Death of Queen Elizabeth 1st of England

Queen Elizabeth 1st old age appearance

As Queen Elizabeth 1st grew older, Queen Elizabeth 1st began to despair at the passing of time. Queen Elizabeth 1st took to wearing red wigs and thick white make-up. Finally, when even the wigs and make-up couldn't conceal her age, Queen Elizabeth 1st ordered all mirrors in the palace removed.

Queen Elizabeth 1st was, said Sir Walter Raleigh, "a lady surprised by time." A nobleman who had visited her in these later years wrote a description of his Queen: "The many evil plots and designs have overcome all her Highness' sweet temper. Queen Elizabeth 1st walks much in her chamber, and stamps with her feet at ill news, and thrusts her rusty sword at time into the air in great rage. The dangers are over, and yet Queen Elizabeth 1st always keeps a sword by her table."

The passing of Queen Elizabeth 1st, death of Queen Elizabeth I of England

In 1603, when Queen Elizabeth I was 70 years old, Queen Elizabeth I came down with a cold and fever. Instead of taking to bed, as the doctors advised her, Queen Elizabeth 1st began to put her affairs in order. Queen Elizabeth 1st named her successor - James Stuart, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, whom she'd ordered executed sixteen years before. Unlike his mother, James was a Protestant. Then Queen Elizabeth 1st sent for the Archbishop of Canterbury so he could prepare her for death. Queen Elizabeth I died in her sleep a short time later on March 24, 1603.

The mourning of Queen Elizabeth I of England

Many of the thousands of English who came out to mourn Queen Elizabeth I of England 's passing had been born and raised under her reign - Queen Elizabeth I was the only monarch they had ever known.

In her last great speech, made two years before her death, Queen Elizabeth I had told her people: "There will never be a queen that will sit in my seat with more zeal to my country, care for my subjects, and that will sooner with willingness venture her life for your good and safety, than myself. For it is my desire to live nor reign no longer than my life and reign shall be for your good. And though you have had, and may have, many princes more mighty and wise sitting in this seat, yet you never had, nor shall have, any that will be more careful and loving."