The Queen's Court

Elizabeth's England banner …around her the court shown like a thousand sparkling stars ...
Sir John Davies (1569–1626) commenting on Elizabeth's court in 1596

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Marriage and succession
Concerns about who would succeed Elizabeth meant that Parliament began petitioning her to marry and produce an heir as soon as she succeeded to the throne. Early in her reign she proclaimed that she would not marry because she was 'already bound unto a husband which is the Kingdom of England'. Click on the headline to read more...

Entertainment and ritual
The Elizabethan court was made up of the collection of privileged people serving the Queen. The court revolved around elaborate ceremony and ritual, which reinforced Elizabeth's position as head of state and provided opportunities for courtiers to catch the Queen's eye. Click on the headline to read more...

Body and dress
Elizabeth had an uncanny ability to use any situation to her political advantage. Her image was no exception and it was carefully engineered to impress and to convey wealth, authority and power, both at home and abroad. Her wardrobe was full of gowns of rich fabrics adorned with jewels and elaborate surface detail, all intended to impress and speak volumes about her wealth and status. Click on the headline to read more...

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The Queen's Court

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