Famous queen of England and Scotland (1558-1603) born in Greenwich, in whose reign saw England to the economic boom and became the biggest political, commercial and cultural Europe. Daughter of Henry VIII and Ana Bolen, studied languages in childhood, music and dance. In his youth, he was surrounded by palatial intrigues and was accused of participating in the conspiracy of Lord Seymour during the reign of his half-brother Edward VI, and of Sir Thomas wyatt in the reign of her Catholic half-sister Mary Tudor . Ascended the throne (1558), with the death of Maria and duly recognized as heir, surrounded by good advisers, including William Cecil, later Lord Burghley. Fought Philip II of Spain, which was unable to expand English. The Statute of supremacy and Uniformity (1559) restored the official Anglicanism and finally released to Protestantism in England, but in the 70 developed persecutions against the Catholics and Protestant Calvinists. After a long struggle for power (1561-1586), imprisoned and sent decapitate Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland Catholic, his cousin and rival (1587). Developed trade and industry, providing a renaissance of arts and a relaxation of customs. In his reign there were many poets and playwrights such as William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe and Edmund Spencer. Despite its obvious links with several nobles, including Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, the Queen never married. At that time, England has become known as merry old England, or happy and old England. The end of his reign was characterized by restlessness and growing political discontent in relation to the monarchy. Moreover, the spread of Calvinism put in jeopardy the political and religious unity achieved so far by the queen. Although the situation of the people remain poor, not missing attempts at rebellion and attacks on the life of the queen, able to force the social order. Shortly before his death, on March 24 in Richmond Palace, Surrey, recognized the son of Mary Stuart, James VI of Scotland as heir to the English throne.
