The Question of Marriage

What was the issue over Elizabeth and marriage?

Elizabeth was 25 when she came to the throne. By Tudor standards, this was old to remain unmarried.

Why was marriage a problem for Elizabeth I?

Elizabeth's unmarried status was a problem as, without a husband, she would not be able to produce a legitimate heir to carry on the Tudor name.

What did Parliament think of the marriage issue for Elizabeth I?

Elizabeth's marital status was often an issue for her Parliament. However, in 1566 she got angry as its members discussed her marriage after she had forbidden them from doing so.

How did smallpox increase people's fear about Elizabeth I not marrying?

In 1562, Elizabeth contracted smallpox and nearly died. This accentuated fears about her not marrying as it highlighted the lack of certainty about the country's future on her death.

Who were Elizabeth I's suitors for marriage?

Elizabeth did have a number of possible suitors.

• ❖ Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, was close friends with Elizabeth. The two did not marry as there was suspicion surrounding the death of his first wife.
• ❖ King Philip II of Spain was previously married to Elizabeth's half-sister and predecessor, Mary I. However, he was Catholic and Protestant Elizabeth was worried about the religious tensions this marriage would cause.
• ❖ Francis, Duke of Anjou and Alencon, was heir to the French throne. However, Francis died in 1584. After this, Elizabeth was destined to be alone.

What were the advantages of Elizabeth I remaining unmarried?

There were six advantages to Elizabeth staying single.

• ❖ Elizabeth could keep sole control of the government.
• ❖ She had a number of suitors from different countries. Refusal to choose between them made foreign relations easier.
• ❖ As there was no successor, she was the focus of all power.
• ❖ By not marrying into a foreign power she was able to prevent a rebellion similar to the Wyatt Rebellion in 1554, which happened after Mary I married King Philip of Spain.
• ❖ If Elizabeth married an English husband this could cause jealousy between families and rivalries between England's important men. By not marrying, she kept the balance of power intact.
• ❖ Giving birth was risky during this time and often resulted in the death of the mother. By not marrying, Elizabeth was not forced to have a child and therefore did not risk death in this way.

What would have been the advantages of Elizabeth I marrying?

There would have been five advantages to Elizabeth marrying.

• ❖ There would be no uncertainty over who would inherit the throne.
• ❖ People had a secure future so rebellions were less likely.
• ❖ The Privy Council was frustrated as it felt Elizabeth being single made the country vulnerable; her marriage would have addressed this.
• ❖ If Elizabeth did marry then Mary, Queen of Scots, would not inherit the throne.
• ❖ Marriage to foreign royalty would have made a powerful alliance for England to secure its position.

Why did Elizabeth I decide not to marry?

There were many reasons Elizabeth decided not to marry.

• ❖ She could be portrayed as the 'Virgin Queen' who put England before herself.
• ❖ It allowed her to remain independent of any foreign influence.
• ❖ It prevented the development of factions or jealousy with her courtiers or Privy Council members.