He was also rumoured to be an illegitimate son of Henry VIII. Richard Edwardes was born in 1525 in Somerset to Agnes Beaupenny Blewitt Edwards. Some of Edwardes" descendants have claimed that his mother was a mistress of Henry VIII and that Richard was Henry"s son, although there has not been evidence to prove or disprove this theory.
Richard Edwardes was known for his comedies and interludes. Descendants observe that it was unusual for someone from such a poor family to get an Oxford education. Edwardes began his studies at Corpus Christi College, Oxford in May 1540 and joined Christ Church, Oxford as it opened in 1546.
He joined Lincoln's Inn but did not take up law as a career. After he died in 1566, he was succeeded by William Hunnis.
Richard Edwardes was a well-known playwright and poet, but also he managed to earn fame as a composer, being a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and a master of the singing boys.
