Elizabeth I: The Warrior Queen

Join Lucy Worsley for an exploration of how Elizabeth I’s image as a warrior queen, created by a series of myths and secrets about her victory over the Spanish Armada, shaped British national identity for centuries.

In 1558 King Philip of Spain sends an ambassador, the Count of Feria, to woo young Queen Elizabeth. He tries to persuade her that she should ditch the Protestant faith for the Catholic Church. Feria tries to exploit Elizabeth’s inexperience as she is only 25 years old but he has underestimated Elizabeth.

The Protestant population was rebelling in The Netherlands so Elizabeth sent an army of over 6,000 troops to help the Protestant revolt. This was Philip’s territory so she knew it was a dangerous move. She tried to take control of the situation by circulating a pamphlet across Europe justifying her actions. Elizabeth provoked Spain into setting sail to invade England in May 1588.

Lucy takes us to Tilbury where Queen Elizabeth I delivered her most famous speech to English troops where they had assembled to protect Essex from invasion. We learn that this rousing historic event at Tilbury happened 11 days after the fire ships and the battle against the Spanish Armada was in fact already over.

We see Lucy as Queen Elizabeth I on her victory procession through the streets of London. The reality of post Armada England was one of economic crisis and an increasingly unpopular queen. It was time for a royal makeover and the creation of a powerful Elizabethan marketing campaign.