Tag Archives: Elizabeth I

Book Review: Elizabeth -The Virgin Queen And The Men Who Loved Her

19 Thursday Mar 2015

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Elizabeth I of England is an icon among icons. Her public image of “Good Queen Bess” has long since survived her, elevating her to almost immortal status. Numerous books are sold about her, her legend, and her life. We know the English court was her universe, and “Gloriana” was its Sun.
But what of the planets of the court? The men who served as her ministers, advisers, and friends? They orbited around her, hoping for as much time in her rays as possible. Those men are the focus of the book, “Elizabeth – The Virgin Queen And The Men Who Loved Her” by author Robert Stephen Parry. Mr. Parry is the writer of other historical novels, such as, “The Arrow Chest” and “Wildish”. I read “The Arrow Chest” a couple years ago, so I jumped at the chance to read his takes on Elizabeth I, one of my all-time favorite historical figures.
The book has an interesting structure. It’s set up as a series of short lectures on the various personalities the dominated the Elizabethan court. Each section starts with a short bio on the men being presented, who include, Henry VIII, Thomas Seymour, Robert Dudley, John Dee, the Duke of Alencon, William Cecil, Walter Raleigh, Christopher Hatton, and Robert Devereux. As I stated, each section starts with a short biography of the figure, with the basics of who they were, and how they were an integral part of the solar system of Her Majesty’s universe. The non-fiction section is then followed by a short fictional story, relating to the man being profiled. The stories vary between private, emotional moments with a young Elizabeth, to facing the full rage of the Tudor temper, and how that might have played out.
I don’t read much fiction these days, but I couldn’t be happier that I read this book. I have read considerable amounts on Elizabeth, so the majority of the information was not new to me, as it won’t be for many people interested in this period. But the fictional short stories were a great addition, and Mr. Parry has the ability to describe the events in such a way, that you’re immediately engrossed and emotionally invested in the story. If you’re new to the Elizabethan period, this book can be a great starting point, for learning more about court life, and the central courtiers who surrounded the legendary Queen. I think that if you’re a seasoned Tudor fanatic, you’ll still enjoy the easiness with which the book flows, and the different perspectives that the author brings to life. I’m currently just starting another book of Mr. Parry’s on Elizabethan life, and I’m bursting with excitement!
You can read more about the author and his work at http://www.robertstephenparry.com
All his books are for sale in Kindle and paperback on both Amazon US and UK.

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August 9th

20 Tuesday Aug 2013

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Events:
1588 – Queen Elizabeth I of England gave a rousing speech to troops assembled at Tilbury, ready to defend against a possible invasion of the Spanish Armada. However, the Spanish ships would never make it to English shores.

1902 – King Edward VII of Great Britain was crowned at Westminster Abbey in England, alongside his wife, Queen Alexandra. He was the eldest son of Queen Victoria, who had died the previous year. Initially, the ceremony was to take place on June 26th, but on the 24th, the King developed appendicitis and had to undergo surgery.

Births:
1669 – Tsarina Eudoxia Lopukhina is born in Moscow. She was married to Peter I of Russia in 1689, and would have three children by him, with only one surviving. In 1698, they would be divorced, and she was banished to a convent. She remained in exile, and became the focus of Peter’s opposition until his death, and her later return to Moscow, under the reign of her grandson, Peter II.

1696 – Joseph Wenzel I, Prince of Lichtenstein is born in Prague to Prince Phillip Erasmus and Countess Christina Theresa. He was an active military man, and actually ruled the small nation three times. His reigns spanned from 1712-1718, 1732-1745, and finally 1748-1772. In 1718, he married Princess Anna Maria Antoine and they had five children, none surviving infancy.

1722 – Prince Augustus William of Prussia is born in Berlin to Frederick William I of Prussia and Sophia Dorothea of Hanover. He was married to Louise of Brunswick, with whom he had four children, including the future Frederick William II. He died suddenly at age 35, of a tumor.

