On This Day

Elizabeth I, aged 25, ascends the English throne upon the death of her half-sister, Queen Mary I

Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. She was the last and longest reigning monarch of the House of Tudor.

Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. She was the last and longest reigning monarch of the House of Tudor. Her eventful reign, and its effect on history and culture, gave name to the Elizabethan era.

Historical Significance

Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603.

Key People

Elizabeth I

Mary I of England

Events Before

  1. Osep Gregoriwich Napea, the 1st Russian ambassador to England, arrives in London

    Osep Gregoriwich Napea, the 1st Russian ambassador to England, arrives in London

  2. Cuenca is founded in Ecuador

    Cuenca, officially Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, is an Ecuadorian city, head of the canton of the same name and capital of the province of Azuay, as well as its largest and most populated city.

  3. England declares war on France

    England declares war on France

  4. Dutch States General meet at Valenciennes

    Dutch States General meet at Valenciennes

  5. Battle of St Quentin in Picardy: Lamoraal, Count of Egmont and Philibert, Duke of Savoy (Spanish Empire) beat the Duke o

    Battle of St Quentin in Picardy: Lamoraal, Count of Egmont and Philibert, Duke of Savoy (Spanish Empire) beat the Duke of Montmorency (France)

Events After

  1. Elizabeth I is crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey in London

    Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is an Anglican church in the City of Westminster, London, England.

  2. Storm floods ravage Gorinchem, Dordrecht & Woudrichem, Netherlands

    Storm floods ravage Gorinchem, Dordrecht & Woudrichem, Netherlands

  3. England and France sign the first Treaty of Le Cateau-Cambrésis

    England and France sign the first Treaty of Le Cateau-Cambrésis

  4. Spain & France sign 2nd Treaty of Le Cateau-Cambrésis

    Spain & France sign 2nd Treaty of Le Cateau-Cambrésis

  5. Scottish Protestants under John Knox uprise against queen mother Mary

    Scottish Protestants under John Knox uprise against queen mother Mary

More from the 1550s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on November 17, 1558?
Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. She was the last and longest reigning monarch of the House of Tudor. Her eventful reign, and its effect on history and culture, gave name to the Elizabethan era.
Why is Elizabeth I, aged 25, ascends the English throne upon the death of her half-s... significant?
Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603.
Who was involved in Elizabeth I, aged 25, ascends the English throne upon the death of her half-s...?
Key figures include Elizabeth I, Mary I of England.

Explore More