Queen Elizabeth: Ruler for the Ages

Queen Elizabeth I: Ruler for the Ages

Introduction

Queen Elizabeth I is often referred to as the greatest female ruler in history. Her legacy is one of triumphs, failures, eloquence, and strength. The story of the Tudor Dynasty reads much like a soap opera filled with scandal and laden with sin. Yet, in spite of her family and herself, Elizabeth was a success. Decisions made during the rule of Queen Elizabeth I defined England both spiritually and politically.

Becoming a Tudor

Elizabeth’s father, King Henry VIII of England, ruled from 1509 to 1547. The second born son of King Henry VII, Henry VIII took the thrown as rightful heir following the death of both his father and brother. In a bold move, Henry took the wife of his dead brother. The church would usually frown upon this idea; however, because there had been no consummation between her, Catherine of Aragon, and Henry’s brother, the Pope blessed the marriage.

After several years and many failed attempts, Catherine was unable to give life to a proper male heir. A total of six childbirths resulted in only one living child. This child would be a girl eventually known as Queen Mary I. In Henry’s disappointment he had his marriage to Catherine annulled, he took his second wife, Elizabeth’s mother, Anne Boleyn.

Elizabeth was born September 7, 1533, and before her third birthday, her mother Anne Boleyn was beheaded for reasons of treason and suspected infidelity. In her book, Jane Thomas (2000) states, “Anne’s enemies called her the goggle-eyed whore…” that name and image would haunt Elizabeth and follow her into adulthood (p. 1-11).

The Road to the Crown

Succession is a rite that is rich in tradition and rules. Succession within the House of Tudor was a maze of bloodlines and politics that, at best, is difficult to follow. The youngest born child to Henry VIII, Edward VI, would be the first successor because he was male. According to Simon Adams (2003), “Illegitimacy was used to justify the removal of Elizabeth and Mary from the Succession in Edward VI’s settlement of the crown.” Later, after the death of Edward, this idea would be challenged, paving the way for Mary I to take her rightful position as heir to the thrown (p. 42).

Elizabeth, believed by many to be a heretic, was imprisoned by her sister Mary and charged with conspiracy. Eventually set free, Elizabeth made amends with her sister. On her deathbed, Mary asked Elizabeth to promise to rule England as a Catholic Nation. Having different views on the subject, Elizabeth was unable to make such a promise. Mary died the following morning November 17, 1558. Elizabeth received the news as she sat under a tree reading, there on a hill side she was proclaimed the new Queen of England (Weatherly, 2006, p. 30-39).

The Power of a Woman

Though it is obvious Elizabeth was not the first female ruler, there was still a great deal of concern over her abilities. The legitimacy of her ruling as a female was never really the question. Susan Doran points out the following:

Thomas Becon, who in 1553 bemoaned the accession of a female ruler as God’s punishment towards a people unworthy to have lawful, natural and meet governors’, now accepted with joy Elizabeth as: “…a most worthy patroness of all true religion and of learning, a most noble defender of all godly-disposed people [and] a noble conqueror of antichrists.” (p. 29)

This is quite an acknowledgement considering prior to her accession most feared her alignment with France and her support of a protestant nation. Though Elizabeth preferred to justify her right to rule based solely on inheritance and the will of her father, the idea that her position was simply God’s will garnered more merit as an explanation.

Most around her assumed she would leave matters of policy and decision-making to her closest counselors and advisors. However, as Susan Doran (2003) again points out, “Elizabeth immediately made it absolutely clear that she intended to rule in deed as well as in name.” She appointed relatives and close friends as members of council, and influenced legislation that would protect some from execution while sending others to their death (p. 29). Annoyed by her lack of consideration of advice, Elizabeth’s advisors would often express their anger in condescending terms concerning her gender. Brimacombe (2000) gives this example saying, “Thus, they would criticize the Queen’s feminine irresolution, female fickleness, and womanly compassion towards papists and traitors.” (p. 148).

Perhaps the most pressing issue concerning gender for Elizabeth was that of marriage. It