1783 – Russian Grand Duchess Alexandra Pavlovna is born in St. Petersburg. She was a daughter of Paul I, and a granddaughter of Catherine the Great. Her brothers would go on to be Emperors Alexander I and Nicholas I. When she was about 13, her grandmother negotiated a marriage contract for her with the young Swedish King Gustav IV. He even visited Russia, and they both claimed to have fell in love, however when he noticed the contract stated she would not have to convert to Lutheranism, he refused to sign and went back to Sweden, leaving Alexandra heart broken. She would later marry Austrian Archduke Joseph, brother of Emperor Franz II, but the Austrian court was not kind to her. Sadly, she died in 1801, when at age 17, she gave birth to a baby girl, who also died.

1847 – Maria Vittoria dal Pozza is born in Paris and was Italian noblewoman and Countess in her own right. In 1863, she married Prince Amadeo of Italy, a younger son of Victor Emmanuel II. In 1870, Amadeo was elected to take over the throne of Spain, but was only able to rule for 3 years, before his abdication in 1873. They had three children, all boys, the youngest born the same year as his father’s abdication. Three years later, at age 29, Maria died of tuberculosis.

Deaths:
1250 – Eric IV of Denmark was executed by the Duke of Jutland in response to atrocities Eric had committed when they had been fighting years before. He was in his early 30’s, and had ruled on his own since 1241, but had also been Duke of Schleswig since 1216. Eric’s reign was also marred with civil wars with his brothers. He left no male heirs, but two of his daughters would be Queen consorts of Sweden and Norway.

Have a great day!

June 19th

19 Wednesday Jun 2013

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Events:
1269 – Louis IX of France issues a proclamation that declares all French Jews must wear a yellow badge identifying themselves or be fined.

1850 – Crown Prince Carl of Sweden and Norway was married in Stockholm to Princess Louise of the Netherlands. It was not a happy marriage, due to their incompatible personalities, and Carl’s numerous affairs.

Birthdays:
1566 – James VI of Scotland is born at Edinburgh Castle as the only child to Mary, Queen of Scots, and her second husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. In 1567, his mother was forced to abdicate in his favor, making James king before his first birthday. He would rule under a series of regents until he was 16. However in 1603, James was named the successor of the childless Queen Elizabeth I of England, making him the first ruler of the entire island. He would rule Scotland for 57 years, the longest at the time. He had some difficulties with the English Parliament, and even plots against his life. Under James, the literary community in the Isles continued to flourish, as well as exploration in the new world. He died at age 58, to be succeeded by his son, Charles I.

1896 – Wallis, Duchess of Windsor was born today in the US, as Bessie Wallis Warfield. She would marry twice, and while living as Wallis Simpson in Britain, she met the Prince of Wales, and future king Edward VIII. Edward’s intention to marry her after his accession to the throne caused a constitutional crisis which led to his abdication in 1936, before his coronation. They married in France in 1937, and lived abroad for the rest of their lives as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Deaths:
1282 – Eleanor de Montfort, Princess of Wales and Lady of Snowdon died giving birth to her only child. She was the daughter of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester and Eleanor of England, and thus a granddaughter to King John I. in 1275, she was married to the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, by proxy, and finally officially in 1278. She was only about 30 years old.

1584 – Francis, Duke of Anjou, died at age 29 of malaria. He was the youngest son of Henry II of France and Catherine de Medici, and thus the younger brother to three French kings, Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III. Despite being Catholic, he was heavily involved in the Dutch wars, fighting on the side of the Huguenots. He was also the last suitor to Elizabeth I of England, and she was said to be quite fond of him, but the marriage never took place, due to the unpopularity of the match in England.

1787 – Princess Sophie Helene Beatrice, the youngest daughter of French King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, died just before her first birthday. She had been having convulsions for five or six days, and had been growing new teeth.

