Elizabeth I, 1533-1603. © NMM

Elizabeth I has become one of the most popular monarchs in English history.

Her reign witnessed a period of prosperity, a flourishing of the arts, significant feats of exploration and successful English resistance to the might of Spain, then the most powerful country in Europe.

Elizabeth was known both for extensive knowledge and for her extravagant dress.

Elizabeth extended the authority of Trinity House, allowing it to light beacons throughout England; in 1573, she granted Trinity House its own coat of arms with the motto ‘Trinitas in Unitate’ (Trinity in Unity) 

In 1558, she appointed a Commission to select ‘legal quays’ on the Thames in London; these were special places for the landing of foreign goods; this measure helped London’s commercial expansion

In 1600 she signed the Charter of the English East India Company.

Counter commemorating Queen Elizabeth I. © NMM

Throughout her forty-four year reign, Elizabeth received many marriage proposals but never married or had any children.