Queen Elizabeth I: The Biography
Queen Elizabeth I of England was one of the greatest monarchs of all time. Under her rule, drama and art flourished. She redefined the religious practices and doctrine of the Church of England. England fought the Spanish Armada and won in one of the most spectacular victories in military history. The people of England cheered her loudly as she went among them.
But, Queen Elizabeth I was not always popular with everyone. When she was young, she was imprisoned in the Tower of London. She was also the target of several assassination plots during her lifetime. And, as she got older, her popularity waned even while she faced some of the most difficult economic and political times of her reign.
Queen Elizabeth I was also known as the “Virgin Queen.” Her stepfather made sexual advances toward her and may even have proposed marriage to her, although she denied it under testimony. She had several suitors, but never married. She had no children to name as heirs. The question of whether she was really a virgin is one that history may not ever be able to answer for certain, although some evidence suggests she was not quite as innocent as she appeared.
Another name for Her Majesty was “Good Queen Bess.” She earned this nickname partly for her devotion to making decisions based on “good advice and counsel,” as she declared she would in her coronation speech. Elizabeth’s speech at Tilbury and later her “Golden Speech” ensured her place among the great orators, regal performers and leaders of all time.
So, what is known about this first Queen Elizabeth? Letters and other documents bear witness to her questionable behavior at times and her magnificent deeds at others. She was a complex woman who influenced her entire kingdom and altered the course of world history forever.
Queen Elizabeth I lived a long life, much of it as the Queen of England and Ireland. Her story is not only fascinating but also relevant to modern times. The intention of this book is to provide a brief overview of her life. We wish you well as you begin this journey of discovery!
Queen Elizabeth I: The Biography
Queen Elizabeth I of England was one of the greatest monarchs of all time. Under her rule, drama and art flourished. She redefined the religious practices and doctrine of the Church of England. England fought the Spanish Armada and won in one of the most spectacular victories in military history. The people of England cheered her loudly as she went among them.
But, Queen Elizabeth I was not always popular with everyone. When she was young, she was imprisoned in the Tower of London. She was also the target of several assassination plots during her lifetime. And, as she got older, her popularity waned even while she faced some of the most difficult economic and political times of her reign.
Queen Elizabeth I was also known as the “Virgin Queen.” Her stepfather made sexual advances toward her and may even have proposed marriage to her, although she denied it under testimony. She had several suitors, but never married. She had no children to name as heirs. The question of whether she was really a virgin is one that history may not ever be able to answer for certain, although some evidence suggests she was not quite as innocent as she appeared.
Another name for Her Majesty was “Good Queen Bess.” She earned this nickname partly for her devotion to making decisions based on “good advice and counsel,” as she declared she would in her coronation speech. Elizabeth’s speech at Tilbury and later her “Golden Speech” ensured her place among the great orators, regal performers and leaders of all time.
So, what is known about this first Queen Elizabeth? Letters and other documents bear witness to her questionable behavior at times and her magnificent deeds at others. She was a complex woman who influenced her entire kingdom and altered the course of world history forever.
Queen Elizabeth I lived a long life, much of it as the Queen of England and Ireland. Her story is not only fascinating but also relevant to modern times. The intention of this book is to provide a brief overview of her life. We wish you well as you begin this journey of discovery!
Queen Elizabeth I: The Biography
