Elizabeth I biography timeline

Henry II declares Mary of Scots Queen over England & Ireland

Clement VII declares Anne & Henrys children illegitimate

Clement VII declares Anne & Henrys children illegitimate

Birth of Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn, in Greenwich Palace

Elizabeth is christened at Greenwich in the friars church.

Christened & confirmed in a single ceremony at Greenwich in the Friars Church

An act of Parliament reinstates the succession of the daughters of Henry VIII

Mary & Elizabeth are bastardized, succession going to Jane Seymours son Edward VI

Mary & Elizabeth are bastardized, succession going to Jane Seymours son Edward VI

Forced to sign an agreement that her parents marriage was invalid & is illegitimate

The 3rd Act of Succession restores Mary & Elizabeth to the succession after Edward

The 3rd Act of Succession restores Mary & Elizabeth to the succession after Edward

Death of Henry VIII, Elizabeth hears the news at Enfield

Henry VIIIs will confirms the 3rd Act of Succession

Elizabeth & Mary are left an income of 3,000 pounds pa until they marry

Edward VI orders Mary & Elizabeth to be made "illegitimate & lawfully begotten"

Mary & Elizabeth become "illegitimate & lawfully begotten"

Escorts Mary during her entry in state into London

The Bishop of London, Nicholas Ridley, declares both Elizabeth & Mary are bastards

Meets Mary outside London & escorts her to the capital

The Commons reverse the divorce of Catherine of Aragon, Mary is no longer illegitimate

Mary orders Elizabeth to London for her own safety

Comes under suspicion because rebels discuss replacing Mary with her.

Questioned for 3 weeks in Whitehall, no links found between Elizabeth & the rebellion

Rowed through traitors gate

Is sent to the Tower while her links to the rebellion are examined.

Elizabeth is imprisoned while Mary investigates links to the Wyatt Rebellion.

Jubillant crowds mistakenly believe Elizabeth has been freed

Moves to Richmond en route to Woodstock after 2 months in the Tower. Jubillant crowds mistakenly believe Elizabeth has been freed

Is moved from the Tower to house arrest at Woodstock.

Elizabeth is moved from the Tower to Woodstock after Wyatt's execution.

Saved from execution by Philip who wants a hold over England should Mary die childless

Imprisoned for 3 months. Convinced she will be executed, asks for a French swordsman with a sharp sword

Saved from execution by Philip who wants a hold over England should Mary die childless

The King of Sweden sends his Ambassador of marry his son Eric to Elizabeth

The King of Sweden sends his Ambassador of marry his son Eric to Elizabeth

The plot is betrayed to Cardinal Pole & the plotters are arrested & put in the Tower

A failed plot to replace Mary with Elizabeth

Elizabeth is summoned to court by Mary to marry Emmanuel Philibert

Mary sends Elizabeth back to Hatfield after she refuses to marry Emmanuel Philibert

Philip II visits England to arrange marriage between Elizabeth I & Emmanuel Philibert

The Privy Council recognizes Elizabeth as Mary I's successor

Elizabeth is informed that the Privy Council has accepted her succession

Elizabeth succeeds after the death of Mary I

Elizabeth succeeds Mary as Queen of England

Formally proclaimed Queen outside the Palace of Westminster

Elizabeth receives news of Mary's death and her own accession

Elizabeth is formally proclaimed Queen outside Westminster

Elizabeth succeeds Mary I and is proclaimed Queen in London

Elizabeth begins forming her first Privy Council

Elizabeth appoints William Cecil as principal secretary

Elizabeth receives the Spanish ambassador Count de Feria after her accession

Elizabeth appoints Francis Knollys to her Privy Council

Elizabeth is accepted as successor as Mary's health fails

Elizabeth appoints Robert Dudley as Master of the Horse

Philip supports Elizabeth's succession to block the French-backed claim of Mary Queen of Scots

Elizabeth brings Thomas Parry into her early governing circle

Elizabeth appoints Nicholas Bacon as Lord Keeper

Elizabeth's government prepares the funeral ceremonies for Mary I

Elizabeth summons her first parliament for the coming year

Elizabeth's ministers begin preparing a Protestant religious settlement

Ministers prepare legislation restoring royal supremacy over the Church

Elizabeth avoids committing herself to a marriage with Philip II

Elizabeth is visited by Count de Feria and says she will not be Spain's puppet

Annual militia rates are planned with regular training and local arsenals

A Coronation procession is held in the streets of the City of London

Elizabeth rides through London in a public coronation procession before her crowning

