On the 15th of January in 1559 Elizabeth was crowned Queen of England in Westminster Abbey. Her father, Henry VIII had died leaving the monarchy in a mess, the title of monarch was passed from one successor to another until finally Elizabeth I, the last Tudor to reign, took the throne.
Elizabeth was a strong and capable woman with an excellent education, and a fair but ferocious heart. Her reign lasted from the 17th of November 1558 to the 24th of March 1603 at her death aged 69.
Much has been written about the Tudor period, and there is an intense amount of historical fiction around, so allow us to recommend our top 5 historical fiction novels about Queen Elizabeth I- for your enjoyment.
The Virgin’s Lover by Philippa Gregory
Opening in the Autumn of 1558, Mary I has died, and bells ring for the coronation of her half-sister Elizabeth. The novel is told from four main perspectives: Queen Elizabeth I’s; the queen’s main advisor William Cecil’s; the queen’s favourite Robert Dudley’s; and Dudley’s wife Amy’s.
Philippa Gregory is known for her controversial portrayal of historical characters, and this novel is no exception. Scandalous, exciting, and just a little bit sexy, this historical novel is sure to arouse interest.
The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell
“When the young Queen Elizabeth I is entrusted with Anne Boleyn’s secret diary, she discovers a great deal about the much-maligned mother she never knew. And on learning the truth about her lascivious and despotic father, Henry VIII, she vows never to relinquish control to any man…”
This novel is another highly energetic and exciting read- full of intriguing moments and shocking scenes of romantic lust.
Legacy by Susan Kay
Steering away form the sexier side of Tudor monarchy, is this stunning piece of storytelling by Susan Kay. From her tragic childhood, to her bitter confrontations with Mary, Queen of Scots, the novel offers us a picture of Elizabeth the woman- proud, passionate, and intense, and deeply in love with her country.
Elizabeth I by Margaret George
From New York Times bestseller from Margaret George comes this captivating novel about Elizabeth I, arguably England’s greatest monarch. In the novel Lettice Knollys — Elizabeth’s red-haired cousin — believes she knows all too well what her monarch cousin is like as Lettice had been involved with Elizabeth since childhood.
This story of the two fiercely intelligent women surrounds the rivalry and the drama that ensues. On one side- a queen trying to serve her country and protect her throne, while the other attempts to regain power within her family.
The Tournament by Matthew Reilly
Coming left-field with this fascinating novel by Matthew Reilly, as we follow a young Elizabeth Tudor as she is thrust into a game of deception in this edge-of-your-seat historical thriller.
“The year is 1546… You are invited to send your finest player to compete in a chess tournament to determine the champion of the known world… On the opening night of the tournament, a powerful guest of the Sultan is murdered. Soon, barbaric deaths, diplomatic corruption, and unimaginable depravity — sexual and otherwise — unfold before Elizabeth’s eyes. She soon realises that the real chess game is being played within the court itself… and its most treacherous element is that a stranger in a strange land is only as safe as her host is gracious.”
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I have read, and loved, three out of the five. I will have to add the fifth to my TBR.