QUEEN ELIZABETH I

QUEEN ELIZABETH I

Elizabeth I – the last Tudor monarch – was born at Greenwich on 7th September 1533.

Elizabeth, was the daughter of Henry VIII, and his second wife, Anne Boleyn.

Elizabeth’s early life was full of uncertainties, and her chances of succeeding to the throne seemed very slight once her half-brother Edward was born in 1537.

She was then third in line to the throne, behind her Roman Catholic half-sister, Princess Mary.

Elizabeth succeeded to the throne on her half-sister’s death, in November 1558.

Her 45-year reign is generally considered one of the most glorious in English history.

Elizabeth established a secure Church of England, and a compromise between Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism.

<3 Although autocratic and capricious, Elizabeth had astute political judgement, and chose her ministers and advisors well. These included William Cecil, later Lord Burghley (Secretary of State), Sir Christopher Hatton (Lord Chancellor) and Sir Francis Walsingham (in charge of intelligence and also a Secretary of State) Elizabeth's reign also saw many brave voyages of discovery, including those of Francis Drake, Walter Raleigh and Humphrey Gilbert, particularly to the Americas. These expeditions prepared England for an age of colonisation, and trade expansion, which Elizabeth herself achieved by establishing the East India Company in at the very end of 1599. The arts flourished during Elizabeth's reign. Country houses such as Longleat were built, miniature painting reached its high point, and theatres thrived. The Queen attended the first performance of Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Composers such as Thomas Tallis, worked in Elizabeth's court, and at the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. The image of Elizabeth's reign is one of triumph and success. The Queen herself was often called 'Gloriana', 'Good Queen Bess' and 'The Virgin Queen'. Investing in expensive clothes and jewellery, she cultivated her image, by touring the country in regional visits known as 'progresses' Instead of riding in a Royal carriage, Elizabeth often rode on horseback, so she could be seen by everyone. However, Elizabeth's reign was also one of considerable danger. Threats of an invasion from Spain through Ireland, and from France through Scotland. Much of northern England was in rebellion in 1569-70. In 1570, Elizabeth passed harsh laws against Roman Catholics, after plots against her life were discovered. One such plot involved Mary, Queen of Scots. As a likely successor to Elizabeth, Mary spent 19 years as Elizabeth's prisoner. Mary became the focus for rebellion, and possible assassination plots, such as the Babington Plot of 1586. Mary was tried, found guilty and exEcuted in 1587. In 1588, the English navy scored a great victory over the Spanish Armada. The Spanish had intended to overthrow the Queen, and re-establish Roman Catholicism. Elizabeth chose never to marry, saying she would be mastered by no man. She was famously 'married to her country'. The 'Virgin Queen' was presented as a selfless woman, who sacrificed personal happiness, for the good of the nation. Overall, Elizabeth's shrewd, decisive leadership, brought successes during a period of great danger - both at home and abroad. She seems to have been very popular with the vast majority of her subjects. Elizabeth died at Richmond Palace, on 24th March 1603, having become a legend in her lifetime. Mary Queen of Scots son, James VI of Scotland was Elizabeth's successor, and became James I of England. George Gower's Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I 1588. Woburn Abbey. Elizabeth's hand rests on the globe, symbolising her international power.