Elizabeth is crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey

Parliament supports Elizabeth's reforms even though the Bishops do not

Elizabeth opens her first parliament to settle religion and succession

Attends the opening of a Reformation Parliament

Attends the opening of a Reformation Parliament

William Cecil becomes Elizabeth's principal adviser in the early reign

Elizabeth reshapes the Privy Council around trusted Protestant and moderate advisers

The Government drafts a petition requesting the Queen to marry & provide an heir

Parliament addresses Elizabeth & urges her to marry

Elizabeth answers parliamentary pressure by refusing to be hurried into marriage

Government introduces legislation restoring royal authority over the English church

Philip II decides to marry Elizabeth of Valois rather than Elizabeth I

Philip II decides to marry Elizabeth of Valois rather than Elizabeth I

Elizabeth accepts peace with France and temporary French possession of Calais

Treaty provides that Calais may be restored after eight years or compensated

Under the Treaty of Cateau Cambresis Calais is ceded to France for 8 yrs

Agrees an Anglo-French truce over Scotland

Elizabeth I cedes Calais to France for 8 yrs

Act of Supremacy restores the crown's authority over the Church of England

Act of Uniformity restores a revised English prayer book

Restores the anti-papal laws of Henry VIII

Elizabeth takes the title Supreme Governor rather than Supreme Head of the Church

The revised Book of Common Prayer comes into use under Elizabeth

Royal Injunctions direct clergy and parishes to follow the new settlement

Elizabeth's government orders church visitations to enforce religious conformity

Elizabeth's council moves toward aiding Scottish Protestants against French influence

Under Elizabeth I, a more permanent enforcement of the reformed Church of England was undertaken and the 1552 Book of Common Prayer is republished, scarcely altered, in 1559

The Protestant Prayer Book of 1552 is re-introduced, the black rubric is omitted

Begins to restore the predominant position of the Church of England.

Elizabeth becomes the "Supreme Governor" not the "Head" of the Church of England

Enforces the Protestant religion by law.

Issues a proclamation permitting certain parts of the service to be read in English.

Supreme power is vested in the Crown.

The Act of Uniformity is passed, the worst penalty is imprisonment.

The Act of Uniformity, restores the 2nd Edwardian Prayer Book.

The Protestant Prayer Book of 1552 is re-introduced, the black rubric is omitted.

The Act of Supremacy, Mary's legislation is swept away.

Begins to restore the predominant position of the Church of England.

Enforces the Protestant religion by law.

Issues a proclamation permitting certain parts of the service to be read in English.

Supreme power is vested in the Crown.

The Act of Supremacy, Mary's legislation is swept away.

The Act of Uniformity is passed, the worst penalty is imprisonment.

The Act of Uniformity, restores the 2nd Edwardian Prayer Book.

The Protestant Prayer Book of 1552 is re-introduced, the black rubric is omitted.

Appointed Supreme Governor of the Church

Allows Elizabeth to protect Scotland

The English try to help Scottish Protestant Lords overthrow the Catholic Mary of Guise

The Scots provide a force for an invasion of Scotland by France

Elizabeth authorizes support for the Scottish Lords of the Congregation

The English try to help Scottish Protestant Lords overthrow the Catholic Mary of Guise. England agrees to send Scotland support to preserve "their old freedom & liberty". Concludes an anti French Treaty with the Scottish Lords of the Congregation

Lord Grey is ordered to send the Army to join the Scots against the French

Elizabeth commits forces to aid Scottish Protestants against French influence

Elizabeth's forces suffer a costly failure during the assault on Leith

The settlement confirms England's new understanding with Protestant Scottish lords

The treaty preserves peace between England and France after Cateau Cambresis

Elizabeth ends the Scottish intervention once French troops agree to depart

Treaty terms require Francis and Mary to stop using English royal arms

Elizabeth's commissioners agree terms ending English and French intervention in Scotland

