The early rule of Queen Elizabeth I

• Elizabeth I


  • Inherited problems in religion, economy and foreign policy
  • Tightly controlled Parliament and Privy Council
  • Never married, putting the security of England before herself
• Parents


  Elizabeth had English parents, Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII
• Education


  Elizabeth spoke French, Flemish, Italian and Spanish, and many other languages; she was one of the most educated women of her generation
• Popularity


  Elizabeth was popular with many people in England and her reign was seen as a fresh start
• Challenges Elizabeth faced


  • Gender - Some feared a female ruler meant that England would continue to be seen as a weak country
  • Religion - Religious conflict was a major issue
  • Invasion - Elizabeth's cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, had a claim to the throne
  • Money - Elizabeth's sister, Mary, had left debts of £250,000
• Elizabeth came to power in 1558 and inherited an unstable kingdom
• England was divided by religion, poverty was increasing and foreign enemies were growing more powerful
• Elizabeth became queen after both her brother, Edward VI, and her sister, Mary I, had died
• Despite inheriting all of these problems she brought many strengths, ruled well and brought stability back to England