Queen Elizabeth I successfully ruled England for forty-five years during the second half of the seventeenth century. Her reign is often referred to as a "golden age" of English history. This paper asks how Elizabeth's reign influenced the Golden Age of England? Through a biographical examination of her life, I will argue that Queen Elizabeth I's reign contributed to the England's Golden Age by providing political and religious stability, successful domestic and foreign policies, and increased creativity within the arts.
The Tudor Dynasty ruled for only three generations, but made a lasting impact on England and Western Civilization. During the 118 years of Tudor rule, England saw five Tudors occupy the throne: three kings, followed by the first two women ever to become queens of England by right of inheritance, rather than marriage.1 Henry VII was of Welsh origin, and succeeded in ending the Wars of the Roses between the Lancaster and York houses in order to establish the Tudor house. His son, Henry VIII and his three children Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I each ruled England. Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 to 1603, and was the last Tudor monarch. She remains one of histories most famous and highly regarded monarchs.
Queen Elizabeth I's childhood was difficult because she was forced to live away from her parents and was eventually declared a royal bastard. Elizabeth was born on September 7, 1533 at Greenwich Palace to Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII. Her parents were immediately disappointed with the sex of Elizabeth, because they both expected the child to be a prince, and the heir apparent.2 Elizabeth was named after both of her grandmothers; Henry's mother Elizabeth of York, and Anne's mother Elizabeth Howard.3 Elizabeth's name affirmed the union of Henry and Anne, and the princess' royal descent.4 Elizabeth spent little time with her parents, and was raised mostly by the nurse or governess, Lady Margaret Bryan, and later Katherine Champernowne.