The Elizabethan era in the 16th century was one of adventure, intrigue, personalities, plots and power struggles. At the centre was Elizabeth , ‘The Virgin Queen’, who ruled England between 1558-1603.

Elizabeth inherited problems in religion, economy and foreign policy. She tightly controlled Parliament and her Privy Council. She never married, putting the security of England before herself.

Revise and learn about the background to Queen Elizabeth I's reign, her key ministers and advisors, her character and her views on marriage.

Religion became a very divisive factor in people’s lives in England when Protestant ideas challenged the dominance of the Catholic Church of Rome. Elizabeth offered a ‘middle way’ compromise.

Revise and learn about the Elizabethans' problems with religion, Catholic plots against Queen Elizabeth I and the Puritan threat.

Elizabeth faced challenges throughout her long reign - from Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Spanish Armada. She was a cautious ruler who acted carefully to preserve England’s security.

Revise and learn about the challenges that Queen Elizabeth I faced throughout her reign.

Elizabeth’s reign was seen as a ‘golden age’ of culture and exploration, but society was characterised by extremes of rich and poor. An increasing population and rising poverty became a big problem.

Revise and learn about the poor and attitudes to poverty, the Poor Laws, leisure, theatre and pastimes in Elizabethan England.

In your History GCSE, it is important that you not only have good subject knowledge, but have the skills to apply this knowledge to exam questions.