Treaty of Edinburgh ends English and French intervention in Scotland

Under the Treaty of Edinburgh Francis & Mary recognize Elizabeth I. France & England will not interfere & hand over Government to a Scottish Council of 12. English & French troops will withdraw from Scotland. Confirms the Treaty of Cateau Cambresis

The campaign that began under the Treaty of Berwick ends after Edinburgh terms

The English army withdraws from Scotland

Elizabeth's forces withdraw after the treaty requires foreign troops to leave Scotland

Elizabeth accepts settlement while remaining cautious over Calais and Mary Stuart's claims

Elizabeth withholds ratification because Mary and Francis do not renounce English arms

The Scottish Parliament carries out the Scottish Reformation

The Scottish Parliament carries out the Scottish Reformation. Elizabeth I is made Protector of the Scottish Church

The Scottish Parliament carries out the Scottish Reformation

An inquest says Dudleys wifes death was accidental

Announces the death of Dudleys wife

Possible suicide caused by Dudleys advances to Elizabeth

Amy Robsart's death damages prospects for any marriage between Elizabeth and Dudley

Scottish Lords want Arran to marry Elizabeth. Scottish Lords propose alliance with England

Scottish Lords propose alliance with England

Elizabeth receives proposals linking her marriage to Scottish Protestant policy

Scottish Lords want Arran to marry Elizabeth

Scotland recognizes Elizabeth as Queen of England

Elizabeth avoids commitment to the Arran marriage proposal

Attends a mock naval Battle held in Deptford

French forces are starved into submission at Leith

Succeeds as Queen of England

Elizabeth manages diplomacy after the death of Francis II and Mary of Scots widowhood

Elizabeth refuses to recognize Mary of Scots as heir without treaty guarantees

Elizabeth monitors Mary of Scots return to Scotland without English safe conduct

Elizabeth orders Katherine Grey confined after her secret Seymour marriage is discovered

Pius IV sends an envoy urging Elizabeth to return England to Catholic obedience

Signs a Treaty with the Huguenot Louis de Bourbon. A Treaty allows English occupation in return for support of the Huguenots

Elizabeth agrees to occupy Le Havre in return for supporting the Huguenots

Signs a Treaty with the Huguenot Louis de Bourbon. A Treaty allows English occupation in return for support of the Huguenots

Elizabeth negotiates with French Huguenots during the first war of religion

Elizabeth falls dangerously ill with smallpox and the succession becomes urgent

Elizabeth survives smallpox but the crisis exposes the unsettled succession

Says there must be no retrospective prosecutions

Suffers smallpox, brings up succession to Mary Stuart, many favour Lady Catherine Grey

Elizabeth opens her second Parliament amid concern over religion succession and foreign war

Elizabeth supports the English garrison at Le Havre during the French civil war

Parliament petitions Elizabeth to marry or name a successor

Elizabeth loses her foothold in France when Le Havre is surrendered

After the coronation of Elizabeth and the re-establishment of the separate Church of England the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion were established by a Convocation of the Church in 1563, under the direction of Matthew Parker, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, which pulled back from some

First established in 1563, the articles served to define the doctrine of the Church of England as it related to Calvinist doctrine and Catholic practice.

The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion are the historically defining statements of doctrines of the Church of England with respect to the controversies of the English Reformation.

of the more extreme Calvinist thinking and created the peculiar English reformed doctrine

After the coronation of Elizabeth and the re-establishment of the separate Church of England the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion were established by a Convocation of the Church in 1563, under the direction of Matthew Parker, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, which pulled back from some of the more extreme Calvinist thinking and created the peculiar English reformed doctrine

Elizabeth proposes Robert Dudley as a possible husband for Mary of Scots

A statute against witchcraft is passed

The Act of Supremacy extends the Oath of Supremacy to MPs, lawyers & barristers. The 39 Articles are the final restoration of the Church of England

The Act of Supremacy increases penalties for supporting the Pope. The Act of Supremacy imposes penalties for not taking the Oath. Statute of Apprentices, all men should work & have a rank from the Sovereign downward. 1st Poor Law is passed which providec local payment for the poor

Supremacy legislation extends the oath to more office holders and professions

1st Poor Law is passed which providec local payment for the poor

Poor relief legislation strengthens local responsibility for the poor

The Act of Supremacy extends the Oath of Supremacy to MPs, lawyers & barristers. The 39 Articles are the final restoration of the Church of England

