Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl Of Leicester

Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester, was born on December 1, 1595, at Baynard's Castle in London. He was the son of Robert Sidney, 1st Earl of Leicester, and his first wife, Barbara Gamage. Sidney received education at Christ Church, Oxford. In 1610, he was created Knight of the Bath upon the creation of Prince Henry as Prince of Wales.

Sidney's political career began with his election as Member of Parliament for Wilton in 1614. He served in the Dutch army during his father's governorship of Flushing and was granted command of an English regiment in Dutch service in 1616. In 1618, Sidney became a member of Gray's Inn.

In 1620, Sidney experienced a disagreement with James Hay, Viscount Doncaster, who was his brother-in-law through marriage to Lucy Percy. Sidney documented that Hay appeared cold toward him despite their wives being on friendly terms. The altercation took place at Petworth, where Sidney struggled with Hay's servants and left his hat behind, leading other guests to perceive him as at fault for arguing with a privy councillor.

Sidney was elected as one of the two knights of the shire for Kent in 1621. He later represented Monmouthshire, being elected in 1624 and again in 1625. In 1626, Sidney succeeded his father as Earl of Leicester.

In 1631, Sidney commenced the construction of Leicester House, a substantial mansion located on the site currently known as Leicester Square in London. His diplomatic engagements included a mission to Denmark–Norway in 1632, and subsequent diplomatic work in France from 1636 to 1641.

He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, succeeding The Earl of Strafford. When the governorship of Dublin was vacant, Sidney appointed George Monck; however, King Charles I overruled this appointment in favor of Lord Lambart. Sidney resigned from the position in 1643 without having traveled to Ireland.

Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester, died on November 2, 1677, at Penshurst, at nearly 81 years of age. Contemporary accounts described him as "esteemed of great learning, observation and veracity."

In 1615, Sidney married Lady Dorothy Percy, daughter of Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland, and Dorothy Devereux. The couple had twelve children, including:

- Lady Dorothy (1617–1683), who married first Henry Spencer, 1st Earl of Sunderland, and later Sir Robert Smith or Smythe.

- Philip (1619–1697), who became the 3rd Earl of Leicester and married Lady Catherine Cecil, daughter of William Cecil, 2nd Earl of Salisbury.

- Henry Sidney (1641–1704), who became the 1st Earl of Romney and died unmarried.

- Algernon (1622/3–1683), who was executed for his involvement in the Rye House Plot and died unmarried.

- Robert Sidney (1626–1668), a military officer who served in the Dutch and English armies and was associated with the Buffs regiment. He died unmarried and was subject to historical speculation regarding his paternity of the Duke of Monmouth.

- Lady Lucy (died 1685), who married Sir John Pelham, 3rd Baronet.

During the English Civil War, Philip and Algernon Sidney supported the Parliamentary cause.