Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I                       (reigned 1558-1603)

       The daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Queen Elizabeth 1 reigned England from 1558–1603. When Elizabeth came to the throne, she was 25. She succeeded to the throne on her half-sister's death in November 1558. Her reign was marked by several plots to overthrow her, the execution of Mary Queen of Scots (1587), the defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588), and domestic prosperity and literary achievement. 

        Elizabeth liked hunting and enjoyed court masques (entertainment of poetry, songs and dancing). She was very well-educated and was fluent in six languages.
        Elizabeth made England Protestant again and her will was the law.
She did not marry and was known as the Virgin Queen.
During her reign, England became enemy of Catholic Spain, and Elizabeth fought against Philip II's navy (the Spanish Armada).
The Tudor period ended with the death of Queen Elizabeth I on 24th March 1603 after 45 years on the throne. She had no husband or children to succeed her.

        Elizabeth I's rule is remembered as the Golden Age of English history. Under her rule, England advanced in such areas as foreign trade, exploration, literature, and the arts.              

During Elizabeth's reign the age of exploration began with explorers such as Francis Drake claiming new lands for England and introducing new materials and foods. The American State, Virginia, is named after her.

                      Sir Francis Drake was knighted  by Queen Elizabeth I