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford" Paragraph 19

Although formal certification of his freedom from Burghley's control was deferred until May 1572, Oxford was finally granted the income of £ 666 which his father had intended him to have earlier, but properties set aside to pay his father's debts would not come his way for another decade.

During his minority as her ward, one third of his estate had already reverted to the Crown, much of which Elizabeth had long since settled on Robert Dudley.

Elizabeth demanded a further payment of £ 3, 000 for overseeing the corrupt wardship and a further £ 4, 000 for suing his livery.

Oxford pledged double the amount if he failed to pay when it fell due, effectively risking a total obligation of £ 21, 000.