Elizabeth I
Succession
Henry II declares Mary of Scots Queen over England & Ireland
House · House of Tudor
Tudor monarch
Elizabeth I: Reign, Timeline and Events
Browse records from Elizabeth I’s reign, covering government, religion, succession, Mary Queen of Scots, plots, war, diplomacy, exploration and the end of Tudor rule.
Elizabeth I, succession threats and late Tudor England
Elizabeth I’s long reign brought a new religious settlement, sustained concern over the succession, conflict with Spain, intervention in the Netherlands and Ireland, and repeated conspiracies involving Catholic exiles and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Explore the Ridolfi, Throckmorton, Babington and other Tudor plots, follow the military context through Tudor invasions and wars, or use the family tree to trace the dynastic route to the 1603 succession.
· World History Database Tudor archive.
256historical records
50years represented
2named people
43places represented
Browse the Tudor static archive
1158 · 1 record
1533 · 5 records
Elizabeth I
Excommunication
Clement VII declares Anne & Henrys children illegitimate
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
Clement VII declares Anne & Henrys children illegitimate
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Birth of Elizabeth I
Greenwich
Birth of Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn, in Greenwich Palace
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Baptism of Elizabeth I
Greenwich
Elizabeth is christened at Greenwich in the friars church.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Christening
London
Christened & confirmed in a single ceremony at Greenwich in the Friars Church
House · House of Tudor
1534 · 1 record
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
An act of Parliament reinstates the succession of the daughters of Henry VIII
House · House of Tudor
1536 · 3 records
Elizabeth I
Legitimacy
Mary & Elizabeth are bastardized, succession going to Jane Seymours son Edward VI
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
Mary & Elizabeth are bastardized, succession going to Jane Seymours son Edward VI
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
Forced to sign an agreement that her parents marriage was invalid & is illegitimate
House · House of Tudor
1546 · 3 records
Elizabeth I
Death of Elizabeth I
London
Death of Henry VIII, Elizabeth hears the news at Enfield
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
Henry VIIIs will confirms the 3rd Act of Succession
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Will
Elizabeth & Mary are left an income of 3,000 pounds pa until they marry
House · House of Tudor
1553 · 8 records
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Edward VI orders Mary & Elizabeth to be made "illegitimate & lawfully begotten"
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Mary & Elizabeth become "illegitimate & lawfully begotten"
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Escorts Mary during her entry in state into London
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
The Bishop of London, Nicholas Ridley, declares both Elizabeth & Mary are bastards
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Meets Mary outside London & escorts her to the capital
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
London Entry
London
Elizabeth accompanies Mary during the royal entry after the succession crisis
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Elizabeth Joins Mary's Coronation Retinue
London
Elizabeth takes part in the ceremonial retinue despite the religious and political tensions surrounding Mary's accession.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
The Commons reverse the divorce of Catherine of Aragon, Mary is no longer illegitimate
House · House of Tudor
1554 · 14 records
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Elizabeth I
London
Mary orders Elizabeth to London for her own safety
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Wyatt Rebellion
Ashridge
Comes under suspicion because rebels discuss replacing Mary with her.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Elizabeth I
Tower of London
Rowed through traitors gate
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Wyatt Rebellion
Tower of London
Is sent to the Tower while her links to the rebellion are examined.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Wyatt Rebellion
Tower of London
Elizabeth is imprisoned while Mary investigates links to the Wyatt Rebellion.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Elizabeth I
Richmond
Jubillant crowds mistakenly believe Elizabeth has been freed
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Elizabeth I
Richmond
Moves to Richmond en route to Woodstock after 2 months in the Tower. Jubillant crowds mistakenly believe Elizabeth has been freed
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Released from Tower
Tower of London
Elizabeth leaves the Tower but remains under close guard
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Wyatt Rebellion
