![Queen of England and Ireland Elizabeth I](https://www.onthisday.com/images/people/queen-elizabeth-i.jpg?w=360)
Profession: Queen of England and Ireland
Biography: Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland, she was last monarch of the House of Tudor and was known as the "Virgin Queen." She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and was the third of Henry's children to take the throne in the years after his death.
While Elizabeth was imprisoned during the reign of Mary I, she would succeed to the throne upon Mary's death, with Mary having failed to produce an heir. This led to the first period of enduring stability for the crown since Henry VIII, with Elizabeth ruling for 44 years.
Elizabeth's reign is known for its flourishing cultural aspect, particularly for English drama with the Elizabethan era being the age of William Shakespeare. The period was also characterized by the feats of various English maritime adventurers: Francis Drake, for instance, and Walter Raleigh.
In terms of foreign policy, Elizabeth navigated affairs carefully in an initial effort to avoid war with Spain. Ultimately the two would clash, however, and for this Elizabeth is known for ruling during the defeat of the Spanish Armada which had been intended to support an invasion force that would depose Elizabeth and reinstate Catholicism in England.
Born: September 7, 1533
Birthplace: Greenwich, London, England
Star Sign: Virgo
Articles and Photos
A Son, A Son – My Wife For A Son!
Henry VIII, who became King of England on this day in history, disposed of two wives in his quest for a son and heir – and was to marry four others.
April 21, 1509Bloody Mary, England’s Most Hated Queen
Queen Mary I, the first woman to rule England in her own right, lost respect and was called Bloody Mary by burning hundreds of religious opponents at the stake.
November 17, 1558World’s First National State Lottery
Lotteries have been around for centuries but on this day the world’s first national state lottery was played out – with fabulous and surprising prizes.
January 11, 1569Francis Drake Lands in California
1590 depiction of Francis Drake's landing in what he called New Albion, now northern California
June 17, 1579Execution of Mary Queen of Scots
Depiction of the execution on Mary, Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire
February 8, 1587Cloak And Dagger World of Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh's secret marriage to a lady-in-waiting was uncovered on this day. It ruined his career, but things were to get much worse.
May 31, 1592Union of the Crowns
Royal badge of King James I & VI, a Tudor Rose joined to the Scottish Thistle, symbolizing the personal union of his realm
March 24, 1603John Manningham Notes the Passing of Queen Elizabeth I
John Manningham was an English lawyer and diarist who wrote this especially moving entry on the passing of Queen Elizabeth I.
March 24, 1603
Historical Events
- 1558-11-17 Elizabeth I aged 25, ascends the English throne upon death of her half sister, Queen "Bloody" Mary
- 1558-11-17 The independence of the Church of England is re-established upon ascension of Elizabeth I to the throne
- 1559-01-15 Elizabeth I crowned Queen of England in Westminster Abbey
- 1568-05-16 Defeated at the Battle of Langside, Mary Queen of Scots flees to England in the hope Elizabeth I will help her regain her throne who instead detains her at Carlisle Castle
- 1568-05-19 English Queen Elizabeth I arrests Mary, Queen of Scots
- 1569-10-01 Duke of Norfolk arrested by Queen Elizabeth I for conspiring to marry Mary Queen of Scots
- 1569-12-15 Hunted by Queen Elizabeth I for treason in "The Rising of the North", Charles Neville, Earl of Westmorland, escapes to Scotland.
- 1570-02-25 Pius V excommunicates Queen Elizabeth I of England for heresy and persecution of English Catholics during her reign. Also absolves her subjects from allegiance to the crown.
- 1571-01-23 Queen Elizabeth I of England opens Royal Exchange in London
- 1575-01-22 English Queen Elizabeth I grants composers Thomas Tallis & William Byrd music press monopoly
- 1578-03-10 Queen Elizabeth I of England gives Johan Casimir £20,000 to aid Dutch rebellion
- 1579-08-17 Francis, Duke of Anjou visits English Queen Elizabeth I in an attempt to court her
- 1581-04-04 Francis Drake knighted by Queen Elizabeth I aboard his galleon "Golden Hind" at Deptford, England
- 1584-03-25 English explorer Walter Raleigh granted seven-year royal charter by Elizabeth I to explore and colonize North America, after Humphrey Gilbert's death at sea
- 1585-07-17 English secret service discovers Anthony Babington's plot to murder plot Queen Elizabeth I
- 1585-08-10 English Queen Elizabeth I signs Treaty of Nonsuch: Aid for Netherlands
- 1585-08-14 Queen Elizabeth I of England refuses sovereignty of Netherlands
- 1587-02-01 Queen Elizabeth I of England signs death warrant for her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots
- 1587-02-08 Mary, Queen of Scots, is beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle aged 44 after being convicted of plotting to assassinate Elizabeth I in the Babington Plot
- 1597-04-23 William Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" is first performed, with Queen Elizabeth I of England in attendance
- 1598-08-04 London's Lord Mayor repossesses the Steelyard from the Hanze (German Hanseatic League) on instruction from Elizabeth I
- 1603-03-24 Scottish King James VI son of Mary Queen of Scots, becomes King James I of England in succession to Elizabeth I, thus joining the English and Scottish crowns
Biographies and Sources
- The German Hanse in London and the Steelyard - The History of London