Elizabeth I is often remembered as England’s greatest monarch, but why?

Her reign lasted over 44 years and saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the rise of Shakespeare and the arts, and the emergence of England as a global power. It’s often described as a Golden Age, but how did Elizabeth achieve all of this?

In this beginner’s guide to Elizabeth I’s reign, I explore how a woman who began life as the daughter of an executed “traitor”, declared illegitimate and even imprisoned in the Tower of London, rose to become one of England’s most iconic rulers.

We’ll look at:

• How Elizabeth secured her power as a female monarch
• Why she refused to marry and called herself “married to her kingdom”
• Her religious settlement and attempts to heal a divided nation
• Her diplomatic strateg ...