Podcast Summary: "Young Elizabeth I" on Not Just the Tudors

Episode Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host: Professor Susannah Lipscomb
Guest: Dr. Nicola Tallis, Author of Young Elizabeth: The Making of the Virgin Queen*

Early Life and Birth

Professor Susannah Lipscomb opens the episode by delving into the tumultuous beginnings of Elizabeth Tudor. Born on September 7, 1533, to Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, Elizabeth's birth was initially a disappointment to her parents, who had hoped for a male heir. "Famously, when Elizabeth was born on 7 September 1533, documents that announced the birth of a prince had to be quickly altered to announce the birth of a princess," notes Dr. Nicola Tallis (00:56).

Early Care and Nursery

Shortly after her birth, Elizabeth was moved to Hatfield, north of London, where her nursery was established under the supervision of Lady Margaret Bryan, her early mother figure. Dr. Tallis highlights the meticulous care Elizabeth received, including "four rockers whose sole responsibility was to take it in turns to rock Elizabeth to sleep in her cradle" (04:21).

Early Marriage Negotiations

Remarkably, negotiations for Elizabeth’s marriage began within a year of her birth. Henry VIII aimed to secure valuable matrimonial alliances to extend his influence. Dr. Tallis explains, "from a very, very early age, Henry is determined to ensure that Elizabeth plays an important role in extending his influence and securing valuable matrimonial alliances" (05:25). This early focus underscores the political significance of Elizabeth's position from birth.

Relationship with Anne Boleyn

Though Anne Boleyn was executed when Elizabeth was just two and a half, there are indications of Anne's affection and dedication to her daughter. "Anne was busy ordering clothes for Elizabeth... she was very, very acutely conscious of the fact that Elizabeth was the King's heir," Dr. Tallis observes (07:54). Despite limited time together, Anne's efforts ensured Elizabeth was well-presented and recognized as a princess.

Relationship with Half-Sister Mary

Elizabeth's relationship with her half-sister Mary was complex, especially given their significant age difference of 17 years. Initially strained, their bond strengthened after Anne Boleyn's execution. Dr. Tallis recounts, "Mary was making gifts to members of Elizabeth's household, that she was buying Elizabeth gifts herself... she was giving Elizabeth money with which to play card games" (09:19). This growing closeness provided Elizabeth with a semblance of familial support amidst courtly intrigues.

Education and Tutors

Elizabeth received an exceptional education, unusual for women of her time. Initially tutored by her governess, Kate Astley, Elizabeth quickly excelled in languages and writing. "By 1544, Elizabeth is appointed a male tutor of her own in the form of William Grindal... she was learning several languages and excelling in several languages," explains Dr. Tallis (12:22). Her education was not only comprehensive but also strategically aligned with her future role.

Influence of Stepmother Catherine Parr

Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's last wife, played a pivotal role in shaping Elizabeth's perception of queenship. During the summer of 1544, Elizabeth witnessed Catherine actively participate in governance, attending council meetings and signing letters. "She would have seen how her stepmother was taking responsibility for making decisions in how the country was governed at that time," Dr. Tallis notes (14:29). This exposure inspired Elizabeth, demonstrating that women could effectively wield power.

Elizabeth's Early Writings and Intellectual Pursuits

At the age of twelve, Elizabeth translated Catherine Parr's prayers and meditations into Latin, French, and Italian, showcasing her linguistic prowess and intellectual maturity. Dr. Tallis remarks, "There isn't a single full stop out of place. This is really Elizabeth's finest work" (15:51). This accomplishment not only impressed her father but also reflected her dedication to education and religious practice.

Relationship with William Cecil

William Cecil entered Elizabeth's life around 1549, offering steady and pragmatic advice. He became a trusted confidant, guiding her through managing her estates and navigating the complexities of Edward VI's court. "Cecil seems to have been on hand to offer her firm and solid advice in all of these sort of business matters," Dr. Tallis explains (33:05). This relationship would prove crucial in Elizabeth's later reign.

Life During Edward VI's Reign

Under the reign of Edward VI, Elizabeth enjoyed a life of luxury and continued education. Surviving household accounts from 1551-52 reveal her interests in lavish clothing, fine furniture, books, and patronage of scholars. "Elizabeth was spending money on physicians... buying clothes or materials for lavish clothes... giving money to poor scholars," Dr. Tallis details (35:01).

Religious Landscape Under Mary

Mary I's accession brought significant religious upheaval. Dr. Tallis describes Elizabeth's religious stance as "changeable," shaped by her vulnerability and the need to navigate Mary's Catholic restoration. "Elizabeth seems to be more subtle in her faith than either of her half siblings," she states (37:53). Elizabeth's public conformity fluctuated, reflecting her precarious position in a predominantly Catholic court.

Thomas Seymour Scandal

A defining moment in Elizabeth's youth was the scandal involving her stepfather, Thomas Seymour. Initially charming, Seymour's inappropriate advances led to rumors that jeopardized Elizabeth's reputation. "Elizabeth's path to the throne was not one of destiny, but survival," notes Prof. Lipscomb. The eventual confrontation, where Catherine Parr discovered Elizabeth with Seymour, marked a turning point in Elizabeth's understanding of courtly peril (22:47).

Wyatt Rebellion

The Wyatt Rebellion of January 1554 was a critical threat to Elizabeth's safety. Although not actively involved, Elizabeth had some knowledge of the plot aimed at replacing Mary with her. "She had learnt her lesson from the Seymour scandal... keeping her thoughts hidden," Dr. Tallis explains (43:10). The rebellion intensified Elizabeth's vulnerability, culminating in her brief imprisonment in the Tower of London.

Mary’s Death and Elizabeth’s Accession

Mary I died on November 17, 1558, a moment of both relief and resolution for Elizabeth. Contrary to legend, Elizabeth was not under an oak tree when she received the news. Instead, she was at Hatfield, where she maintained composure despite genuine fear and anxiety. Dr. Tallis emphasizes, "Elizabeth had to navigate through immense uncertainty and personal trauma, ultimately emerging stronger as Mary's passing cleared the path for her ascent" (55:11).

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Nicola Tallis:
  "Famously, when Elizabeth was born on 7 September 1533, documents that announced the birth of a prince had to be quickly altered to announce the birth of a princess." (00:56)
  "Elizabeth is more subtle in her faith than either of her half siblings." (37:53)
  "Elizabeth's path to the throne was not one of destiny, but survival."

• Professor Susannah Lipscomb:
  "Anne Boleyn is of course executed when Elizabeth was just two and a half years old." (07:38)
  "Elizabeth only meets Mary again when Mary goes into her period of lying in and she's thought to be pregnant..." (52:16)

Conclusion

In this comprehensive exploration of Elizabeth Tudor's formative years, Dr. Nicola Tallis provides a nuanced portrayal of the princess who would become one of England's most iconic monarchs. From her precarious birth and early courtly life to the scandals and political upheavals that shaped her resilience, the episode paints a vivid picture of Elizabeth's journey towards queenship. Through meticulous research and engaging dialogue, Not Just the Tudors offers listeners an in-depth understanding of the vulnerabilities and strengths that defined the young Elizabeth I.

For more engaging historical insights, subscribe to History Hit for ad-free access and bonus episodes.