1867 – Maximilian I of Mexico is killed by a firing squad. He was an Austrian Archduke as the grandson of Emperor Francis II, and a younger brother of Franz Joseph I. He had spent time in the Austrian Navy, and was married to Charlotte of Belgium. In 1859, he was offered to Imperial Crown of Mexico, which he refused, then refused again in 1861. In 1863 he accepted the crown and lost is Austrian royal status. However, the Mexican monarchists were not in the majority and he was quickly overthrown and captured. He had tried to implement several liberal reforms, and wanted to help the people, but was short sighted in his affairs.

Have an awesome day!

May 19th

19 Sunday May 2013

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Events:
1445 – The First Battle of Olmedo takes place between the forces of John II of Castile and troops from Aragon and Navarre.

1499 – Spanish Infanta Catherine of Aragon is married by proxy to Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales. They were 13 and 12. Two years later they would marry in person, but just months later Arthur died suddenly.

1536 – Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of future Elizabeth I of England, is executed within the Tower of London on charges of Treason, Adultery, and Incest. She was executed by a French executioner from Calais who used a sword, instead of an axe. She gave a heartfelt speech, but was careful not to accuse anyone of wrongdoing, probably to protect her daughter. Henry did not make arrangements for her burial, so she was put in an arrow chest and buried in the chapel within the Tower.

1568 – Elizabeth I ordered the arrest of Mary, Queen of Scots, who had fled to England after her defeat and abdication. Mary was suspected of being involved in the death of her second husband. Although there was some circumstantial evidence, nothing could be proved and Mary was never found guilty. Her fate hung in limbo for almost 20 years, until she was found guilty of plotting Elizabeth’s murder and overthrow.

Birthdays:
1744 – Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz is born in Germany. In 1761, she married George III of the United Kingdom and Elector of Hanover. She and George would become King and Queen of Hanover in 1814. They had 13 children survive to adulthood, who include George IV and William IV of the United Kingdom, Ernest Augustus I of Hanover, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, father to Queen Victoria. She was said to be greatly troubled by her husbands illness and was his legal guardian for the last years of her life. Although, she did not visit him often, possibly because of violent outbursts. She was a great patron of music, including the works of Handel and even met a young Mozart.

1797 – Maria Isabel of Portugal is born as the daughter of John VI of Portugal and Carlota Joaquina of Spain. In 1816 she married her uncle, Ferdinand VII of Spain. She got pregnant twice within two years of the marriage, the first being stillborn, and the second being stillborn as well, but the second birth would claim Maria’s young life. She was just 21 years old.

Deaths:
1102 – Stephen II, Count of Blois dies at age 57 during the Second Battle of Ramla. He participated in the First Crusade and other small battles after. His most important contribution though is being the father Stephen I of England.

Have an awesome day!

April 28th!

28 Sunday Apr 2013

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Events:
1603 – Elizabeth I’s funeral took place in London. Her body was first taken by barge down the river, then carried on a horse drawn hearse, draped in all black. A contemporary chronicler stated that people lined the streets of Westminster and wept openly as she passed. It was stated that there had never been such an outpouring of grief for any other person to date. She was buried at Westminster Abbey in a tomb with her sister, Mary I.

Birthdays:
1442 – Edward of York was born to Richard, Duke of York and Cecily Neville, while in Rouen, France. Through both parents, he inherited a strong claim to the Crown of England, as a great-great grandson of Edward III. In 1460, he would assert the claim against his cousins of the House of Lancaster, in a series of fights called the Wars of the Roses. The following year he would win the throne and be crowned as Edward IV.

Deaths:
1192 – Conrad of Montferrat is assassinated in Acre by the Hashshashin, just four days after being elected as the new King of Jerusalem. He was also due to the crown through his wife, Isabella I of Jerusalem, but there had been some debate about the will of Baldwin IV, and some push back from Guy of Luisignan. However who ordered the hit on Conrad is still a mystery, as the Third Crusade was in full swing.

Have a good one!

