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The Elizabethan era in the 16th century was one of adventure, intrigue, personalities, plots and power struggles. At the centre was Elizabeth, ‘The Virgin Queen’, who ruled England between 1558-1603.

Elizabeth inherited problems in religion, economy and foreign policy. She tightly controlled Parliament and her Privy Council. She never married, putting the security of England before herself.

Religion became a very divisive factor in people’s lives in England when Protestant ideas challenged the dominance of the Catholic Church of Rome. Elizabeth offered a ‘middle way’ compromise.

Elizabeth faced challenges throughout her long reign - from Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Spanish Armada. She was a cautious ruler who acted carefully to preserve England’s security.

Elizabeth’s reign was seen as a ‘golden age’ of culture and exploration, but society was characterised by extremes of rich and poor. An increasing population and rising poverty became a big problem.

In your History GCSE, it is important that you not only have good subject knowledge, but have the skills to apply this knowledge to exam questions.