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QUEEN ELIZABETH I
Ascending to a Troublesome Throne
Queen Elizabeth I ’s Era, often known as the “Golden Age” and the “English Renaissance”.
Ascending the throne at the age of 25, Elizabeth found her kingdom beset with dangers and difficulties, which she was soon to discover, required her courage and leadership to overcome if she and England was to survive.
The kingdom had long been in danger through Protestant monarchy and the intent to change this order through the wills of Catholic Papacy. Catholic nations such as Spain were desirous to say the least to bring about a catholic marriage to the young Queen Elizabeth.
Dangers to the English Nation
Within three days of wearing the Crown of England she sent orders to Vice-Admiral Malyn, “to draw together as many ships as he could for the defence of the narrow seas, and for preventing, likewise, all persons from entering into, or passing out of the kingdom without license…”
Provisions were carried out for the security of Dover, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight whilst consideration can be made for further strength to “render all the projects of her enemies abortive”.
To the North border, Scottish designs on the thrown with the aid of the French, Admiral Sir William Winter took the fleet to the Firth of Forth to blockade whilst the Scots Lords and English Auxiliaries under Lord Grey went to Leith, whereby forcing the existing French garrison to capitulate and withdraw under the treaty of Edinburgh. With the borders secure, the safety of the realm now fell upon the navy.
A survey was ordered immediately to ascertain its present state as well as an inquiry to find out its cause of decay.
Queen Elizabethan I Establishes her Royal Navy
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Almost immediately orders were given to preserve timber for the navy, cannon to be cast, encouragement of gun powder making by the people and a fort to be built to protect the fleet at winter home in the Medway estuary nearby the newly established Chatham dockyards.
Upnor Castle, here protecting the fleet captured by Joseph M.W. Turner
Modern view of Upnor Castle
Built in two main phases, initially between 1559 and 1567 to a design by Sir Richard Lee. The second phase of construction, dating to the years between 1599 and 1601, aimed mainly to improve the landward defences of the castle.
Throughout the realm, she instructed repairing of ports and building of better ships for commerce and war. Further, wages of seamen and naval officers were increased.
The restorer of naval power, and Sovereign of the Northern Seas
Exciting a ‘spirit of emulation among her subjects, who began everywhere to exert themselves in like manner. Acquiring the glorious title of the restorer of naval power, and sovereign of the northern seas, insomuch that foreign nations were struck with awe at the Queen’s proceedings, and were now willing respectfully to court a power which had been so lately the object of their contempt.’
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