title: Why did the 5th Earl of Derby die?
abstract: The unexpected death of Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby, on April 16, 1594 was an event of major political importance in the later years of Queen Elizabeth I of England. When he had succeeded his father at the age of 38 he became head of one of the most influential families in the country. He also had a claim to the throne if Elizabeth died without naming a successor. Yet within seven months of entering into his inheritance, this previously fit man was suddenly taken ill and died a fortnight later. His death was so significant that the historian John Stow recorded his illness in great detail (Fig. 1).(1) Stow's remarkable account is compatible with a sinister interpretation of the cause.
authors: Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, City Hospital, NG5 1PB, Nottingham, UK. jeffcoate@bigfoot.com
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Jeffcoate
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000266:history*; D004739:England; D005197:Famous Persons; D049669:History, 16th Century; D006708:Homicide / Q000266:history*; D006801:Humans; D007565:Jaundice / Q000266:history; D008297:Male; D011041:Poisoning / Q000266:history*; D018599:Witchcraft / Q000266:history