The Act of Supremacy increases penalties for supporting the Pope. The Act of Supremacy imposes penalties for not taking the Oath. Statute of Apprentices, all men should work & have a rank from the Sovereign downward. 1st Poor Law is passed which providec local payment for the poor

Marian Bishops resign their Sees after the 39 Acts are passed

Statute of Artificers regulates labour apprenticeships wages and service

Petitioned by Parliament to marry & declare a successor

An Act against conjurations enchantments and witchcraft is passed

Receives the Spanish Ambassador, de Silva is on a mission to rally Catholic support

Darnley is great grandson of Margaret Tudor & grandson of Henry VII

Creates Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester so that he could marry Mary Queen of Scots

England renounces Calais in return for 220,000 crowns

England & France make peace by the Treaty of Troyes

Will only recognize Mary as successor if she marries & Mary marries Leicester

A marriage to Archduke Charles would create an alliance with Spain & the Empire

A marriage to Archduke Charles would create an alliance with Spain & the Empire

Turns down the offer of marriage to Charles IX. Elizabeth I negotiates marriage to the Duke of Anjou, younger brother of Charles IX. Elizabeth I enters negotiations with Archduke Charles through his envoy, Zwetkovich

Mary Queen of Scots marries Earl Darnley in defiance of Elizabeth I

Imprisons Darnleys mother, the Countess of Lennox

France warns England not to attack Scotland. Catherine de Medici tries to arrange a marriage between her son Charles IX & Elizabeth

Opening day of Parliament

Parliament discusses Elizabeth's succession

The House of Lords decides to petition Elizabeth I for a marriage & successor. Parliament discusses linking the subsidy Bill to a declaration about the succession

Privy Councillors & the Commons agree to petition Elizabeth I regarding her succession

Norfolk says Elizabeth should permit Parliament to discuss her marriage & succession

Summons a deputation from the Lords & Commons to present her case. Answers Parliament by saying that her marriage & succession are her affair

The Countess of Argyl attends on Elizabeth's behalf. Godparent to James VI, sends a gold font

Sends Throckmorton to free Mary from "them that by nature & law are subject to her"

Norfolk says Elizabeth should permit Parliament to discuss her marriage & succession. Will not name a successor after pressure from the Privy Council, Lords & Commons. During a meeting of the Council refuses to be "buried alive" by naming her succesor

Attends the closing session of Parliament

Assassination of Lord Darnley

Writes a letter to Mary saying Darnleys assassins should be arrested & punished

Mary Queen of Scots arrives in England & spends the rest of her life under arrest

Mary Queen of Scots & Bothwell are defeated & Mary arrested

Mary Queen of Scots is forced to abdicate & name James her succesor

Requests Ambassador Throckmorton threaten the Scots with war if Mary is not released

Summons six Earls to London to listen to Murrays charges against Queen Mary

Mary seeks aid from Elizabeth & France

Elizabeth supports Mary if France does not intervene

Marys trial is moved to Hampton Court. Mary is tried at a tribunal as the Queen of Scotland

Mary Queen of Scots is defeated by Moray & seeks refuge in England

Elizabeths representitives try cases forwarded by Morays & Marys representitives. Elizabeth is represented by the Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Sussex & Ralph Sadler

Norfolk plans to marry Mary & secure a Scottish alliance, the trial is moved to London

Orders that Marys trial be moved to Westminster

Philip of Spain places an embargo on English goods, Elizabeth freezes Spanish assets

Mary arrives in England & is imprisoned, followed by a rebellion of northern nobility

Philip of Spain places an embargo on English goods, Elizabeth freezes Spanish assets. Gold loaned to Spain by a Genoese merchant for Alvas troops is seized by Elizabeth. Elizabeth siezes Spanish bullion

Announces she cannot find guilt with either Mary or her accuser Murray

Moray returns to Scotland, Elizabeth says nothing has been proven

The northern catholic rebellion is defeated

"the Queen of England should (not) conceive an evil opinion of her good sister"

