Six Interesting Facts About Elizabeth I
Do you know these facts about Elizabeth I?
Elizabeth I became the Queen of England in 1558 and reigned for forty-five years. Though this famous queen has cropped up in many recent films and television shows, there are still many people who don’t know much about her fascinating life.
Historians often describe the Elizabethan Era as a ‘Golden Age’ of English history. However, the queen’s triumphs were balanced with plenty of tribulations, including religious tensions, the threat of the Spanish Armada, and a near-fatal disease.
1. Elizabeth Nearly Died From Smallpox
Smallpox was deadly during the sixteenth century. There was a high mortality rate associated with the disease, especially amongst women and the elderly.
Elizabeth noticed the symptoms on the 10th of October 1562, and less than a week later, she was so ill she couldn’t even speak. Her advisors and physicians were terrified, for the disease had already claimed the lives of other members of the English Court.
