Discover the golden age of England — a time of exploration, brilliant writers, and the remarkable reign of Queen Elizabeth I!
The Elizabethan Era is the period of English history during the reign of Elizabeth I, who ruled as Queen of England from 1558 to 1603. It was a time when England changed quickly, mainly because of two important developments.
First, England began some of its earliest overseas explorations. English explorers travelled to places such as Africa, the Caribbean and North America. People like the well-known Sir Walter Raleigh tried to establish colonies that could compete with the Spanish in the New World.
These early attempts marked the beginnings of what later became the British Empire.
Secondly, this period saw the growth of the English Renaissance. The Renaissance had begun earlier in Italy during the fifteenth century, but it took time for its ideas to spread to countries like England.
When it did, writers such as William Shakespeare became some of the most important figures in English literature during Elizabeth's reign.
The Elizabethan Era also brought changes to everyday life in England. The country expanded its trade networks, and new fashions from across Europe and other places became popular.
Because of these important developments and the growth of English society during this time, Elizabeth I was greatly admired by her people and remembered as an important monarch for many generations.
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