Elizabeth I has 400 rank-and-file rebels executed

Elizabeth has Mary Queen of Scots detained in Tutbury Castle

Elizabeth has the Duke of Norfolk arrested

The Northern rebels capture Durham

Ridolfi plans an invasion of England & the marriage of Thomas Howard to Mary. Led by Roberto Ridolfi, a Florentine banker based in London against Elizabeth I. Involves Felipe II of Spain, Pious V, the Duke of Norfolk & Mary Queen of Scots

Charles Baille is arrested with incriminating lettres from Ridolfi to Bishop Leslie

The Pope declares Elizabeth to be a heretic & divests her of her divinity

Norfolk leads a rebellion to install Mary Queen of Scots as Queen. Catholic rebels break into Durham Cathedral & take mass for the 1st time in 10 yrs

The rebels proclaim loyalty but aim to remove the "new men" such as Cecil. A rebellion of catholics led by Norfolk, Norfolk & Westmorland is defeated by Essex

The Catholic Earls of Northumberland & Westmorland revolt & seize Durham. Catholic rebels break into Durham Cathedral & take mass for the 1st time in 10 yrs

Pope Pius V declares Elizabeth deposed & absolves Catholics from allegiance to her. Pius V issues the bull of excommunication against Elizabeth, "Regnas in Excelsis". Pius V excommunicates all catholics who support Elizabeth I, a fatwa against her

Pius V declares Elizabeth I a usurper

Pius V declares Elizabeth I a usurper

Suppresses a northern Rebellion led by the Duke of Norfolk. Caused by the possible succession of Mary Queen of Scots to the English throne

Appoints Lord Darnleys father as Regent of Scotland

Elizabeth I opens the Royal Exchange

The Thirty-Nine Articles, finalised in 1571, were to have a lasting effect on religion in the United Kingdom and elsewhere through their incorporation into and propagation through the Book of Common Prayer

The Thirty-Nine Articles, finalised in 1571, were to have a lasting effect on religion in the United Kingdom and elsewhere through their incorporation into and propagation through the Book of Common Prayer

Beginning of the execution of missionary priests

The excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Ridolfi plot

It becomes a treasonable offense the bring papal bulls into the country

It becomes a treasonable offense the bring papal bulls into the country

The excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Ridolfi plot

Signed with France, both countries wil support each other if attacked. England is freed from French support of an invasion by Mary Queen of Scots

Courted the Duke of Alencon, younger son of Charles IX of France

The massacre disrupts negotiations to marry the Duke of Alencon. The French Ambassador reveals a Hugenot plot to kill the French King & his family

Accepts an invitation to become god-mother to a daughter of Charles IX

The Spanish Ambassador is returned after a plot to install Mary on the throne

Executes Norfolk for a plot to bring Mary Stewart to the throne & restore Catholicism

Executes Norfolk for a plot to bring Mary Stewart to the throne & restore Catholicism

Elizabeth I prevents the English Commons from passing a bill of attainder against Mary. A bill is passed preventing Mary from being Elizabeth's successor

Courted the Duke of Alencon, younger son of Charles IX of France. The massacre of Huguenots ends chances of Elizabeth's marriage to a French Prince. Courted by the Duke of Alencons envoy, La Mole

A bill is passed preventing Mary from being Elizabeth's successor

Courted the Duke of Alencon, younger son of Charles IX of France. The massacre of Huguenots ends chances of Elizabeth's marriage to a French Prince. Courted by the Duke of Alencons envoy, La Mole

Wishes to have Calais returned to England if she is to marry the Duke of Alencon

The massacre disrupts negotiations to marry the Duke of Alencon. The French Ambassador reveals a Hugenot plot to kill the French King & his family. Protestants are massacred in France

Elizabeth I sells Corfe Castle to Sir Christopher Hatton for for 4,761 pounds, her dancing master & some suppose a suitor

Sends support to James VI in the siege against the last bastion for Queen Mary

A bill is passed preventing Mary from being Elizabeth's successor

Edinburgh Castle falls making Mortons regency secure

Spain & England resume trade

Visits Bristol during a royal progress through western England.