April 4th

04 Thursday Apr 2013

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Events:
1581 – Queen Elizabeth I of England knights Francis Drake on the deck of his ship, the Golden Hind. Drake had recently returned from his circumnavigation of the globe.

1660 – King Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland issues the Declaration of Breda, which pardons crimes committed during the Civil War and Protectorate for anyone who recognizes him as King. It also allows property owners to keep any property acquired during that time, promises religious toleration for all, and payment of what’s owed to those who fought in the army.

1814 – French Emperor Napoleon I was confronted by the Generals of the Army who demanded he abdicate after Paris was captured during the War of the Sixth Coalition. The official order of abdication would be signed on April 11th.

1866 – Dmitry Karakozov attempts to shoot Russian Tsar Alexander II. He said he hated the Tsar and blamed him for the suffering of poor people. Alexander was a popular Tsar for his liberal reforms, and Karakozov was executed later that year.

Birthdays:
1819 – The future Maria II of Portugal is born in Brazil. Even though Brazil was part of Portugal at the time, she is still the only European monarch to not be born in Europe. Her father had declared himself Emperor of an independent Brazil, and abdicated in favor of his daughter. She was betrothed to her uncle, Miguel, but two years into the young queens reign she would be deposed by that same uncle. Six years later, she was restored to the throne. She would later die in Lisbon at age 34 after the birth of her 11th child, a Prince who also died.

Deaths:
1284 – Alfonso X of Castile and Leon dies at age 62 in Seville, Spain. He was the son of Ferdinand III of Castile, and had ruled since 1252. A faction of electors tried to raise Alfonso to the title of Holy Roman Emperor, but he was unable to claim the throne. The last part of his reign was scarred with civil war against his younger son, Sancho, after his elder son died. Alfonso attempted to exclude Sancho from the succession in favor of Ferdinand’s children. Alfonso would die after being defeated in the war, and Sancho would succeed him.

1305 – Joan I, Queen regnant of Navarre, and Queen consort of France died at age 32, allegedly after childbirth. She was regarded as not being particularly beautiful, but as being bold and courageous. She was married to Phillip IV of France, and they had three sons, who all became Kings of France and Navarre, and one daughter, Isabella, who became Queen of England when she married Edward II.

1588 – A 53 year old Frederick II of Denmark dies of pneumonia. He was war like at the beginning of his reign, but after the unsuccessful Swedish Seven Years War, he attempted to keep the peace with other nations. He attempted neutrality, but did support the Protestant fighters on the continent. A town and school in Norway, both named for him, still stand today. His son, Christian IV would succeed him.

1953 – King Carol II of Romania died in Portugal at age 59. He had renounced his right to the throne in 1925 in favor of his son, Michael I. However in 1930, he returned to Romania and claimed the throne from his son, going back on his renunciation. By 1938, he had dismantled the parliamentary system of Romania, with most power falling to him and his Prime Minister. In 1940 he would be forced to abdicate in favor of Michael again. He would die in exile and his remains would not be allowed into Romania until 2003.

Have an awesome day!!

March 24th

24 Sunday Mar 2013

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Events:
1720 -Count Frederick of Hesse-Kassel is elected to be King of Sweden after his wife, Ulrika Eleanora abdicated in his favour. Ulrika acceded to the throne with the intention to rule as co-monarchs, but the Riksdag would not approve.

2008 – Bhutan holds its first elections, and thus made the transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

Birthdays:

1628 – Sophie Amalie of Brunswick-Luneburg is born in Lower Saxony, Germany. In 1643, she would marry the future Frederick III of Denmark and Norway. They would accede to the throne in 1648. She was popular and exercised political influence at first, but her feuds with her husbands family and overreaching during other affairs, her popularity waned and she was cut out of political circles. She and Frederick would have 8 children, which would number the next King of Denmark and Norway and a Queen of Sweden.

