*Going back to Elizabeth I, she never married at all inspite of having many suitors. Hence, she left no heir & that she was betterly known as "the Virgin Queen."

Her reign marked England's war with Spain whereby the historic defeat of the BIG Spanish Armada marked the beginning of Spain's decline as a super-power while it started Britain's status as a major power.

Such success increased Elizabeth's popularity & her long reign of 45 yrs. is one of the most brilliant in English history.

It was also a time of great literary achievement, with writers such as Edmund Spencer & William Shakespeare producing famous works, many including symbolic references to Elizabeth.

Her death was marked by universal mourning:(