The Duke of Alencon is arrested in France for plotting against his brother Charles IX

The death of Charles IX throws Anglo-French relations into confusion

The Duke of Alencon is arrested in France for plotting against his brother Charles IX

The Duke of Alencon is arrested in France for plotting against his brother Charles IX. Courted by the Duke of Alencon after his brother Anjou succeeds in France as Henry III

Henry III sends an Envoy to England to confirm the Treaty of Blois

Elizabeth I turns down Parliaments appeals for her to marry

Offers 20,000 pounds for a Huguenot army to be raised in Germany

Offers 20,000 pounds for a Huguenot army to be raised in Germany

Alencon arrives in England to woo Elizabeth I to help invade The Netherlands

Knighted for circumnavigation

Drake returns with treasure from Spanish ships, Elizabeth's share is 160,000

Alencon arrives in England after Elizabeth has a marriage contract drawn up

Elizabeth I publicy announces "the Duke of Alencon shall be my husband"

St Edmund Campion is executed when falsely implicated in a plot against Elizabeth I

Elizabeth toys with Alencons marriage negotiations to isolate Spain

Lends the Duke of Alencon 60,000 pounds to assist him in The Netherlands

It becomes treasonable to convert to catholicism. A 20 pounds a month for those over 16 who are absent from Sunday Service

Ambassador de Mendoza returns to Spain after the Throckmorton. Ambassador de Mendoza fails to install Mary as Queen

Throckmorton is executed for his part in a Catholic plot to install Mary on the throne

Ambassador de Mendoza fails to install Mary as Queen

Excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Throckmorton plot

Excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Throckmorton plot

Death of Alencon, the last of her suitors

William the Silent is assassinated, Elizabeth becomes Protector of The Netherlands

The Catholics capture Antwerp making England exposed to Catholic invasion & conversion

120 priests are executed between 1581-1603

Priests can be condemned to death for just being priests

Signs Mary Queen of Scots; death warrant but tries, unsuccessfully, to retain it

Signs Mary Queen of Scots; death warrant but tries, unsuccessfully, to retain it

Promises James VI an annual Grant

Elizabeth will not risk a war to restore Mary & has Mary arrested

Crosses the Scottish border & seeks Elizabeth's protection

Throws away the death warrant, picked up by Davison who takes it to the Chancellor. Signs Mary Stewarts death warrant

A further twenty merchantmen and armed pinnaces joined forces with the expedition.

Queen Elizabeth gave the English privateer, Sir Francis Drake, the command of a fleet whose mission was to inspect the Spanish military preparations, intercept their supplies, attack the fleet and if possible the Spanish ports.

The cost of these boats was met by a group of London merchants, whose profits were to be calculated in the same proportions as their investment in the fleet; the Queen, as owner of the four Royal Naval vessels, was to receive 50% of the profits

To that end, the Queen put at Drake's disposal four Royal Naval galleons: the Elizabeth Bonaventure, which was under Drake's own command; Golden Lion, captained by William Burroughs; Rainbow, under Captain Bellingham; and Dreadnought under Captain Thomas Fenner.

It takes until May 30 for all of the Armada to leave port and, on the same day, Elizabeth's ambassador in The Netherlands, Dr Valentine Dale, meets Parmas representatives to begin peace negotiations

Negotiations were abandoned, and the English fleet stood prepared, if ill-supplied, at Plymouth, awaiting news of Spanish movements

Negotiations are abandoned

Delayed by bad weather, the Armada is not sighted in England until July 19, when it appears off The Lizard in Cornwall, the news is conveyed to London by a sequence of beacons that had been constructed the length of the south coast of England

Delayed by bad weather, the Armada is not sighted in England until July 19, when it appears off The Lizard in Cornwall, the news is conveyed to London by a sequence of beacons that had been constructed the length of the south coast of England

The Armada was delayed by bad weather, forcing the four galleys and one of the galleons to leave the fleet, and was not sighted in England until 19 July, when it appeared off The Lizard in Cornwall.

The Spanish convened a council of war, where it was proposed to ride into the harbour on the tide and incapacitate the defending ships at anchor and from there to attack England; but Medina Sidonia declined to act because this had been explicitly forbidden by Philip, and decided to sail

The news was conveyed to London by a system of beacons that had been constructed all the way along the south coast. On that evening, the English fleet was trapped in Plymouth Harbour by the incoming tide.

on to the east and towards the Isle of Wight

The Armada was delayed by bad weather, forcing the four galleys and one of the galleons to leave the fleet, and was not sighted in England until 19 July, when it appeared off The Lizard in Cornwall.

