What’s the evidence for Edward arriving on Smith’s doorstep at age four? – Marie Merkel

Merkel: “Thanks for your fascinating exploration of Edward’s early years. Just curious: In the Birth and Infancy section, you write: “It was at this time, December of 1554, [snip]… that, according to Smith’s biographer, the four-year-old Edward de Vere was brought to live and be tutored by Smith.”  What’s the evidence Smith’s biographer offers for Edward arriving on Smith’s doorstep at age four?

Hughes: At the bottom of that page there’s a link to the following page, De Vere comes to Smith; click here and you’ll come to the subhead De Vere comes to Ankerwycke where you’ll get your answer.