Queen Elizabeth 1

Older Elizabeth (http://englishhistory.net)

"Elizabeth I (7th September 1533 – 24th March 1603) was Queen Regent of England and Queen Regent of Ireland from November 17th 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of The Tudor Dynasty. The reign of Queen Elizabeth I is often referred to as The Golden Age of English history. Elizabeth was an immensely popular Queen, and her popularity has waned little with the passing of four hundred years. She is still one of the best loved monarchs, and one of the most admired rulers of all time. She became a legend in her own lifetime, famed for her remarkable abilities and achievements."
(http://www.elizabethi.org/uk/biography.html)

Life Story:
"Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry the VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. She was born on September 7th 1533 at Greenwich Palace. Her birth was the greatest disappointment of her father's life. He had wanted a son and heir to succeed him as he already had a daughter, Mary, by his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Elizabeth's early life was very troubled. Her mother failed to provide the King with a son and was executed on false charges of infidelity and adultery on May 19 1536. Anne's marriage to the King was declared invalid, and Elizabeth, like Mary, was declared illegitimate and deprived of her place in the line of succession."
(http://www.elizabethi.org/uk/biography.html)

Over the next 14 years prior to her mothers death, Elizabeth witnessed her father marry, divorce and execute four wives, till his death in 1547. After her father's death, Prince Edward VI, Elizabeth's half-brother, became king at the age of nine, and died six years later. Mary then became Queen, though she had been declared illegitimate, her father had reinstated both Mary and Elizabeth in the line of succession. Mary held the throne from 1553 till her death in 1558. And so, at long last, Elizabeth took the throne.

When Elizabeth did finally succeed to the throne on November 17th 1558, she became queen at the age of 25, she is known to have quoted the 118th Psalm's twenty-third line, in Latin: "A Dominum factum est illud, et est mirabile in oculis notris" - "It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." "In the months that followed, the new Queen re-established the Protestant Church in England and restored the corrupt [debased] coinage." She was an amazing Queen, however, she never did marry. She received offers for her hand but they were all turned down.

"Elizabeth had no need of a man's help to govern, and marrying risked a loss of control or of foreign interference in her affairs. In government, she was more moderate than her father and siblings." One of her mottoes was "video et taceo" ("I see, and say nothing"). This strategy, viewed with impatience by her counselors, often saved her from political and marital misalliances."(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I_of_England)

Young Elizabeth (http://www.famouspeoplebiography411.com)

Reasons she is my Hero:
Elizabeth inspires me in so many ways. She was dedicated to her country in a way few monarchs had been or have been since. She had the mind of a political genius and cared for her country through careful leadership and by choosing capable men to assist her. Elizabeth was a determined woman, but she was not obstinate. She listened to the advice of those around her, and would change a policy if it was unpopular. In appearance she was beautiful and elegant, in behavior sometimes superficial, offhand, and frivolous, but her approach to politics was serious, conservative, and cautious. When she came to the throne in 1558, England was a poverty-stricken country torn apart by religious controversy. When she died at Richmond Palace on the 24th of March 1603, England was one of the most powerful and prosperous countries in the world. She was loved and revered by the people while she was Queen, and is still looked upon with adoration now. Because of Queen Elizabeth 1I have become more independent, I have really come out of my shell. No longer am I worrying about what others think of me. She has made me stronger and more confident in myself. I am going to become intrepid and bold, make a difference, become my own hero. Which is why Queen Elizabeth 1 is my idol, my icon, and My Hero.