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Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603)
Princess Elizabeth was a daughter of the late King Henry. As she was in line to the throne she struggled with several attempts to remove her.
Mary becoming Queen was unpopular with Elizabeth’s Protestant supporters. This reputation was sullied further after her marriage to Philip of Spain. This union was seen to strengthen the Catholic ties even further. As Protestants were persecuted they turned to Elizabeth as their saviour. Rebellions and uprisings took place in Elizabeth’s name and eventually Mary had her questioned and imprisoned. When it appeared that Mary was pregnant, Elizabeth was no longer considered a threat and was duly released.
In 1558 Mary died and Elizabeth was finally proclaimed Queen of England. Elizabeth dealt with several major challenges, Mary Queen of Scots became increasingly threatening. Catholics believed she had a strong and genuine claim to the throne. When a serious plot arose in Mary’s name, Elizabeth had Mary executed.
During Elizabeth’s reign, the English navy succeeded in defeating the Spanish Armada. This paved the way for England to become a supreme naval power the following century.
Despite having the interest of many suitors, Elizabeth never married. Instead she played one off against another and used her popularity to gain possessions and territories overseas. As she never married, Elizabeth died in 1603 without an heir. She was succeeded by James VI of Scotland son of Mary Queen of Scots. He became the James I, the first Stuart King.
Elizabeth was a strong, clever and successful ruler. She achieved many things by the end of her reign
- Established a Protestant country and re-established the Church of England
- Enjoyed long term peace when much of Europe was at war
- Ended war with France and avoided war with Spain
- Defeated the Spanish Armada
- Settled in the Americas
- Encouraged theatre, literature, culture and the arts
- Quelled Catholic uprisings, including some in support of Mary Queen of Scots. Elizabeth eventually had Mary executed in 1587
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