Deaths:

1603 – Queen Elizabeth I of England dies at age 69 at Richmond Palace. She had been on the throne for over 44 years. Elizabeth was the only child of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. She came to the throne after the deaths of her half siblings, Edward VI and Mary I, and even spent time in the Tower of London and under house arrest during Mary’s reign. She is famous for never marrying, as her counselors could never decide on a proper suitor, and she declared herself married to her people. In her later reign, the cult of the Virgin Queen grew around her, as it became obvious she would not have children. The defeat of the Spanish Armada only fueled such mythos. While she would never publicly name her successor during her reign, it was said that during her last days, she named James VI of Scotland as her heir.

1953 – Queen Mary, consort of George V of the United Kingdom died at age 85 in London, just weeks before the coronation of her granddaughter, Elizabeth II. She was the mother of two British monarchs, Edward VIII and George VI. One of her pet projects during her time as Queen had been identifying and having various objects, art, and jewelry that the Royal family had loaned out over the years that were never returned. She also increased the Royal Jewelry collection. Mary, knowing she was sick, and that Elizabeth’s coronation was upcoming, had requested that the ceremonies not be postponed in the event of her death. Her wishes were honored.

Have a great day!!

February 25th

25 Monday Feb 2013

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Events:
1570 – Pope Pius V issues a bull called Regnans in Excelsis declaring Elizabeth I of England a heretic and releasing her subjects from any allegiance to her. It also encouraged her subjects to aid in any rebellion. It did not have the desired effect with most people, but caused Elizabeth’s government to began treating Catholics more harshly.

Birthdays:
1883 – Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone is born in England to Prince Leopold, son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She would marry into a minor German royal family from the duchy of Teck. They were forced to relinquish their German titles by Alice’s cousin, King George V in order to retain their British titles, after World War I. Princess Alice would live to be 97 years old, and be the longest living Blood Princess of the British Royal family, and the last surviving grandchild of Queen Victoria.

1885 – Another Princess Alice, this one of Battenberg is born also to the British royal family. She was the daughter of Prince Louis of Battenberg and Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine. She would later marry Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark. Her life would be marred by mental illness and stays in hospitals, but her most famous contribution to history would be being the mother of Prince Phillip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

Deaths:
1558 – Eleanor of Austria dies at age 59 in Spain, where she lived close to her brother, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. She had been both Queen consort of Portugal, when she married Manuel I of Portugal, until his death in 1521, and later Queen consort of France upon her marriage to Francis I of France from 1530 until his death in 1547.

1713 – King Frederick I of Prussia dies in Berlin at age 55. His was the first Prussian monarch to use the title King in Prussia. He had be be designated that way, as the Holy Roman Empire still held dominion over his territories. He was known for his patronage of the arts, including the founding of the Academy of Sciences in 1713.

1912 – William IV, Grand Duke of Luxembourg died in Berg at age 59. He was the last Protestant ruler of Luxembourg, as well as the last monarch to die while in office. His daughter, Marie-Adelaide succeeded him, as the first female ruler, until her abdication in 1919, when her sister, Charlotte, followed her to the crown.

Have an awesome day!!

February 8th

08 Friday Feb 2013

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Events:
1601 – Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex, leads an uprising to depose Elizabeth I’s head Secretary, Robert Cecil. The uprising would go nowhere and Essex would be arrested as a traitor.

1693 – King William III and Queen Mary II of England and Scotland sign the charter for the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

1952 – Following the death of George VI of the United Kingdom, his daughter, now Elizabeth II is proclaimed Queen.

Birthdays:
1291 – Afonso IV of Portugal is born in Lisbon as heir to King Denis of Portugal and Elizabeth of Aragon. He would spend his youth in competition with his father’s illegitimate son and favourite, also named Afonso. He would exact his revenge upon his accession and exile his illegitimate brother. He is known as Afonso the Brave for his gallantry as a soldier and for laying the groundwork for the Portuguese navy.

