I'll just start with the basics...I was born September 7 1533 at Greenwich Palace. My mother, Queen Anne, was taken from me when I was only 3 years old. My growing up years were filled with a lot of fear and uncertainty, being first declared rightful heir to the throne, then declared a bastard. I was shuffled around as a child, and endured some unspeakable things, with God's strength. Deepening my constant awareness of the threat to my life came first when my father and hero died when I was 14, and later in 1553 when my sister Mary became Queen. Accused of treason, I steadfastly maintained my innocence, and, by the grace of God, escaped certin death. On January 15, 1559, at the age of 25, I was crowned Queen of England. I was determined to be a fair and just ruler, and considered myself married to England. A few men managed to turn my eye, (most notably, my sweet Robin, the Earl of Leicester), and, later on, the Earl of Essex, (who later proved to be a traitor..such a shame I had to have him executed.) I gave my people I scare in 1562 when I became ill with smallpox....but being my father's daughter, I pulled through just fine, (well, with a few scars, but I hid those well with makeup.) In 1587, the Pope decided that all good Catholics should try and assassinate me. Most other monarchs would have returned the favor by burning the Catholics in England, but I believed a man could be a good Englishman as well as a good Catholic. I WOULD NOT make windows into men's souls. That same year, I was forced to execute my cousin, Mary Stuart, (also known as Mary Queen of Scots). I tried to avoid this for MANY years, but eventually it came down to her life or mine. (God forgive me.)
One of my proudest moments was the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. I insisted on being with my troops and gave what was later to be called the famous "Speech to the Troops at Tripoli." I wanted to show my men that their queen was not some weak and feebled woman, but had the heart and stomach of a King. No Spanish army was to invade MY realm! I finally succumbed to what is now known as cancer on the 24th of March 1603...I was almost 70 years old.Some places I stayed throughout my life.Greenwich Palace, where I was born.Hatfield HouseWindsor CastleRichmond PalaceHertford CastleMyspace Graphics
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