DUDLEY, John, Duke of Northumberland [~1502-1553] -- English soldier and politician

Was intent on becoming the most powerful man in England, despite - or, perhaps, because of - his father's ignominious execution at the hands of an ungrateful Henry VIII. He successively attained the titles of Lord Lisle, Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland. His continued machinations succeeded in placing his daughter-in-law, the Lady Jane Grey, on the throne. That success was short-lived however, as he, Lady Grey and his son were all beheaded after a mere nine days at the pinnacle. Somehow, during all this, he also found time to be the first person to train spaniels to the hunt!