Elizabeth I of England

Elizabeth I
Queen of England and Ireland
The "Armada Portrait" of Elizabeth I
Reign	17 November 1558 – 24 March 1603
Coronation	15 January 1559
Predecessor	Mary I
Successor	James I
Born	(1533-09-07)7 September 1533 Palace of Placentia, Greenwich, England
Died	24 March 1603(1603-03-24) (aged 69) Richmond Palace, Surrey, England
Burial	28 April 1603 Westminster Abbey
House	Tudor
Father	Henry VIII
Mother	Anne Boleyn

Elizabeth I (7 September 1533 – 24 March 1603) was the Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. She was the last monarch of the House of Tudor. Elizabeth is sometimes referred to as the "Virgin Queen", "Gloriana" or "Good Queen Bess". Her reign is known as the Elizabethan era, famous for the flourishing of English drama, led by playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, and for the seafaring prowess of English adventurers such as Francis Drake.

Early Life

Elizabeth was born at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich on 7 September 1533, the daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Her birth was a disappointment to her father, who had hoped for a male heir. Elizabeth was declared illegitimate after her mother's execution in 1536, but she was later reinstated in the line of succession.

Ascension to the Throne

Elizabeth became queen at the age of 25 after the death of her half-sister, Mary I. Her early reign was marked by religious turmoil, as she sought to establish a Protestant church in England. The Elizabethan Religious Settlement of 1559 was a response to the religious divisions in England during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I.

Elizabethan Era

The Elizabethan era is often considered a golden age in English history. It was a period of English cultural renaissance and saw the flowering of English literature and poetry. William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Edmund Spenser were among the notable figures of this time.

Exploration and Trade

Elizabeth's reign also saw the expansion of English influence overseas. Explorers such as Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Sir John Hawkins expanded English trade and influence in the New World and beyond. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 was a significant event in Elizabeth's reign, marking the rise of England as a major naval power.

Politics and Government

Elizabeth was known for her political acumen and her ability to maintain a balance between the different factions at court. Her government was characterized by a strong central authority and the use of patronage to maintain loyalty among the nobility.

Later Years and Death

In her later years, Elizabeth faced several challenges, including economic difficulties and threats from abroad. Despite these challenges, she remained a popular and effective ruler until her death on 24 March 1603. She was succeeded by her cousin, James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England.

Legacy

Elizabeth I is remembered as one of the greatest monarchs in English history. Her reign laid the foundations for the British Empire and established England as a major European power. Her legacy continues to influence English culture and identity.

See Also

• Elizabethan literature
• Spanish Armada
• House of Tudor