Elizabeth I, one of the most celebrated monarchs in English history, ruled England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death on 24 March 1603. Born on 7 September 1533, she was the daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Her reign, known as the Elizabethan era, was marked by significant cultural, religious, and political developments that shaped the course of English history.
Main Milestones
Birth of Elizabeth I
7 September 1533
Elizabeth I was born in Greenwich, England, to Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Her birth was a disappointment to Henry, who had hoped for a male heir.
Execution of Anne Boleyn
19 May 1536
Anne Boleyn was accused of infidelity and treason and was executed at the Tower of London. Henry VIII then married Jane Seymour, who later gave birth to a son, Edward.
Accession of Edward VI
1547
Upon Henry VIII's death, Edward VI succeeded to the throne. Due to his youth, the government was run by regents during his reign. Both Elizabeth and Edward were brought up as followers of the Church of England.
Reign of Mary I and Elizabeth's Imprisonment
1553-1554
Edward VI died, and Mary I became queen, restoring Roman Catholicism as England's state religion. Mary suspected Elizabeth of plotting with Protestants and had her imprisoned in the Tower of London for two months.
Accession of Elizabeth I
17 November 1558
Mary I died, and Elizabeth I was crowned queen of England at the age of 25. She reestablished the independent Church of England and chose William Cecil as her chief minister.
Mary Stuart's Flight to England
1568
Mary Stuart, the Catholic queen of Scotland, fled to England seeking Elizabeth's help. Elizabeth, distrustful of Mary, had her taken into custody, where she remained for 19 years.
Exploration and Voyages of Discovery
1577-1584
Elizabeth encouraged exploration and voyages of discovery, providing financial support for Admiral Francis Drake's circumnavigation of the globe and Walter Raleigh's expeditions to establish an English colony in North America.
Cultural Flourishing
1580s
The Elizabethan era saw a flourishing of poetry, music, and literature, with playwrights like William Shakespeare gaining popularity. London opened its first theatres, and Elizabeth attended the first performance of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
Death of Elizabeth I
24 March 1603
Elizabeth I died at Richmond, Surrey, marking the end of her 44-year reign and the Tudor dynasty. She was succeeded by her first cousin twice removed, James VI of Scotland.
