The parents of the Sidney writers and Sir Philip Sidney

In this step we will learn about Sir Henry Sidney and Mary Dudley Sidney, the parents of the Sidney writers, and their eldest son, Sir Philip Sidney.

Watch this video and think about Sir Henry Sidney and Mary Dudley Sidney’s connections to the royal court and to Penshurst Place.

Why do you think their son, Sir Philip Sidney, is often thought of as the founding figure of English Renaissance writing?

• Make a note of his literary and cultural achievements.
• What were his political mistakes?
• Do any of any of his writings sound familiar or are they new to you?

Post a comment with your thoughts.

In the next step we will look at Sir Philip Sidney’s literary legacy amongst his family.

NB Special thanks to Sandra Usselman for the photograph of Ambrosia Sidney’s tomb.