I’d wanted to write about Queen Elizabeth I for some time and now that Queen Elizabeth II has died, it may be a good time to do so. The times were very different…
The recent beloved Queen of England was the head of a huge royal business which she managed astutely. As far as we know, she never ordered the death of anyone. However, the first Queen Elizabeth had absolute power.
Does someone really love you when you have unlimited wealth? And absolute power? And would he stick around if a gal won’t say ‘yes’?
The Earl of Essex, Robert Devereux, the first Elizabeth’s lover, was in such a position. She moved his bedchamber next to hers in 1559, but chose not to marry.
The poor guy needed the security of a wealthy marriage. He took the opportunity to wed Countess Frances Burke, widow of the successful English writer Sir Philip Sidney. He may have believed he would still be welcomed in the Queen’s bed.
Essex overestimated his charm and in 1601 he had a really bad day. Elizabeth had him beheaded. So much for making decisions without the first Elizabeth’s permission.
Poor Elizabeth I. Her face had been badly scarred by smallpox. She managed to live to 70, a good age then even though she wore a thick paste of vinegar and lead to cover it. She must have had plenty of cream underneath but one wonders about the many British ladies who also adopted the dangerous style.
I sometimes wonder if Mary, Queen of Scots infuriated Elizabeth I further just by being beautiful. What think you?
View from Over the Hill 
Methinks you’ve got another post coming up soon!
About whom Jaya?
Mary, Queen of Scots!
Ah, indeed. How right you are. I must be getting forgetful. Ha, ha. Will do. She was indeed an interesting person. Love, Muriel
The history of the monarchy is fascinating and horrifying!
Agreed. I often think history is more exciting to read than any novel. Who could make stuff like this up???? Thanks for reading dotter. Love, Maughm
Wonderful post, Muriel…and so timely. I do hope you’ll continue writing about this royal “saga”!
Yes I will. Queen Mary of Scots is another very interesting queen. So glad you’ll enjoy it, I love history. Stay well young lady, Muriel
To be honest, I don’t pay much attention to British royalty. I hope that Charles does a good job, though. His mother certainly did. Bye till next time!
I’m not at all a royalist. My only interest in royalty is historical. I’m an addicted history gossip. All the best to you and yours, Muriel
Nobody:
Queen Lizzie the first: *wears a “thick paste made of vinegar and lead” as makeup*
I believe it was an attempt to cover the scars from small pox, no? Thanks for reading. Muriel
I cannot even imagine the lives of queens and kings 😁 Thank you.
Nor can I. Maybe that’s why I am so interested in their lives. Thanks for reading. Muriel
Yes, Elizabeth I was certainly an “off with their heads” sort of gal. I sometimes wondered if Elizabeth II ever envied her namesake in this—and whom she would have sent to the tower.
Hmm, interesting thought Judy: Maybe some family members when they embarrassed her??? Do you have any suggestions: Who do you think she might have beheaded if she could? Nice to hear from you. Fondly, Muriel