Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, Viscount Fitzwalter, Baron Fitzwalter was born in 1525 to Henry Radclyffe and Elizabeth Howard. He was a soldier, politician, privy councilor and one of the premier courtiers in Queen Elizabeth's reign. His political career started during the reign of King Edward and continued through the reign of Queen Mary. After being Lord Deputy of Ireland, Lord President of the North, Emissary of Mary and Elizabeth, he ended his career as Lord Chamberlain of England. Although a follower of the Church of England, he was not a religious man by nature and changed with tides as needed for his survival. He was married twice: first to Elizabeth Wriothesley, daughter of Thomas, Earl of Southampton and secondly to Frances Sidney, daughter of Sir William Sidney of Penshurst.

As I have only a few years past taken up my post as Lord Chamberlain, I am growing accustomed once again to the ins and outs of court life. The greatest joy is not only to be close to my beloved Queen in her trusted service but also to be with my adoring wife. Frances and I have spent the better part of 12 years apart from each other and although I cannot trust many, I know that she will always be my constant ally. I am also greatly pleased to be near some of my relatives such as the Stanleys, my brother-in-law Sir Henry Sidney and some of my Howard cousins. With all good things must come bad and this particular bad hath a name, the Earl of Leicester. His constant presence at court and at the Queen's side makes me boil as he comports himself as the next King of England - something that will never happen as long as I am alive.