On this day in history, 24th March 1603, Queen Elizabeth I, daughter of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, died at Richmond Palace at the age of 69. She was the third of Henry’s children to be monarch but reigned for far longer than her siblings, ruling for 44 years and 127 days.
Diarist John Manningham recorded the moment of her death:-
“This morning, about three o’clock her Majesty departed from this life, mildly like a lamb, easily like a ripe apple from a tree… Dr Parry told me he was present, and sent his prayers before her soul; and I doubt not but she is amongst the royal saints in heaven in eternal joys.”
Although some historians question whether her reign was really “The Golden Age”, there is no denying that it made a huge impact on English history. Elizabeth I – Gloriana, the Virgin Queen and Good Queen Bess – daughter of the infamous Anne Boleyn, was one of England’s greatest monarchs and was her mother’s greatest legacy. Anne Boleyn would have been proud of her daughter.
You can read all about Elizabeth I’s death in my articles Elizabeth I’s Death 24 March 1603 and The Death of Elizabeth I, but you can also read about Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I in the following articles:-
- Elizabeth I – Anne Boleyn’s Legacy
- Anne Boleyn the Mother
- Anne Boleyn’s Influence on Elizabeth I – Part 1
- Anne Boleyn’s Influence on Elizabeth I – Part 2
