Elizabeth I remains one of the most recognisable and influential monarchs in English history. Born into scandal, declared illegitimate, and raised in the shadow of political and religious upheaval, she would go on to rule England for more than four decades. Her reign witnessed religious transformation, cultural flourishing, and international conflict, while her carefully crafted image as the ‘Virgin Queen’ helped cement her place in both history and myth.

In this four-part HistoryExtra podcast series, I’m joined by historian Dr Nicola Tallis, a leading expert on Elizabeth I, to explore the queen’s extraordinary life and legacy. Together, we trace Elizabeth’s journey from her turbulent childhood and precarious path to the throne, through the challenges of ruling as a female monarch in a male-dominated world, to the threats posed by rival claimants, conspiracies, and foreign invasion. We also examine her final years, the question of succession, and the myths that transformed her reign into England’s so-called ‘Golden Age’.

Below, I’ve selected some essential further reading, listening and viewing from the HistoryExtra archive to help deepen your understanding of Elizabeth’s life and world. These include expert insights into Elizabeth’s early years and education, her relationships and court culture, the political and religious tensions that shaped her reign, and the lasting legacy of one of Britain’s most iconic rulers.

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See more Beyond the podcast: Elizabeth I

Authors

Rachel DinningDigital editor (engagement and video)

Rachel Dinning is digital editor (engagement and video) at HistoryExtra

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