Woodstock
Is moved from the Tower to house arrest at Woodstock.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Wyatt Rebellion
Woodstock
Elizabeth is moved from the Tower to Woodstock after Wyatt's execution.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
House Arrest at Woodstock
Woodstock
Elizabeth is placed under guard at Woodstock after leaving the Tower
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Elizabeth I
London
Saved from execution by Philip who wants a hold over England should Mary die childless
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Elizabeth I
Tower of London
Imprisoned for 3 months. Convinced she will be executed, asks for a French swordsman with a sharp sword
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Execution
London
Saved from execution by Philip who wants a hold over England should Mary die childless
House · House of Tudor
1555 · 5 records
Elizabeth I
Moved to Hampton Court
Hampton Court
Moved to Hampton Court while Mary considers the succession
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Hatfield Household
Hatfield
Elizabeth settles at Hatfield after release from stricter confinement
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
House Arrest
Hatfield
Placed under the guardianship of Thomas Pope at Hatfield
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Moved to Hatfield
Hatfield
Elizabeth is moved to Hatfield under the custody of Thomas Pope
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage Proposal
London
Philip supports a proposed marriage between Elizabeth and Philibert of Savoy
House · House of Tudor
1556 · 7 records
Elizabeth I
Gunpowder Treason Plot
The plot is betrayed to Cardinal Pole & the plotters are arrested & put in the Tower
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Gunpowder Treason Plot
A failed plot to replace Mary with Elizabeth
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Dudley Conspiracy
London
Plotters seek to replace Mary with Elizabeth during the Dudley conspiracy
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Dudley Plot
London
Henry Dudley's conspiracy aims to place Elizabeth on the throne
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Invasion Plot
London
Henry Dudley plans foreign-backed action against Mary's government
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Elizabeth is summoned to court by Mary to marry Emmanuel Philibert
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Mary sends Elizabeth back to Hatfield after she refuses to marry Emmanuel Philibert
House · House of Tudor
1557 · 1 record
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Philip II visits England to arrange marriage between Elizabeth I & Emmanuel Philibert
House · House of Tudor
1558 · 11 records
Elizabeth I
Succession Recognized
London
The Privy Council recognizes Elizabeth as Mary I's successor
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession Decision
London
Elizabeth is informed that the Privy Council has accepted her succession
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Accession
Hatfield
Elizabeth succeeds Mary as Queen of England
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Accession
Westminster
Formally proclaimed Queen outside the Palace of Westminster
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
News Reaches Hatfield
Hatfield
Elizabeth receives news of Mary's death and her own accession
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Proclaimed Queen
Westminster
Elizabeth is formally proclaimed Queen outside Westminster
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Elizabeth succeeds Mary I and is proclaimed Queen in London
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Recognized Successor
Hatfield
Elizabeth is accepted as successor as Mary's health fails
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession Supported
London
Philip supports Elizabeth's succession to block the French-backed claim of Mary Queen of Scots
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth's Coronation Planning Begins
London
Elizabeth's council begins organising the first major public ceremonial display of the new reign after her accession in November.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Mary's Funeral Ordered
London
Elizabeth's government prepares the funeral ceremonies for Mary I
House · House of Tudor
1559 · 29 records
Elizabeth I
Coronation
Westminster Abbey
A Coronation procession is held in the streets of the City of London
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Coronation Eve City Entry
London
Elizabeth enters the City of London in a carefully staged public procession on the day before her crowning.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Coronation Procession
London
Elizabeth rides through London in a public coronation procession before her crowning
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I Cheapside Coronation Pageant
Cheapside
