September 7th: The Day the Virgin Queen was Born

Lifelong spinster and Supreme Governor of the English Protestant Church, Elizabeth I of England was born on September 7th 1533. Born a princess, with mummy being Anne Boleyn and daddy being Henry VIII, her reign marked the last of the Tudor dynasty due to her failure to marry, never mind provide an heir. She was rivaled by her Catholic half-sister Mary Queen of Scots, however it was actually Mary's six year old son James I who ruled after Elizabeth. A huge issue surrounding Elizabeth's reign was the status of England, Ireland and Scotland as nations, but her 44 year reign over England and Ireland created a great sense of national identity.

    Elizabeth's identity as a maiden Queen ruling the nation is highly significant too, as she was often criticized for: a) being a woman; and b) being unmarried. She famously declared that instead of being devoted and joined in marriage to a husband, she was married to the kingdom of England. Robert Dudley, a childhood friend of Elizabeth, was a potential candidate for marriage, however his pre-existing marriage kind of got in the way.. Other suitors were from France, Spain and Austria; but none ever came to anything. Time was ticking and Elizabeth's virginity became iconic. Poets frequently heralded her innocence and raised her as a goddess-like figure, a model of virtue, married to her kingdom and her subjects. 

   Her femininity was also an important issue during her reign. Ruling for almost a half-century, she was a revolutionary figure when considering the concept of women in power. Although she had numerous male advisers, the Queen had supreme authority over her subjects. 

"I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have heart and stomach of a king."

   This famous quotation has been at the crux of many political debates, when considering the sex of Elizabeth I. On the one hand she is depicting herself as strong and independent, despite having no male partner; whereas she is simultaneously highlighting the restrictions of her female body. 
   Nevertheless, the existence of Elizabeth Tudor, the Virgin Queen, is a fascinating one, and her actions in the Protestant community, and her hand in shaping the national identity of England resonated throughout history.