I am a history student, and as part of my degree I look at the monarchy and its influences on us today. I spend a lot of time outside class reading about inspiring women and others who have created their own mark on history. As a woman, I feel a sense of pride that these women came before me and I am thankful for being able to read about them. Whilst King’s remain important, it is often the role of the Queen which people forget or underestimate. Yet, the power of a female ruler knows no bounds – patrons of art, fashion and science, child bearers, alliance forgers: you name it they are doing it.
In an age of female empowerment and growing awareness of the strengths of women trying to show their equality with men, it is important to cast our minds back to the women who came before us. They paved their own way through a male dominated world and personal turmoil/struggles to become infamous names in history as strong women. Often before their time, or ahead of the game, these women all contributed in numerous ways to English history and the history of gender overall.
With the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, I think this is a perfect time to reflect on some of the leading ladies throughout history. Queens in their own right are all memorable in some way. This series will be a quick pit stop at my chosen five Queens of England, a little memorial to each one. I will explore the lives, trials and strengths of Mary I, Elizabeth I, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Elizabeth II.
Through addressing each one and revealing details about their lives, I hope to inspire you to pick up a book or do a google search on at least one of them! It’s worth knowing something about each of them – even if history isn’t really your thing.
(Note from author: I am fully aware that there are more Queens that could be argued for this series e.g., Matilda, Lady Jane Grey, Mary II, who all deserve merit and recognition too. It is simply my personal choice to discuss the ones I have already stated).