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 on the eve of the coronation ceremony, she was welcomed wholeheartedly by the cit
