Good Queen Bess

Good Queen Bess

Queen Elizabeth I was called Good Queen Bess by her people. The English developed a genuine affection and regard for Queen Elizabeth I. And Queen Elizabeth I seemed to have a genuine regard and affection for them.

Queen Elizabeth I and her lack of affection for a particular man

What frustrated everybody, was Queen Elizabeth I 's lack of affection for any particular man. All her advisors and most of her subjects were anxious for Queen Elizabeth I to marry. If Queen Elizabeth I didn't marry, and produce an heir, the throne would go next to Queen Elizabeth I 's cousin, Mary Stuart, known as Mary Queen of Scots. And Mary Stuart was a Catholic. The English feared another reign of terror like the one of the first Mary (Mary Tudor), Queen Elizabeth I 's sister.

Queen Elizabeth I, Marriage, and the Virgin Queen

Queen Elizabeth I was as clever about the husband issue as she was on every other issue. Queen Elizabeth I promised her advisors she would consider marriage. For years Queen Elizabeth I encouraged dozens of royal suitors, often playing them against each other.

Queen Elizabeth I flirted, Queen Elizabeth I granted and rescinded favors, Queen Elizabeth I basked in their attention, Queen Elizabeth I never said no and Queen Elizabeth I never said yes. But in the end Queen Elizabeth I never married. Well aware of what marriage had meant for her mother (Anne Boleyn), she chose instead to reap the political rewards of remaining single. Her entire life, Queen Elizabeth I was very proud of her well preserved chastity. As a result, she was known the world over as The Virgin Queen.