Elizabethan Era

The Elizabethan era was the period of Elizabeth I’s reign from 1558 to 1603. It was a period of religious change, political and social tensions, conflict with European powers, overseas exploration and major developments in English culture and society.

Elizabeth inherited a country divided by religion and facing significant domestic and international challenges. Her government sought to establish religious stability, manage threats to the Crown and maintain England’s position among the major powers of Europe. The period also saw growing overseas trade and exploration, continuing concerns about poverty and important developments in education, culture and leisure.

Accession and Succession

Elizabeth became queen on 17 November 1558, following the death of her half-sister Mary I. She inherited a government facing financial difficulties and a country divided by religious disagreements.

The question of succession was an important concern throughout Elizabeth’s reign. Her unmarried status meant that there was no obvious heir, while the possibility of Elizabeth marrying and producing children was repeatedly discussed by her advisers. The succession question became particularly significant because Mary, Queen of Scots had a claim to the English throne.

Religion and Government

The religious settlement was central to Elizabeth’s reign. The government also had to manage continuing religious disagreement and political opposition.

• Elizabethan Religious Settlement
• Challenges to the Religious Settlement
• England in 1588: Society and Government

Threats, Plots and Rebellion

Elizabeth’s position was challenged by religious conflict, rebellion and threats connected with Mary, Queen of Scots. These included domestic plots and rebellions as well as wider tensions between Catholic and Protestant powers in Europe.

• Mary, Queen of Scots
• Plots and Rebellions in the Elizabethan Age

England and Spain

Relations with Spain deteriorated during Elizabeth’s reign as religious differences, trade, privateering and English involvement in European conflicts increased tensions. The conflict culminated in the Spanish Armada of 1588.

• Anglo-Spanish Relations in the Elizabethan Age
• How did the English defeat the Spanish Armada?

Society and Culture

Elizabethan England experienced population growth, expanding trade and changing patterns of life. Poverty remained a significant problem, while education, literature, culture and leisure developed during the period.

• Elizabethan Poor Law
• Education, Culture and Leisure

Exploration and Overseas Expansion

Elizabeth’s reign saw increased English exploration and overseas activity. Voyages to the Americas and attempts to establish English settlements formed part of a wider expansion of English trade and maritime activity.

• Voyages of Discovery
• Sir Walter Raleigh, Roanoke and the Virginia Colony

Further Reading and Sources

• The National Archives – Elizabeth I’s Monarchy. A collection of original State Papers covering Elizabeth’s reign, including the marriage and succession question, religious and foreign policy, her style of monarchy and her relationship with Mary, Queen of Scots. The collection continues into the later years of the reign with sources on the Spanish Armada, Ireland and the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.
• National Portrait Gallery – Portraits of Queen Elizabeth I. Portraits and other visual sources illustrating the way Elizabeth’s public image was constructed and presented.