Written by Judith Saxton
Read by Carolyn Oldershaw

Penelope was the child of Lettice and Walter Devereux, but neither parent gave her love or security. She was married to Lord Rich when Philip Sydney fell passionately in love with her and poured out his feelings in his poetry. After Sydney's death, Penelope's life became more complex, as she had seven children by Rich and five by her lover, Charles Blount. She managed to keep the two families separate, the two men satisfied and the Elizabethan court in ignorance. Penelope's fascination lasted to the end of her colourful life.