Elizabeth pauses at a major Cheapside display where civic symbolism links the queen with good government and national renewal.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I Cornhill Coronation Pageant
Cornhill
A pageant at Cornhill forms part of the city's elaborate welcome and reinforces expectations for the new reign.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Fenchurch Coronation Pageant
Fenchurch Street
A civic pageant greets Elizabeth near Fenchurch, beginning a sequence of symbolic displays along the route.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Gracechurch Coronation Pageant
Gracechurch Street
Elizabeth encounters another London pageant presenting political and religious imagery to the new queen.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Truth and Time Pageant
Cheapside
A pageant using the figures of Time and Truth presents Elizabeth with symbolic religious and political messages before her coronation.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Coronation
Westminster Abbey
Elizabeth is crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I Crowned
Westminster Abbey
Elizabeth is crowned queen in Westminster Abbey as the Tudor succession passes to Henry VIII's younger surviving daughter.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth Receives Coronation Regalia
Westminster Abbey
Elizabeth receives the traditional regalia of sovereignty before the formal crowning.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth's Coronation Banquet
Westminster Hall
A formal feast follows the Abbey service and concludes the public coronation celebrations of the new queen.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth's Coronation Oath
Westminster Abbey
Elizabeth takes the coronation oath as the religious and constitutional inauguration of her monarchy proceeds.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth's Coronation Recognition
Westminster Abbey
Oglethorpe presents Elizabeth before the Abbey congregation, marking the public recognition of the new queen before her oath.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Mixed Latin and English Coronation Service
Westminster Abbey
Parts of Elizabeth's coronation are conducted in Latin and parts in English, reflecting the unsettled religious position at the start of the reign.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth's First Parliament Assembles
Westminster
Elizabeth's first Parliament meets to establish the legal foundations of the new reign and reverse key features of Mary's religious policy.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
The Government drafts a petition requesting the Queen to marry & provide an heir
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
London
Parliament addresses Elizabeth & urges her to marry
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Treaty of Cateau Cambresis
Cateau Cambresis
Philip II decides to marry Elizabeth of Valois rather than Elizabeth I
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Calais Eight-Year Compensation Clause
Cateau-Cambresis
Accepts a peace formula allowing France to retain Calais subject to a future compensation arrangement if the town is not restored.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
French Hostilities Formally Ended
Cateau-Cambresis
Concludes a separate peace with France that ends the war inherited from Mary's reign and stabilises Elizabeth's new government.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Rule of Calais
Calais
Under the Treaty of Cateau Cambresis Calais is ceded to France for 8 yrs
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Treaty of Cateau Cambresis
Cateau Cambresis
Agrees an Anglo-French truce over Scotland
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabethan Supremacy Restored
Westminster
Parliament restores royal authority over the English Church and gives Elizabeth the title Supreme Governor rather than Supreme Head.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Supreme Governor Title Adopted
London
Elizabeth adopts the title Supreme Governor of the Church of England, framing royal ecclesiastical authority in language acceptable to a broader constituency.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabethan Act of Uniformity Passed
Westminster
Parliament requires use of a revised Book of Common Prayer and establishes penalties for clergy or worshippers who reject the authorised service.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Revised Prayer Book Introduced
England
The revised prayer book becomes the standard liturgy of the Elizabethan Church, combining the 1552 structure with selected modifications.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Royal Injunctions of 1559 Issued
England
Elizabeth's injunctions regulate preaching, images, clerical conduct and parish worship while enforcing the new religious settlement.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Oath of Supremacy Required from Clergy
England
Clergy and many officeholders are required to acknowledge Elizabeth's ecclesiastical supremacy as Supreme Governor.
