By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Sign In
RankedFacts.comRankedFacts.comRankedFacts.com
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Screen
    • Culture
    • Gaming
    • Music
  • History
    • Chronicles
    • Literature
    • Myths
    • Odds
    • Trivia
  • Lifestyle
    • Athletics
    • Cuisine
    • Voyage
    • Wellness
  • Oddities
    • Eerie
    • Enigma
    • Strange
  • Science
    • Biology
    • Cosmos
    • Earth
    • Fauna
    • Tech
  • Society
    • Politics
    • Crime
    • Faith
Reading: 10 Surprising Facts About Elizabeth I: England’s Iconic Queen
Share
RankedFacts.comRankedFacts.com
Font ResizerAa
  • Contact
Search
  • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Screen
    • Culture
    • Gaming
    • Music
  • History
    • Chronicles
    • Literature
    • Myths
    • Odds
    • Trivia
  • Lifestyle
    • Athletics
    • Cuisine
    • Voyage
    • Wellness
  • Oddities
    • Eerie
    • Enigma
    • Strange
  • Science
    • Biology
    • Cosmos
    • Earth
    • Fauna
    • Tech
  • Society
    • Politics
    • Crime
    • Faith
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • HOME
  • CUSTOMIZE INTERESTS
  • MY BOOKMARKS
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COOKIE POLICY
© 2025 Ranked Facts. All Rights Reserved.
RankedFacts.com > Blog > History > Chronicles > 10 Surprising Facts About Elizabeth I: England’s Iconic Queen
ChroniclesHistory

10 Surprising Facts About Elizabeth I: England’s Iconic Queen

RankedFacts Team
Last updated: July 3, 2025 1:10 pm
RankedFacts Team
Share
10 Surprising Facts About Elizabeth I: England's Iconic Queen
SHARE

Queen Elizabeth I. The name alone conjures images of power, elaborate gowns, and a golden age in English history. More than 400 years after her reign, she remains one of history’s most captivating figures. From a childhood filled with uncertainty to over four decades on the throne, Elizabeth I’s life was anything but ordinary. Let’s dive into some truly fascinating facts about the last Tudor monarch that you might not know!

Contents
She Was Born at Greenwich PalaceElizabeth Was Never Meant to Become QueenHer Sister Almost Had Her ExecutedShe Was MultilingualElizabeth Had Mary Queen of Scots ExecutedShe Never MarriedShe Was Suspected of Killing Robert Dudley’s WifeElizabeth Had a Sweet ToothHer Death Remains a MysteryShe Was the Last Tudor Monarch

She Was Born at Greenwich Palace

Greenwich Palace: A Virtual Tour of Tudor London

Long before royal babies arrived in hospitals, home births were the standard, even for future queens! Elizabeth I made her grand entrance into the world on September 7, 1533, at Greenwich Palace. This historic royal residence, located on the banks of the River Thames near London, was a favorite of the Tudors.

Her grandfather, Henry VII, had acquired the palace, and her father, the infamous Henry VIII, was also born there. So, it was quite a family tradition! Sadly, Greenwich Palace, also known as the Palace of Placentia, was torn down in the late 1600s. Today, the site is home to the Old Royal Naval College. If you visit Greenwich Park, you can still find a sweet reminder of Elizabeth’s childhood: an old tree where she reportedly enjoyed a snack or two. What a spot for a royal picnic!

Elizabeth Was Never Meant to Become Queen

How Did Queen Elizabeth I's Reign Begin? | Two Golden Queens | Channel 5 #RoyalFamily

Believe it or not, Elizabeth wasn’t originally destined for the throne. In those days, the British royal family followed a system called male primogeniture. This meant that even if a king’s first child was a girl, any younger brothers would jump ahead of her in line for the crown.

When Elizabeth was born, her father, Henry VIII, was still hoping for a son. Three years later, her younger brother, Edward, arrived, pushing Elizabeth further down the succession list. To make matters trickier, after Henry VIII controversially executed Elizabeth’s mother, Anne Boleyn, young Elizabeth was declared illegitimate. It seemed her chances of becoming queen were slim. However, fate had other plans. Edward VI died at just 15. It wasn’t until her fiercely Catholic half-sister, Queen Mary I, named Elizabeth as her successor just before her own death that Elizabeth’s path to the throne was finally clear. Even so, questions about her legitimacy would follow her throughout her long reign.

