On 17 November 1558 Elizabeth I became Queen of England
On 17 November 1558, at the age of 25, Elizabeth I became Queen of England. During a speech she declared her intentions: "My lords, the law of nature moves me to sorrow for my sister, the burden that is fallen upon me makes me amazed and yet, considering I am God's creature, ordained to obey His appointment, I will thereto yield, desiring from the bottom of my heart that I may have assistance of His grace to be the minister of His heavenly will in this office now committed to me. And as I am but one body naturally considered through by his permission a body politic to govern, so shall I desire you all... to be assistant to me that I with my ruling and you with your service may make a good account to the Almighty God and leave some comfort to our posterity on earth. I mean to direct all my actions by good advice and counsel." As her triumphal progress wound through the city o...