House · House of Tudor
1560 · 17 records
Elizabeth I
Alliance Elizabeth I and Scotland
Allows Elizabeth to protect Scotland
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Coup
Berwick
The English try to help Scottish Protestant Lords overthrow the Catholic Mary of Guise
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Treaty of Berwick
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Elizabeth allies with the Scottish Lords of the Congregation at Berwick, authorising English military intervention to remove French forces from Scotland.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Edinburgh English Crown Recognition
Edinburgh
Obtains treaty provisions intended to prevent Francis II and Mary, Queen of Scots, from maintaining claims represented by the English royal arms.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Edinburgh Foreign Troop Withdrawal
Edinburgh
Secures an agreement requiring French and English forces to withdraw from Scotland after the collapse of French control there.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Mary Stuart Arms Clause
Edinburgh
Treaty terms require Francis and Mary to stop using English royal arms
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Treaty of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Elizabeth's representatives agree the Treaty of Edinburgh, providing for French and English forces to leave Scotland and ending the intervention around Leith.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Parliament
The Scottish Parliament carries out the Scottish Reformation
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Reform of Parliament
The Scottish Parliament carries out the Scottish Reformation. Elizabeth I is made Protector of the Scottish Church
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Reformation, The
The Scottish Parliament carries out the Scottish Reformation
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Suicide
London
An inquest says Dudleys wifes death was accidental
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Death of Elizabeth I
London
Announces the death of Dudleys wife
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Suicide
London
Possible suicide caused by Dudleys advances to Elizabeth
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Dudley Scandal
London
Amy Robsart's death damages prospects for any marriage between Elizabeth and Dudley
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arran Marriage Proposal
London
Elizabeth receives proposals linking her marriage to Scottish Protestant policy
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Refuses Scottish Marriage Scheme
London
Elizabeth avoids commitment to the Arran marriage proposal
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Succeeds as Queen of England
House · House of Tudor
1561 · 2 records
Elizabeth I
Katherine Grey Imprisoned
Tower of London
Elizabeth orders Katherine Grey confined after her secret Seymour marriage is discovered
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Church Commissioners Enforce Settlement
England
Royal ecclesiastical commissioners investigate clergy and parishes that resist the supremacy, prayer book and injunctions.
House · House of Tudor
1562 · 5 records
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Treaty of Hampton Court
Hampton Court
Elizabeth agrees to support French Huguenots and accepts control of Le Havre, creating a new English military foothold on the French coast.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Calais Recovery Objective
Hampton Court
Uses intervention in France partly to seek compensation for the earlier loss of Calais while publicly supporting the Huguenot alliance.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Hampton Court Huguenot Alliance
Hampton Court
Concludes an agreement with the French Huguenot leadership that commits England to military and financial support during the French Wars of Religion.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Huguenot Troop Commitment
Hampton Court
Promises several thousand English troops to assist the Protestant forces and secure the Channel ports covered by the agreement.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Suffers smallpox, brings up succession to Mary Stuart, many favour Lady Catherine Grey
House · House of Tudor
1563 · 7 records
Elizabeth I
Foxe's Acts and Monuments Published
London
John Foxe publishes Acts and Monuments, shaping Protestant memory of persecution and becoming highly influential within Elizabethan religious culture.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Loss of Le Havre
London
Elizabeth loses her foothold in France when Le Havre is surrendered
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabethan Poor Relief Act Passed
Westminster
Parliament strengthens parish responsibility for poor relief and develops compulsory local arrangements for supporting the needy.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabethan Witchcraft Act Passed
Westminster
Parliament restores witchcraft as a secular criminal offence and establishes penalties varying with the harm alleged.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Royal Power Assurance Act Passed
Westminster
Parliament strengthens enforcement of the supremacy oath and legal protection of Elizabeth's royal authority.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Statute of Artificers Enacted
Westminster
Parliament regulates apprenticeships, wages and labour mobility in a major attempt to organise the Tudor labour market.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Petitioned by Parliament to marry & declare a successor
House · House of Tudor
1564 · 4 records
Elizabeth I
Troyes Calais Recognition
Troyes
Recognises continued French possession of Calais in return for a financial payment, ending the immediate English attempt to recover the port.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Troyes Peace Settlement
Troyes
Concludes peace with Charles IX after the failed English occupation of Le Havre and restores formal relations with France.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Holyrood
Darnley is great grandson of Margaret Tudor & grandson of Henry VII
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Peerage
Creates Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester so that he could marry Mary Queen of Scots
House · House of Tudor
1565 · 5 records
Elizabeth I
Alliance Agreement with Spain & the Empire
A marriage to Archduke Charles would create an alliance with Spain & the Empire
