Queen Elizabeth 1

Elizabeth I was a long running ruler of England. She ruled for forty-four years, with prosperity and stability. She was born September 7, 1533.
Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, the king's second wife. Ane Boleyn was beheaded on orders of the husband, the king, when Elizabeth was two years old. She was beheaded on charges of adultery and conspiracy. Soon after her mother's death, Elizabeth and her half-sister were declared illegitimate, because their father wanted to have a male heir to the throne someday. Elizabeth and Mary would be reinstated later as potential heirs to the throne.
The future queen was raised like any other royal child. She received tutoring and did very well in music and languages. She spent some time in the care of her stepmother, Catherine Parr, after her father's death in 1547. Catherine made sure that Elizabeth was educated to the highest of standards. There was tension between Catherine and her new husband, Thomas Seymour, that led Elizabeth to return to the royal estate in Hatfield. Thomas Seymour was found guilty of conspiracy and executed. It was found out that he wanted to wed Elizabeth to gain power.
Elizabeth's half-brother, Edward died in 1553. Her half-sister and cousin, Lady Jane Grey, both wanted to take the crown. Edward had appointed Grey to be his successor. Her reign was very short-lived. It only lasted nine days, because Mary had gained the support of the English people and unseated Grey.
Elizabeth did support Mary during the takeover. But many people remained suspicious of Elizabeth. Many wanted to restore the county back to the Catholic faith. While Elizabeth went along with the religious change, she did remain a can...

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Even as her power was fading, she still stayed devoted to the people of England. She retired to Richmond Palace, one of her favorite homes. She would not let the doctors examine her, nor would she rest in bed. In her final hours, soft music was played to soothe her. It is believed that she died of blood poisoning, but nothing was ever confirmed. She passed away on March 24, 1603. With her death, ended the house of Tudor, which had ruled England since the late 1400's. She was succeeded on the throne by James I. He was the son of Mary Stuart, a formal rival of Elizabeth's.
Elizabeth I will always be remembered as a ruler who always supported her people. She provided stability and consistency to her country. She helped her country through political and religious challenges, and the arts grew during this time with all of her support.