Queen Elizabeth Golden Age

         The reign of Queen Elizabeth I is often referred to as "The Golden Age" of English history. Her reign,  was an era of great accomplishment in England. It was a heroic age of exploration. It was Elizabeth herself who vastly changed England's standing among European nations. When she came to the throne England was a poor, remote island that was likely to become the next possession of the growing empire of Spain. By the time England had become a power in Europe, and its navy ruled the seas. Elizabeth was an immensely popular Queen, and her popularity has waned little with the passing of four hundred years. She is still one of the best loved monarchs, and one of the most admired rulers of all time. She became a legend in her own lifetime, famed for her remarkable abilities and achievements. Yet, Elizabeth the woman is an enigma, and was an enigma to her own people. Although she entertained many marriage proposals and flirted incessantly, she never married or had children. By the time, Elizabeth, the last of the Tudors, died at seventy years of age after a very successful forty-four year reign, England had become a power in Europe, and its navy ruled the seas.

          The arts flourished during Elizabeth's reign. Country houses such as Longleat and Hardwick Hall were built, miniature painting reached its high point, theaters thrived - the Queen attended the first performance of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The image of Elizabeth's reign is one of triumph and success. The Queen herself was often called 'Gloriana', 'Good Queen Bess' and 'The Virgin Queen'. Investing in expensive clothes and jewelery (to look the part, like all contemporary sovereigns), she cultivated this image by touring the country in regional visits known as 'progresses', often riding on horseback rather than by carriage. Elizabeth made at least 25 progresses during her reign.