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Alliance marriage to Archduke Charles would and Spain and the Empire
A marriage to Archduke Charles would create an alliance with Spain & the Empire
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
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
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Mary Queen of Scots marries Earl Darnley in defiance of Elizabeth I
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox
London
Imprisons Darnleys mother, the Countess of Lennox
House · House of Tudor
1566 · 8 records
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Parliament discusses Elizabeth's succession
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
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
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Privy Councillors & the Commons agree to petition Elizabeth I regarding her succession
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Norfolk says Elizabeth should permit Parliament to discuss her marriage & succession
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
Summons a deputation from the Lords & Commons to present her case. Answers Parliament by saying that her marriage & succession are her affair
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Christening
The Countess of Argyl attends on Elizabeth's behalf. Godparent to James VI, sends a gold font
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Mary of Scots
Edinburgh
Sends Throckmorton to free Mary from "them that by nature & law are subject to her"
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
London
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
House · House of Tudor
1567 · 8 records
Elizabeth I
Assassination of Henry Stewart
Edinburgh
Assassination of Lord Darnley
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Assassination of Henry Stewart
Writes a letter to Mary saying Darnleys assassins should be arrested & punished
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Mary of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots arrives in England & spends the rest of her life under arrest
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Battle of Carberry Hill
Carberry Hill
Mary Queen of Scots & Bothwell are defeated & Mary arrested
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Abdication
Mary Queen of Scots is forced to abdicate & name James her succesor
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Trial
London
Summons six Earls to London to listen to Murrays charges against Queen Mary
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Trial
Hampton Court
Marys trial is moved to Hampton Court. Mary is tried at a tribunal as the Queen of Scotland
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Battle of Langside
Mary Queen of Scots is defeated by Moray & seeks refuge in England
House · House of Tudor
1568 · 3 records
Elizabeth I
Trial
York
Elizabeths representitives try cases forwarded by Morays & Marys representitives. Elizabeth is represented by the Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Sussex & Ralph Sadler
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Trial
York
Norfolk plans to marry Mary & secure a Scottish alliance, the trial is moved to London
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Trial
Westminster
Orders that Marys trial be moved to Westminster
House · House of Tudor
1569 · 8 records
Elizabeth I
Trial
London
Announces she cannot find guilt with either Mary or her accuser Murray
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Trial
Moray returns to Scotland, Elizabeth says nothing has been proven
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Trial
"the Queen of England should (not) conceive an evil opinion of her good sister"
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Mary of Scots
Tutbury Castle
Elizabeth has Mary Queen of Scots detained in Tutbury Castle
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk
Elizabeth has the Duke of Norfolk arrested
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Gunpowder Treason Plot
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
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Gunpowder Treason Plot
Dover
Charles Baille is arrested with incriminating lettres from Ridolfi to Bishop Leslie
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Pope declares Elizabeth to be a heretic & divests her of
The Pope declares Elizabeth to be a heretic & divests her of her divinity
House · House of Tudor
1570 · 5 records
Elizabeth I
Excommunication
Vatican
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
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Papal Excommunication Challenges Settlement
England
Pius V excommunicates Elizabeth, intensifying the political connection between Catholic resistance and loyalty to the established English Church.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Pius V declares Elizabeth I a usurper
Pius V declares Elizabeth I a usurper
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
Pius V declares Elizabeth I a usurper
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Regency
London
Appoints Lord Darnleys father as Regent of Scotland
House · House of Tudor
1571 · 7 records
Elizabeth I
Royal Exchange
Hatfield
Elizabeth I opens the Royal Exchange
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Fraudulent Conveyances Act Passed
Westminster
Parliament targets property transfers deliberately designed to defeat creditors, creating a lasting principle in English law.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Gunpowder Treason Plot
London
The excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Ridolfi plot
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Ridolfi Plot
London
The excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Ridolfi plot
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Statute Restricts Rival Crown Claims
Westminster
Parliament strengthens treason law against asserting rival rights to the crown, reflecting continuing anxiety over competing succession claims.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Subscription to Articles Required by Statute
Westminster
Parliament requires many clergy to subscribe to the doctrinal Articles, strengthening legal enforcement of the Elizabethan settlement.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Usury Act Regulates Interest
Westminster
Parliament permits lending at interest within statutory limits while penalising rates above the authorised maximum.
