Birth of Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I was born on September 7, 1533, at Greenwich Palace to King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn.
1533
1536
Execution of Anne Boleyn
Elizabeth I's mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed on charges of treason, adultery, and incest. Elizabeth was declared illegitimate and removed from the line of succession.
1547
Death of Henry VIII
King Henry VIII died, and Elizabeth's half-brother Edward VI ascended to the throne. Elizabeth's status remained uncertain during this period.
1553
Mary I Becomes Queen
Following the death of Edward VI, Mary I, Elizabeth's half-sister, became queen. Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Tower of London for a time due to suspicions of her involvement in Protestant rebellions.
1558
Elizabeth I Ascends the Throne
Elizabeth I became the queen of England on November 17, 1558, following the death of Mary I. Her reign marked the beginning of the Elizabethan Era.
1559
Elizabethan Religious Settlement
Elizabeth I established the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, which aimed to unite the country under a moderate form of Protestantism, easing religious tensions.
1564
Birth of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, one of the most influential playwrights of the Elizabethan Era, was born. His works would later flourish under Elizabeth I's reign.
1568
Imprisonment of Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in England by Elizabeth I after fleeing her own kingdom. Mary was seen as a Catholic threat to Elizabeth's Protestant rule.
1584
The Treaty of Nonsuch
Elizabeth I signed the Treaty of Nonsuch with the Dutch rebels, committing English troops to support their fight against Spanish control, which marked the beginning of England's long conflict with Spain.
1587
Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
Elizabeth I ordered the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, after discovering her involvement in plots to assassinate Elizabeth and seize the throne.
1588
Defeat of the Spanish Armada
The Spanish Armada, sent by King Philip II of Spain to invade England, was defeated by the English navy under Elizabeth I's command, solidifying her power and England's naval dominance.
1599
Opening of the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre, associated with William Shakespeare, opened in London, becoming a significant cultural landmark of the Elizabethan Era.
1601
Essex Rebellion
The Earl of Essex led a failed rebellion against Elizabeth I. He was subsequently executed, demonstrating Elizabeth's firm control over her realm.
1603
Death of Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I died on March 24, 1603, ending the Tudor dynasty. She was succeeded by James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England, uniting the two crowns.
1603
Legacy of Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I's reign is often considered a golden age in English history, marked by cultural flourishing, exploration, and the establishment of England as a major European power.