1792 – Caroline Augusta of Bavaria, Empress of Austria, Queen of Hungary and Bohemia is born. She would first be married to the Crown Prince of Wurttemberg, but the marriage was dissolved, paving her way to marriage Francis I of Austria. They would have no children but she would be popular for her social works, including the founding of hospitals.

Deaths:
1587 – Mary, Queen of Scots is executed at Fotheringhay Castle after being found guilty of treason for plotting against Elizabeth I of England. She professed her innocence stating that she was being martyred for her Catholic religion and even wore a red chemise under her clothes, red being the colour of martyrdom. Her execution was not swift as it took three strokes of the axe to remove her head. Once her head was severed, the executioner held up her head and proclaimed “God save the Queen” and it was revealed that Mary wore a wig, and her head fell to the ground.

1725 – The formidable Peter the Great of Russia dies at age 52 in Saint Petersburg. He had tried tirelessly to bring Russia to the forefront of Europe. He had 14 children by two wives, but all of his sons died young. His second wife, Catherine was crowned as Empress Catherine I. He is credited with the cultural revolution and with his patronage of sciences and attempts to modernize Russia.

1772 – Augusta of Saxe-Gotha died in London at age 52. She was the wife of the Prince of Wales, Frederick, son of George II. Her eldest son would go on to be King George III of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Have a great day!!

January 15th

15 Tuesday Jan 2013

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Events:
1541 – French king Francis I gives a commission to explore and settle the lands called “New France” (modern day Canada) for the spread of the Catholic faith.

1559 – In Westminster Abbey, Elizabeth I of England is crowned as Queen regnant. She was the daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, who was excuted when Elizabeth was still a toddler. She was a supersitious woman, and had consulted her astrologers who determined that if she was crowned today, her reign would be long and prosperous.

1991 – Elizabeth II signs letters patent, under her authority as Queen of Australia, to allow the country of Australia to begin giving its own Victoria cross medals. The medal is the highest award for Australians in “recognition to persons who in the presence of the enemy, perform acts of the most conspicuous gallantry, or daring or pre-eminent acts of valour or self-sacrifice or display extreme devotion to duty.” There have only been 4 awarded so far.

Birthdays:
1432 – The future Afonso V of Portugal is born in Sintra, Portugal as the son to King Edward of Portugal and Queen Eleanor. He would become King at age and would rule under a regency until 1448. He would also be known as “Afonso the African” because of his wars and conquests there.

1882 – Princess Margaret of Connaught is born to Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, son of Queen Victoria. In 1905 she would marry Swedish Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and give him 5 children before her sudden death at age 38, while pregnant with their 6th child. According to her will, she was not buried in a church, but rather in the graveyard Haga. Her nickname “Daisy” derived from the French/one of the German words for the flower sounding similar to her name.

1902 – King Saud of Saudi Arabia is born to King Abd al-Aziz in Kuwait. He would become King in 1953, but was an ineffective ruler and would be removed from power in 1964. He would die five years later, living in exile in Greece.

1945 – A not-so-dead royal birthday today, Princess Michael of Kent, or Marie Christine, is born in Karlsbad, Sudetenland, back then part of Germany, now part of the Czech Republic. She would marry Prince Michael of Kent, first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II in 1978. She does not carry out any official duties and because she is a Roman Catholic, her husband gave up his place in the line of succession to marry her.

1982 – Prince Alexander and Prince Philip of Yugoslavia were born today to the exiled Yugoslavian royal family, living in the US. Alexander is currently living in California, and Phillip in England. They are 108th and 109th in line to the crown of the United Kingdom as well.

Deaths:
1781 – Mariana Victoria of Spain died in Portugal. She was born in Spain as a daughter of Phillip V and Elisabeth Farnese. Briefly she was engaged to Louis XV of France, but the marriage never came to be. Instead, she was married to Joseph I of Portugal, and served as Queen consort of Portugal from 1750, until 1777. Her daughter would rule next, as Maria I, with Mariana serving as Regent.