Queen Elizabeth: Birth to Coronation

Queen Elizabeth, or as she was known at the time of this event, Elizabeth Tudor, was born in Greenwich Palace on September 7th, 1533. She was the second of Henry VIII's children to survive past infancy, the other being Mary. When Elizabeth was born she was the next in line for the throne, supposing that King Henry would not produce a more rightful heir; a son. Mary was not the heir to the throne because Henry had ended his marriage with Catherine, Mary's mother. Elizabeth was baptized on the tenth of September. 

Elizabeth's mother, Anne, was beheaded, seeing as how she had failed on three occasions to produce a baby boy. Since her mother was dead, Elizabeth was now illegitimate and no longer the princess in the Tudor dynasty. Henry married Jane Seymour, who produced a son, Prince Edward, shortly before dying. Four years after Elizabeth's birth she was in the care of Blanche Herbert, Lady Troy until Blanche retired twelve years later. Catherine Ashley was Elizabeth's governess and friend until she died in 1565. Blanche Parry became the Chief Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber. Parry taught Elizabeth in school subjects and when Elizabeth went into formal schooling she was proficient. William Grindal taught Elizabeth even more and Roger Ascham taught her even more. By the end of her tutoring in 1550 Elizabeth was the most educated woman of her generation. Elizabeth's father died in 1547, Elizabeth was 13 years old. Edward took the throne. Catherine Parr, the wife Henry left after he deceased, married Thomas Seymour. Catherine and Thomas took Elizabeth into their home at Chelsea. Thomas cause severe emotional trauma to Elizabeth that would haunt her for the rest of her life. For this reason, Catherine casts out of the house. After Catherine died, Thomas was arrested. Edward died and, by decree of a certain law, Henry's sister's granddaughter became Lady Jane Grey but she did not last long. Mary rose to power after Jane crumbled but Mary became notorious after she declared her love for Prince Philip of Spain. Rebellions tried to overthrow Mary and Elizabeth was accused of being in association with these groups. She spent a year under house arrest in Woodstock. When it became apparent that Mary was not going to produce an heir, she had to recognize Elizabeth as the true heir. Mary died and Elizabeth became Queen of England at the age of 25.

 "Elizabeth I of England." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 12 May 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I_of_England>.  

"File:Elizabeth I of England - Coronation Portrait.jpg." Wikimedia Commons. Web. 11 May 2010. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elizabeth_I_of_England_-_coronation_portrait.jpg>.