Page "Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford" Paragraph 42

Although details are unclear, there is evidence that in 1577 Oxford attempted to leave England to see service in the French Wars of Religion on the side of King Henry III.

Like many members of older established aristocratic families in England, Oxford flirted with Catholicism ; after his return from Italy he was reported to have embraced the religion.

But just as quickly, late in 1580 he denounced a group of Catholics, among them Charles Arundel, Francis Southwell and Henry Howard, for treasonous activities and asking the Queen's mercy for his own, now repudiated, Catholicism.

Elizabeth characteristically delayed in acting on the matter and he was detained under house arrest for a short time.