All the Queen's Men at the Queen's House

Open daily

Essential Information

Location	Queen's House
Price	Free

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Uncover the lives of Elizabeth I’s courtiers in All the Queen's Men, a free art display at the Queen’s House in Greenwich.

A shrewd leader and skilled strategist, Elizabeth I remains one of England’s most renowned monarchs.

Over the course of her lifetime, the Queen surrounded herself with powerful noblemen, statesmen and adventurers. In return for their loyalty and support, Elizabeth rewarded these men with status, wealth and political influence.

Featuring portraits of Sir Francis Drake, Thomas Seymour and more, All the Queen's Men highlights how Elizabeth I’s connections with her courtiers was crucial to the stability of her government.

At the heart of the exhibition is the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I. This iconic portrait has been on permanent public display at the Queen's House since 2017.

Visit the Queen's House, and step inside the complex political world of the court of Elizabeth I.

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Discover the works

Tap the arrows to find out more about the portraits on display at All the Queen's Men.

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The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I

Saved for the nation in 2016, this portrait is a statement of Elizabeth’s power as a monarch. Find out more

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Sir Francis Drake, attributed to Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger

An explorer, privateer and slave trader, Sir Francis Drake had a leading role as vice-admiral against the Armada. However, he lost Elizabeth’s trust after a disastrous expedition to Portugal in 1589.

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Richard Drake by George Gower

The cousin of Sir Francis Drake, Richard Drake was a courtier who remained high in the Queen’s favour. The Latin inscription in the upper left of the portrait is translated as ‘always ready to serve.’

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Thomas Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley, possibly by Nicholas Denizot

Following Henry VIII’s death, Thomas married Katherine Parr and became Elizabeth’s stepfather. However, reports began to spread that Seymour and Elizabeth were having a sexual relationship – rumours that were damaging to the future Queen’s reputation.

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Philip II of Spain, unknown artist

A Catholic monarch, Philip was married to Elizabeth’s older half-sister, Mary I of England, until her death in 1558. Philip saw himself as the defender of Catholic Europe. In 1588, he launched the Spanish Armada, which aimed to overthrow Elizabeth – a Protestant ruler – and restore Catholic rule in England.

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Tickets and entry

The exhibition is free, but you must have a ticket for the Queen's House to enter. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Pre-booked tickets ensure that visits are spread out throughout the day, and that sites don’t exceed their capacity. There is no limit to the time you can spend inside once you're here.

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Bags inside the House

Please note that due to the delicate nature of some of the displays, visitors are not permitted to wear backpacks or carry large bags while in the galleries. Lockers are available at the entrance to the House.

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Visiting the Queen's House

Find more information about what to see and do during your visit to the historic Queen's House in Greenwich.

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Shop the Queen's House collection

From royal gifts to art history, bring a little Queen's House style into your home.

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