Oxford was born 12 April 1550. This fact is recorded in Burghley's Diary, and by Percival Golding. It also harmonizes with known dates on which Oxford was freed from his wardship and sued for his livery. It is further verified by the following document, which reveals that on 17 April 1550 the Privy Council authorized a baptismal cup as a royal gift:
The kynges maiestes pleasure by our advise is that ye delyver vnto Phillip Manwaring gentleman Vssher to the Kinges maiestie one standing cup guilte with a cover weing twentye and seven ounces quarter by hym to be delyuered as the kinges maiestes guyft at the Christening of our very goode Lorde the Erle of Oxfordes Sonne / And these our lettres shalbe your sufficient warraunte and discharge therin Youen [=Given] at the Kinges maiesties mannour at Grenewich the xvijth of Aprell the iiijth yere of his highnes moast prosperous Reigne King Edward the sixte 1550.