House · House of Tudor
1572 · 14 records
Elizabeth I
Blois Defensive Alliance Terms
Blois
Agrees mutual defensive obligations with France, creating a diplomatic counterweight to Spanish power in western Europe.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Treaty of Blois
Blois
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
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Courted the Duke of Alencon, younger son of Charles IX of France
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Massacre
The massacre disrupts negotiations to marry the Duke of Alencon. The French Ambassador reveals a Hugenot plot to kill the French King & his family
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Accepts an invitation to become god-mother to a daughter of Charles IX
Accepts an invitation to become god-mother to a daughter of Charles IX
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Death of Elizabeth I
London
Executes Norfolk for a plot to bring Mary Stewart to the throne & restore Catholicism
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Execution of Norfolk
London
Executes Norfolk for a plot to bring Mary Stewart to the throne & restore Catholicism
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Gunpowder Treason Plot
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
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Huguenots
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
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
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
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Calais
Wishes to have Calais returned to England if she is to marry the Duke of Alencon
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Massacre
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
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Succession
A bill is passed preventing Mary from being Elizabeth's successor
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Vagabonds Act Establishes Houses of Correction
Westminster
Parliament introduces stronger measures against persistent vagrancy while encouraging organised local punishment and correction.
House · House of Tudor
1573 · 2 records
Elizabeth I
Netherlands Trade Intercourse Renewed
London
Restores commercial intercourse with the Habsburg Netherlands after disputes over seizures and embargoes had disrupted trade.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Trade Relations
Spain & England resume trade
House · House of Tudor
1574 · 5 records
Elizabeth I
Bristol Anglo-Spanish Settlement
Bristol
Concludes a settlement with Spain designed to resolve commercial seizures and normalise trade after several years of Anglo-Spanish tension.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Duke of Alencon
The Duke of Alencon is arrested in France for plotting against his brother Charles IX
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
death of Charles IX throws Anglo-French relations into confusion
The death of Charles IX throws Anglo-French relations into confusion
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
The Duke of Alencon is arrested in France for plotting against his brother Charles IX
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
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
House · House of Tudor
1575 · 1 record
Elizabeth I
Treaty of Blois
Blois
Henry III sends an Envoy to England to confirm the Treaty of Blois
House · House of Tudor
1576 · 1 record
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Elizabeth I turns down Parliaments appeals for her to marry
House · House of Tudor
1577 · 3 records
Elizabeth I
Prophesyings Suppressed by Royal Order
England
Elizabeth orders the suppression of prophesyings, fearing that uncontrolled clerical meetings encourage Puritan organisation and challenge episcopal authority.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Armament
Offers 20,000 pounds for a Huguenot army to be raised in Germany
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Huguenot Army
Offers 20,000 pounds for a Huguenot army to be raised in Germany
House · House of Tudor
1579 · 1 record
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Alencon arrives in England to woo Elizabeth I to help invade The Netherlands
House · House of Tudor
1581 · 7 records
Elizabeth I
Anjou Marriage Contract Drafted
London
Approves detailed marriage articles with Francis, Duke of Anjou, while reserving a final decision on whether the marriage will actually proceed.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Alencon arrives in England after Elizabeth has a marriage contract drawn up
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Elizabeth I publicy announces "the Duke of Alencon shall be my husband"
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Execution of Campion
Tyburn
St Edmund Campion is executed when falsely implicated in a plot against Elizabeth I
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Diplomatic Negotiations
Elizabeth toys with Alencons marriage negotiations to isolate Spain
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Marriage
Lends the Duke of Alencon 60,000 pounds to assist him in The Netherlands
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Subjects' Due Obedience Act Passed
Westminster
Parliament increases penalties for reconciling English subjects to Rome and for activities challenging allegiance to Elizabeth.
