th was lavish in her presentation, part of her brilliantly orchestrated campaign to mold her image and retain power. She travelled the south, often riding in the open so people could see her, in order to further the display of power and form a bond. She gave many carefully worded speeches, the most famous given when she addressed troops during the attack of the Spanish Armada, playing on her perceived weaknesses: "I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too. "Throughout her rule Elizabeth maintained her control on government, remaining cordial with parliament and ministers, but never allowing them to control her.
Conclusion
of Elizabeth s reign was a careful balancing act, between both factions of her own court as well as other nations. Consequently, and perhaps strangely for such a famous monarch, we know little of what she really thought, so powerful was the mask she constructed for herself, for instance what was her true religion? This balancing act was, however, greatly successful.Elizabeth, the nation gained a new self-confidence and sense of sovereignty, as Christendom fragmented. Elizabeth was the first Tudor to recognise that a monarch ruled by popular consent. She therefore always worked with parliament and advisers she could trust to tell her the truth-a style of government that her Stuart successors failed to follow. Some historians have called her lucky; she believed that God was protecting her. Priding herself on being "mere English", Elizabeth trusted in God, honest advice, and the love of her subjects for the success of her rule. In a prayer, she offered thanks to God that:
At a time when wars and seditions with grievous persecutions have vexed almost all kings and countries round about me, my reign hath been peacable, and my realm a receptacle to thy afflicted Church. The love of my people hath appeared firm, and the devices of my enemies frustrate .
Bibliography
1.URL:
. Collinson, Patrick (2007), Elizabeth I, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
. Doran, Susan (1996), Monarchy and Matrimony: The Courtships of Elizabeth I, London: Routledge.
. Neale, J. E. (1954) [1934], Queen Elizabeth I: A Biography (reprint ed.), London: Jonathan Cape. br/>
