Queen Elizabeth I: England’s Greatest Monarch
1. Queen Elizabeth I: England's Greatest Monarch
Queen Elizabeth I is considered one of the greatest monarchs in England’s history. She ruled during a time of peace at home and abroad and managed to maintain England’s stability. Her decision not to marry was due to political reasons and she influenced arts and religion. The queen never got married albeit the many marriage proposals that she received. Among her suitors were Archduke Charles, Philip II of Spain, Adolphus the Duke of Holstein, and Robert Dudley of Earl. She used her prospect of marriage to her advantage to keep potential enemies at bay and keep England independent.
2. Queen Elizabeth I: The Early Years
Elizabeth was born on September 7th, 1533, to Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. She was baptised on September 10th, 1533. Elizabeth had an eventful childhood as she witnessed theExecution of her mother when she was two-years-old, the death of her father when she six, and the succession of her half-brother Edward VI to the throne when she was nine. Her half-sister Mary I became queen when Edward VI died, which resulted in Elizabeth being imprisoned in the Tower of London on suspicion of treason. Mary I died in 1558 and Elizabeth succeeded her to the throne.
3. Queen Elizabeth I: The ruling years
Elizabeth’s reign is considered one of England’s Golden Ages. Under her rule, England prospered economically and became a leading world power.Elizabeth maintained peace with Spain and France despite calls for war by some members of parliament. She also managed to avoid getting embroiled in religious wars taking place on the European continent. In addition, Elizabeth reformed England’s financial system and increased trade with other countries. The arts flourished during her reign with writers such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe producing some of their greatest works during this period. Religion also flourished under Elizabeth with the founding of the Church of England.
4. Queen Elizabeth I: The later years
Elizabeth’s later years were marked by a decline in health and an increase in conspiracies against her rule. In 1603, she suffered a stroke which left her incapacitated for several months. During this time, there were a number of plots against her life including the Main Plot, Bye Plot, and Gunpowder Plot. However, all these plots failed and Elizabeth remained on the throne until her death in 1603.
5. Queen Elizabeth I: The legacy
Queen Elizabeth I remains one of the most influential monarchs in English history. Her reign was marked by peace at home and abroad, economic prosperity, religious tolerance, and a flourishing of the arts. She left a lasting legacy which continues to be felt even today.