House · House of Tudor
1583 · 3 records
Elizabeth I
Execution
London
Throckmorton is executed for his part in a Catholic plot to install Mary on the throne
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Gunpowder Treason Plot
London
Excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Throckmorton plot
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Reballion of Rebels in London
London
Excommunication of 1570 led to Catholic opposition & the Throckmorton plot
House · House of Tudor
1584 · 2 records
Elizabeth I
Bond of Association Signed
England
Supporters swear to punish anyone who benefits from a plot against Elizabeth, directly linking the queen's personal safety to the future succession.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Death of Elizabeth I
Death of Alencon, the last of her suitors
House · House of Tudor
1585 · 7 records
Elizabeth I
Act for the Queen's Safety Enacted
Westminster
Parliament creates a legal process against claimants implicated in attempts on Elizabeth's life, placing Mary's succession prospects under greater danger.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Nonsuch Cautionary Towns Clause
Nonsuch
Receives Flushing, Brill and associated positions as security for eventual Dutch repayment of English military expenditure.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Nonsuch Dutch Alliance Signed
Nonsuch
Concludes a formal alliance with the Dutch rebels, openly committing England to support resistance against Spanish rule in the Netherlands.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Nonsuch Troop Commitment
Nonsuch
Promises English infantry and cavalry for service in the Netherlands under a senior commander paid by the English crown.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Treaty of Nonsuch
Nonsuch Palace
Elizabeth signs the Treaty of Nonsuch and commits troops to the Dutch revolt, partly to prevent the Netherlands becoming a secure Spanish invasion base against England.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Assassination of William Orange
William the Silent is assassinated, Elizabeth becomes Protector of The Netherlands
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Jesuits and Seminary Priests Act Passed
Westminster
Parliament orders Jesuit and seminary priests to leave the realm and criminalises specified assistance to their continued missionary activity.
House · House of Tudor
1586 · 6 records
Elizabeth I
Death of Elizabeth I
London
Signs Mary Queen of Scots; death warrant but tries, unsuccessfully, to retain it
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Execution of Mary Queen of Scots
London
Signs Mary Queen of Scots; death warrant but tries, unsuccessfully, to retain it
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Treaty of Berwick
Berwick
Promises James VI an annual Grant
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Parliament Petitions for Mary Stuart's Execution
Westminster
Lords and Commons petition Elizabeth to carry out the sentence against Mary, Queen of Scots, arguing that her survival threatens national security.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Arrest of Mary of Scots
Elizabeth will not risk a war to restore Mary & has Mary arrested
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Exile of Elizabeth I
Crosses the Scottish border & seeks Elizabeth's protection
House · House of Tudor
1587 · 1 record
Elizabeth I
Execution of Mary Queen of Scots
London
Throws away the death warrant, picked up by Davison who takes it to the Chancellor. Signs Mary Stewarts death warrant
House · House of Tudor
1588 · 4 records
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Tilbury Mobilisation
Tilbury
Elizabeth visits the army assembled at Tilbury and addresses troops prepared to resist any Spanish landing while the Armada remains a threat at sea.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Armada Thanksgiving Services Ordered
England
National thanksgiving services celebrate deliverance from the Spanish Armada and reinforce Protestant interpretations of Elizabethan national identity.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Alliance Elizabeth I and Henry IV in France
Sends contingents to support Henry IV in France
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Excommunication
Vatican
Elizabeth is excommunicated by the Pope for a 2nd time on the eve of the Armada
House · House of Tudor
1589 · 2 records
Elizabeth I
Charter of Leicester
Leicester
Grants a Charter to Leicester
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Cottages Act Restricts New Rural Dwellings
Westminster
Parliament limits construction of cottages without sufficient attached land, reflecting official concern about poverty and rural settlement.
