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Elizabeth I, Then
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IntroductionHer red hair, white face and ruff are almost as familiar as his bald head and beard, making Elizabeth I and Shakespeare two of the most recognizable figures from English history. Elizabeth ruled during most of Shakespeare's lifetime, and the Folgers began collecting materials about her as they focused on Shakespeare. The collection on English history has continued to expand with the Folger itself, making it today the largest repository of items by and about Elizabeth I in the United States. |
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Born in 1533
to Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn, Elizabeth received the education of a prince.
She knew five languages and was a talented musician, dancer and horsewoman.
The dangers that surrounded Elizabeth during the reign of her Catholic
sister Mary only served to make her politically savvy at an early age.
When Mary died in November 1558, Elizabeth was prepared to take on the
responsibility of the throne at the age of twenty-five. She was crowned
in January 1559, and it is there that our exhibition opens.
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Elizabeth
I, Then and Now
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This page updated August 15, 2003