Her Sister Almost Had Her Executed

Why Bloody Mary Hated Queen Elizabeth I | Two Sisters | Absolute History

Family drama in the royal court could be deadly! Mary I, Elizabeth’s older half-sister, was England’s first Tudor queen. When Mary, a devout Catholic, took the throne, England faced turbulent times with Protestant rebellions. Elizabeth, being Protestant, naturally fell under suspicion.

In 1554, Queen Mary I had Elizabeth locked away in the Tower of London for two terrifying months. Mary suspected her younger sister was involved in a plot to overthrow her. It was a close call, and Elizabeth could very well have faced execution. However, Elizabeth fiercely denied any wrongdoing. Though she escaped the executioner’s block, she wasn’t entirely free. She remained under house arrest for a year before finally being released. Imagine living with that kind of stress!

She Was Multilingual

[Full HD] Charles II, Archduke of Austria - Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)

Elizabeth wasn’t just a queen; she was a scholar! Beyond her talents in music and calligraphy, she had an amazing knack for languages. By the tender age of eleven, Elizabeth could already speak five different languages. As she grew older, her linguistic skills only expanded.

In addition to her native English, she could read or speak an impressive array of languages including German, Flemish, Greek, Latin, Spanish, French, and Italian! Of course, being a Tudor royal meant she had access to the finest tutors. This command of multiple languages was a huge asset, helping her communicate with leaders from other European nations and earning her respect as one of the few reigning female monarchs of her time. Talk about a powerful communication tool!

Elizabeth Had Mary Queen of Scots Executed

The Death of Mary Queen of Scots - Elizabethan England

One of history’s most famous royal rivalries was between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. These two powerful cousins were often seen as direct competitors for the English throne. Mary, who was Henry VIII’s grandniece, became Queen of Scots when she was just six days old. As a Catholic, she became a symbol for those who wanted to see a Catholic ruler in England, directly challenging the Protestant Elizabeth.

Despite their close family ties, Elizabeth and Mary never actually met in person. Their relationship was played out through political maneuvering and Catholic plots against Elizabeth, with Mary as the figurehead. After Mary was forced to give up the Scottish throne, she was held captive in England for a grueling 19 years. Ultimately, Elizabeth felt she had no choice but to order her cousin’s execution on February 7, 1587. It was a tragic end to a complex relationship between two of Europe’s most powerful women.

She Never Married

The Virgin Queen - Why did Queen Elizabeth I never Marry? Historical Curiosities - See U in History

Elizabeth I is famously known as the “Virgin Queen,” and it’s a title that fits, as she’s the only English queen to have never married. Why did she choose to remain single? Some historians believe it was a clever political move to protect England’s security and avoid any foreign king gaining influence over her country. By not marrying, she kept potential allies hopeful and potential enemies guessing.

However, this decision created constant worry about who would inherit the throne after her death. She certainly wasn’t short of suitors! Princes from across Europe and noblemen from England were all eager for her hand in marriage, hoping to gain power. Parliament and her advisors constantly urged her to marry and produce heirs. While she never wed, there were plenty of rumors, especially about her close relationship with courtier Robert Dudley, which made many question her “virgin” status.

She Was Suspected of Killing Robert Dudley’s Wife

The Mysterious Murder In The Tudor Court | Elizabeth: Killer Queen | Real Royalty

The whispers about Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley didn’t stop at just a close friendship. Dudley, who had known Elizabeth since childhood, became one of her most trusted advisors and a constant companion. Their closeness fueled intense speculation that they were lovers. So, when Dudley’s wife of ten years, Amy Robsart, died suddenly and mysteriously, fingers naturally pointed towards the Queen and her favorite courtier.

Many at the time believed that Elizabeth wanted to marry Dudley but couldn’t because he was already married. Amy’s death seemed suspiciously convenient, potentially clearing the path for a royal wedding. Both Elizabeth and Dudley became suspects in the ensuing scandal. Ultimately, Amy’s death was officially ruled an accident. However, the cloud of suspicion made a marriage between Elizabeth and Dudley impossible. He eventually married someone else, and Elizabeth remained the celebrated Virgin Queen.

Elizabeth Had a Sweet Tooth

The Sweet Treat That Had The Tudors Hooked | Hidden Killers | Absolute History

Being queen meant Elizabeth had access to the finest foods from around the world, and food was a big status symbol in Tudor England. One of her absolute favorite ingredients? Sugar! This once-rare luxury was used to create incredibly elaborate dishes, and it’s said that gingerbread and marzipan were among her top treats.