House · House of Tudor
1590 · 1 record
Elizabeth I
Peerage
Warwick
Acquires the title & estates of the Earl of Warwick
House · House of Tudor
1591 · 5 records
Elizabeth I
Catholic League
Normandy
Prevents the Catholic League occupying Normandy & uniting Brittany with Flanders
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Invasion of France
Aids Henry IV & the Dutch & German Protestants
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Invasion of France
Brittany
Sends 3,000 troops to Brittany against the Spaniards
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Invasion of France
Normandy
Prevents the Catholic League occupying Normandy & uniting Brittany with Flanders
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Siege of Rouen
Rouen
Sends 3,000 under the Earl of Essex to besiege Rouen
House · House of Tudor
1593 · 2 records
Elizabeth I
Act against Seditious Sectaries Passed
Westminster
Parliament acts against separatist religious groups whose refusal of established worship is treated as a threat to church and state order.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Popish Recusants Act Passed
Westminster
Parliament imposes tighter restrictions on persistent Catholic recusants, including controls on movement and residence.
House · House of Tudor
1595 · 2 records
1596 · 2 records
Elizabeth I
Greenwich Anti-Spanish Alliance
Greenwich
Forms an offensive and defensive alliance with Henry IV of France against Spain during the continuing Anglo-Spanish and Franco-Spanish wars.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Greenwich No Separate Peace Clause
Greenwich
Agrees that England and France will not conclude a separate peace or truce with Spain without the consent of the other.
House · House of Tudor
1597 · 3 records
Elizabeth I
Elizabethan Vagabonds Act Passed
Westminster
Parliament revises punishment and local administration for rogues and vagabonds while distinguishing different categories of the poor.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Hospitals for the Poor Act Passed
Westminster
Parliament enables charitable hospitals and houses of correction to be established for poor people and vulnerable dependants.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Poor Relief Administration Reorganised
Westminster
Parliament reorganises poor relief through parish overseers and local taxation, preparing the framework later consolidated in 1601.
House · House of Tudor
1598 · 3 records
Elizabeth I
Alliance Elizabeth I and The Netherlands
Relinquishes the title Protector but leaves an English brigade under Sir Francis Vere
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Rule of Netherlands, The
Relinquishes the title Protector of The Netherlands
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Treaty of Vervins
Vervins
Henry IV makes peace with Spain. Elizabeth prevents the Dutch from joining the Treaty
House · House of Tudor
1599 · 2 records
Elizabeth Tudor Elizabeth I
Spanish Invasion Alert
London
Elizabeth's government mobilises troops and strengthens coastal readiness during a major invasion scare caused by reports that a Spanish fleet is approaching England.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Reballion of Earl of Tyrones
Sends the Earl of Essex to Ireland to suppress the Earl of Tyrones rebellion
House · House of Tudor
1601 · 6 records
Elizabeth I
Essex Rebellion
London
Elizabeth ends the Earl of Essexs rebellion
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Golden Speech Delivered to Parliamentary Delegation
Whitehall Palace
Elizabeth addresses a parliamentary delegation in the Golden Speech, thanking members and presenting mutual affection as the foundation of her rule.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Commons Opens Major Monopolies Debate
Westminster
Members launch sustained criticism of royal patents and monopolies that raise prices or restrict ordinary economic activity.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Final Tudor Parliament Concludes
Westminster
Elizabeth's last Parliament ends after completing legislation on poor relief, taxation and other late-reign concerns.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Elizabethan Poor Law Consolidated
Westminster
Parliament consolidates parish poor relief by requiring overseers, local rates and organised support or work for different categories of poor people.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Speech
London
Elizabeth delivers her "golden speech" to the House of Commons
House · House of Tudor
1603 · 3 records
Elizabeth I
Death of Elizabeth I
London
Death of Elizabeth I, at Richmond Palace, the last Tudor monarch
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Death of Elizabeth I Ends Tudor Dynasty
Richmond Palace
Elizabeth dies without children, ending direct Tudor rule and activating the succession of the Scottish king descended from Margaret Tudor.
House · House of Tudor
Elizabeth I
Burial
Westminster Abbey
Elizabeths funeral takes place in Westminster Abbey
House · House of Tudor
1652 · 1 record
Elizabeth I
Legitimacy
The Commons reverse the divorce of Catherine of Aragon, Mary is no longer illegitimate
House · House of Tudor