The Spanish convened a council of war, where it was proposed to ride into the harbour on the tide and incapacitate the defending ships at anchor and from there to attack England; but Medina Sidonia declined to act because this had been explicitly forbidden by Philip, and decided to sail

The news was conveyed to London by a system of beacons that had been constructed all the way along the south coast. On that evening, the English fleet was trapped in Plymouth Harbour by the incoming tide.

on to the east and towards the Isle of Wight

Queen Elizabeth visits Tilbury to encourage her forces and gives to them what is probably her most famous speech

Queen Elizabeth visits Tilbury to encourage her forces and gives to them what is probably her most famous speech. I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too

Earl of Leicester maintained a force of 4,000 soldiers at West Tilbury, Essex, to defend the Thames Estuary against any incursion up-river towards London.

On 8 August (18 August New Style) Queen Elizabeth went to Tilbury to encourage her forces, and the next day gave to them what is probably her most famous speech.

The threat of invasion from The Netherlands had not yet been discounted by the English, and Robert Dudley.

Earl of Leicester maintained a force of 4,000 soldiers at West Tilbury, Essex, to defend the Thames Estuary against any incursion up-river towards London.

On 8 August (18 August New Style) Queen Elizabeth went to Tilbury to encourage her forces, and the next day gave to them what is probably her most famous speech.

The threat of invasion from The Netherlands had not yet been discounted by the English, and Robert Dudley.

"My loving people, we have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit ourselves to armed multitudes for fear of treachery; but, I do assure you, I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people.

I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king - and of a King of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare

I know already, for your forwardness, you have deserved rewards and crowns, and, we do assure you, on the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you.

In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people."

Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved myself, that under God I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and goodwill of my subjects; and, therefore, I am come amongst you as you see at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being

resolved, in the midst and heat of battle, to live or die amongst you all – to lay down for my God, and for my kingdoms, and for my people, my honour and my blood even in the dust.

to invade the borders of my realm; to which, rather than any dishonour should grow by me, I myself will take up arms - I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.

English naval pressure prevents the Armada from safely joining Parma's invasion army on the Flemish coast.

Sends contingents to support Henry IV in France

Elizabeth is excommunicated by the Pope for a 2nd time on the eve of the Armada

Grants a Charter to Leicester

Elizabeth I launched the Counter Armada, under Sir Francis Drake, but it was unsuccessful in its goals, resulting in Philip II retaining naval superiority

Acquires the title & estates of the Earl of Warwick

Prevents the Catholic League occupying Normandy & uniting Brittany with Flanders

Aids Henry IV & the Dutch & German Protestants

Sends 3,000 troops to Brittany against the Spaniards

Prevents the Catholic League occupying Normandy & uniting Brittany with Flanders

Sends 3,000 under the Earl of Essex to besiege Rouen

Asserts that MPs must not override her in foreign & religious affairs

The last troops leave France while Henry IVs debts ensure Anglo-French collaboration

Elizabeth Intervenes when Spain captures Cambrai & forces the surrender of Calais

Henry IV declares war on Spain

Spasmodic food riots erupt in London, the south east & the south west

Forms a Triple Alliance with France & the Dutch aganist Spain

Relinquishes the title Protector but leaves an English brigade under Sir Francis Vere

Relinquishes the title Protector of The Netherlands

Henry IV makes peace with Spain. Elizabeth prevents the Dutch from joining the Treaty

Sends the Earl of Essex to Ireland to suppress the Earl of Tyrones rebellion

Elizabeth ends the Earl of Essexs rebellion

Speeds up the Subsidy Bill. Says some monopolies should be suspended & new ones regulated by law

Forced by Parliament to renounce Crown rights to grant monopolies. Defeated by Parliament in her attempt to grant trading & manufacturing monopolies

Elizabeth delivers her "golden speech" to the House of Commons

Death of Elizabeth I, at Richmond Palace, the last Tudor monarch

Elizabeths funeral takes place in Westminster Abbey

The lower house has 406 members representing 90 county seats & 370 borough seats

The Commons reverse the divorce of Catherine of Aragon, Mary is no longer illegitimate