The Spanish Armada 7 – Elizabeth I Visits Tilbury
Even though the remaining ships of the Spanish Armada were homeward bound, England was still expecting to be threatened by…
William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley
I meant to write this article to coincide with the anniversary of William Cecil’s death, the 4th August 1598, so…
Mary I Enters London as Queen
On this day in history, 3rd August 1553, Mary, who had just been proclaimed Queen, rode with her half-sister, Elizabeth,…
Elizabeth and Leicester – Bess and Robin
After reading Jeane Westin’s wonderful novel about the relationship between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, I…
His Last Letter: Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester
Just a quick post to say that I have written a review of Jeane Westin’s “His Last Letter: Elizabeth I…
The Spanish Armada 6 – The Spanish Fleet Homeward Bound
By the first week of August 1588, the battered, defeated and demoralised Spanish Armada had started the first part of…
The Spanish Armada 5 – The Protestant Wind
On the 30th July 1588 the wind changed and the remaining ships of the Spanish Armada were forced northwards and…
Elizabeth I and Somerset House
On this day in history, the 30th July 1553, Princess Elizabeth left her new home, Somerset House, to ride to…
Mary Queen of Scots Marries Lord Darnley
On this day in history, the 29th July 1565, Elizabeth I’s nemesis, Mary Queen of Scots, married Henry Stuart, Lord…
The Spanish Armada 4: The Battle of Gravelines
The day after the English had wrecked the crescent formation of the Spanish Armada and caused havoc, they attacked the…
The Spanish Armada 3: The Hell-burners
At midnight on this day in history, the 28th July 1588, five hell-burners were ordered to be sent amongst the…
The Spanish Armada 2 – Leicester Invites Elizabeth to Tilbury
On this day in history, the 27th July 1588, Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester and the Lieutenant and Captain…
The Spanish Armada 1: The Assembling of Troops at Tilbury Fort
On this day in history, the 26th July 1588, 4,000 men assembled at Tilbury Fort, the fort built on the…
Happy Wedding Anniversary Mary I and Philip of Spain!
On this day in history, 25th July 1554, the feast day of St James, Mary I married Philip of Spain…
The Myth of Bloody Mary
Apologies for the rather inflammatory headline but I do like to be controversial! I’ve purposely used the misleading nickname that…
Elizabeth I’s Visit to Kenilworth Castle
From the 9th to the 27th July 1575 Elizabeth I stayed at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, home of her great…
Elizabeth I and the threat posed by the Grey Sisters
Just a quick post as I’m on the road travelling around the UK, but I thought you’d all be interested…
Lady Jane Grey Proclaimed Queen
On this day in history, the 10th July 1553, Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed Queen of England. Her predecessor, Edward…
Elizabeth I Phoenix Portrait
Today we’re going to look at a portrait which is startlingly similar to last week’s Pelican Portrait, a portrait which…
The Elizabeth I Pelican Portrait
Thank you so much for all of your comments regarding symbolism in the Armada portrait, I still can’t figure out…