Interestingly, people back then believed sugar had medicinal properties. It’s even rumored that Elizabeth used a mixture of sugar and honey to brush her teeth! As you can imagine, this sweet habit took a toll. She reportedly suffered from dental problems, had some teeth removed, and ambassadors often commented on her yellow and decaying teeth. Surprisingly, her less-than-perfect smile became a strange symbol of wealth, with some aristocratic women even staining their teeth black to copy their queen and show off their status!

Her Death Remains a Mystery

The REAL Cause Of Elizabeth I Death

Even after centuries, the exact cause of Queen Elizabeth I’s death remains a puzzle for historians. There are many theories, ranging from common illnesses like pneumonia or cancer to more dramatic possibilities like blood poisoning. Some even speculate that her coronation ring, which she supposedly never removed during her entire 44-year reign, could have played a part if it led to an infection.

It’s also claimed that in her final years, Elizabeth suffered from depression, especially after losing many close friends and relatives. Despite appearing very unwell in her last months, she remained famously stubborn, refusing to rest and insisting on standing for hours at events. The idea of blood poisoning from the lead-based makeup she often wore is another popular theory. Because Elizabeth refused to let doctors examine her and didn’t allow a post-mortem examination after her death, it’s unlikely we’ll ever know for sure what illness finally claimed her life. Her mental state likely also contributed to her decline.

She Was the Last Tudor Monarch

Tudor Kings and Queens with The Tudor Tours

Elizabeth I holds a unique place in history as the fifth and final monarch of the famous Tudor dynasty. The Tudors had faced succession problems from the very beginning, which is partly why England saw two queens reign during this era – a rare occurrence at the time. Since Elizabeth never married and had no children of her own, there was no direct heir to follow her.

Before she died in 1603, she made a crucial decision: she named James VI of Scotland as her successor. James was the son of her executed cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. With Elizabeth’s passing, the Tudor era came to an end, and the Stuart dynasty began as James VI of Scotland also became James I of England. This pivotal moment united the crowns of England and Scotland. Elizabeth’s choice ensured her influence on Britain’s future, leaving the country relatively stable financially and politically, with a strengthened international reputation thanks to military successes during her remarkable 44-year reign.

Elizabeth I’s reign was a remarkable period in history, shaping England into a formidable power. These facts offer just a glimpse into the complex, intelligent, and resilient woman who navigated treacherous political waters and left an indelible mark on the world. Her legacy as the Virgin Queen, the last of the Tudors, continues to fascinate us centuries later.

What fact about Elizabeth I surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

You Might Also Like

Frankenstein’s Monster: 10 Shocking Facts You Never Knew

Love Hurts: 10 Superstitions That Could Ruin Your Romance

Crisis to Creation: 10 Government Programs Born of Need

10 Wild Conspiracy Theories About Natural Events You Must See

10 Forgotten Genocides: Dark Chapters History Ignored

TAGGED:Elizabeth IElizabethan eraEnglish HistoryGreenwich PalaceMary Queen of ScotsQueen Elizabeth I factsRobert DudleyTudor DynastyTudor monarchVirgin Queen

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Pinterest Reddit Copy Link Print
Share
Previous Article 10 Shocking Criminals You'd Never Suspect Hidden In Plain Sight 10 Shocking Criminals You’d Never Suspect Hidden In Plain Sight
Next Article 10 Quirky Competitions You Won't Believe Are Real! 10 Quirky Competitions You Won’t Believe Are Real!
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

27Like
12Follow
23Follow

Latest News

10 Exercise Myths Debunked: What You Need to Know
10 Exercise Myths Debunked: What You Need to Know
Lifestyle Wellness
Comic Book Movie Fails: Top 10 Character Botch Jobs
Comic Book Movie Fails: Top 10 Character Botch Jobs
Entertainment Screen
US Quirks: 10 Odd Things Americans Do That Confuse the World
US Quirks: 10 Odd Things Americans Do That Confuse the World
Oddities Uncanny
10 Jaw-Dropping Dinosaur Facts You Won't Believe
10 Jaw-Dropping Dinosaur Facts You Won’t Believe
Earth Science
Heroism: 10 Unbelievable Stories of Courage
Heroism: 10 Unbelievable Stories of Courage
Biology Science

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

//

RankedFacts.com is your go-to source for intriguing curiosities and surprising facts about the world around us.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Quick Link

  • HOME
  • CUSTOMIZE INTERESTS
  • MY BOOKMARKS
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COOKIE POLICY
RankedFacts.comRankedFacts.com
Follow US
© 2025 Ranked Facts. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

Not a member? Sign Up