- Title: Elizabeth
- Date: 11th May 2000
- Summary: David Starkey explores the tensions created by Elizabeth I's reluctance to marry,which strained the political and religious machinations of her reign. The self-styled 'Virgin Queen' - devoted only to her country - signified a new era of unorthodox behaviour on the throne. Though her dalliances with potential suitors such as Lord Dudley provoked much speculation,it was her refusal to choose a spouse from France or Spain - powers that were a threat to the then slight nation of England - that worried the Queen's advisors. The programme also measures the threat presented by Elizabeth's cousin,Mary Queen of Scots.
- Description:Elizabeth,the virgin Queen,the most powerful woman in English history. She emerged as a young princess against a backdrop of civil unrest,political intrique,executions and coups. She ruled for 45 years and presided over a new kind of state. Her reign saw England emerge from the threat of European annexation to burst forth in a unique flowering of culture and became the world's leading sea power. The beginning of the end for the old regime,but the start of a new one - a second Elizabeth era. At its head were writers such as Shakespeare and Marlow,and poet soldiers such as Essex and Raleigh,men with new ideas and ferocious ambition. The ailing and conservative Queen is increasingly out of step,prone to political mistakes and without an heir.
- Broadcaster:Channel 4
- Collection: Channel 4
- Genre:Documentary and Factual
- Producer:Htv Ltd. T/A United Productions Bristol
- Programme Episode:Episode 2
- Transmission Date:11/05/2000
- Rights:Worldwide
- Decade: 2000s