On This Day in Elizabethan History: The Death of Queen Elizabeth I

The wooden head of a funeral effigy of Queen Elizabeth I.

On this day in 1603, after 44 years on the throne of England, Queen Elizabeth I passed away at the age of 69 at Richmond Palace. 

The impressive marble effigy of Queen Elizabeth I on her tomb in Westminster Abbey. This photo was shared for public use provided credit was given by Lara E. Eakins of Tudorhistory.org.

To read about Queen Elizabeth's final days before her death, and to re-visit the highlights of her illustrious reign, please view our article, The Death of Queen Elizabeth I, and the End of the Elizabethan Era.

The funeral procession of Queen Elizabeth I, circa 1603. Picture acquired through Wikimedia Commons. Image public domain.

Rest in Peace, Queen Elizabeth I. It was an honor to share your legacy with others yesterday when I presented two of my original BeingBess programs, Queen Elizabeth I Addresses Her Troops at Tilbury, and In Her Own Words: An Audience With Queen Elizabeth I at The Higgins Armory Museum.

The author as Queen Elizabeth I presenting one of her original BeingBess programs on 3/23/13. Photo by L.Jensen.

What do you find most impressive about Queen Elizabeth I or her reign? Please share your opinion below so that together, we can celebrate her memory!

The Ministry of History

Presenting my original program,"In Her Own Words: An Audience with the Queen" to an AP history course at Ashland High School on 9/18/12. Photo by Mike Wurster.

Some people are called to the ministry of their church; others are born caretakers, destined to become doctors or nurses; and others still possess an innate maternal instinct that makes them wonderful parents. I believe that I am a person who has been called to the "ministry of history". My purpose is to research and educate others about the past. Through BeingBess and History, Inc., I aspire to get as many children as possible excited about history. 

When I was younger, I did not fully understand the reason why I was so intensely drawn to the people and events of the past, and more specifically, the 16th century. Once I recognized that my entire day was revolving around historical research, writing, and interpreting, I then understood that this was a force bigger than myself. This was to be my life's work.

My inspiration in all things, Queen Elizabeth I, painted from life and attributed to Zuccaro. Picture acquired through Wikimedia Commons. Image public domain.

The life of a researcher can be a lonely one, and some days it means I know the historical figures on the pages of my books better than my own friends and family; some days it means that I must forsake going out and socializing in favor of meeting a deadline. But all of these sacrifices are worth it to me, since I take my "calling" very seriously. Days away from turning twenty-four, I am more certain than ever of what I believe I was put on this planet to do.

I wish to express my gratitude to the online community of Tudor and Elizabethan bloggers, authors, and enthusiasts who inspire and support me on a daily basis. It is wonderful to know that there are others who share with me the passion for teaching others about history!

Semper Eadem,

Ashlie

Theatre Thursday: East Yorkshire Schoolchildren Re-enact the Pilgrimage of Grace

The Pilgrimage of Grace, 1536, by Fred Kirk Shaw, 1913. Picture acquired through Wikimedia Commons. Image public domain.

I love when theatre is used as teaching tool; theatre as education is particularly effective with young children. This is why I use first-person historical interpretation myself to teach others about Queen Elizabeth I and the Elizabethan era. 

In East Yorkshire, young schoolchildren who have been learning about the Tudor period in England demonstrated their newly acquired knowledge by re-enacting the Pilgrimage of Grace, the northern rebellion during the reign of King Henry VIII (1536) in which many of their ancestors took part. Read more about his unique educational experience, directly from the children who experienced it, here.

In Praise of 'Young Bess': One Girl's Journey to Understand Elizabeth I

Ashlie and Mia after Mia's debut of her Young Bess program. September 8th, 2012. Picture taken by/property of Ashlie R. Jensen.

In March of last year I presented two programs that I researched and wrote myself about Queen Elizabeth I of England. After each presentation, I left time for audience questions and one-on-one interaction. There was one little girl and her mother that seemed particularly interested in the subject matter. A few weeks later I received an email from this family that I had spoken with at length; the mother, Donna, wanted to inform me that my presentations had lit a spark of interest in her daughter, Mia. She shared with me that Mia was currently working on a school project about Queen Elizabeth I. They also wanted to know if I would be interested and available to look over Mia’s research and offer her presentation tips.

I was more than delighted to mentor Mia. Over the next couple of weeks, I answered historical questions, suggested books for her research, and gave feedback on presentation format and costuming through email. We then coordinated a meeting so that I could see Mia’s finished product. Donna and Mia came to the Higgins to meet with me, and by this time, Mia was already developing a second program! Mia had decided to expand upon her school presentation to develop a more in-depth format for her local library. Her program, Young Bess, was a first-person interpretation of the young Elizabeth Tudor. 

Mia alongside one of her Young Bess display tables. Picture taken by/property of Ashlie R. Jensen.

I continued to help Mia refine her presentation, which in addition to her monologue now includes posters, material objects, and a portfolio. I was honored to be in attendance when she performed Young Bess at her local library to a full house. Mia purposefully selected September 8th for her presentation; she had wanted to present on September 7th because that is, of course, Elizabeth Tudor's birthday, but she was in school on the actual date!

I have been astounded by all that Mia has been able to achieve in such a short amount of time, and I have been honored to be a part of her creative and learning process. Mia will reprise her Young Bess program for her school this Monday. I believe that Mia will one day inspire someone else to fall in love with history!

Mia with her celebratory flowers after her Young Bess performance. Picture taken by/property of Ashlie R. Jensen.