The Elizabethan Marriage Game. L.O: To look at all of the suitors Elizabeth I had and which one had the best chance of marrying her.

The marriage game. From the moment Elizabeth became queen, there was one question everyone was asking…… “who will she marry?” Most people believed that it was one of the first things she would do, they expected her to select a husband to help her run the country, and more importantly, to get her pregnant so she would have an HEIR to succeed her.

Elizabeth was young and there were high hopes that England would once again have a royal family. If she died without having a child the future would be uncertain. Many feared that the RIVALRY for the throne would lead to CIVIL WAR. There were many people that were after her hand… she was the most sought after woman in Europe….. ….BUT WHO SHOULD YOU MARRY?

Your task… Is to look at all of the possible suitors and decide which one would make the best husband and then write to Elizabeth with your findings.

Checklist: It would please her Protestant subjects If he was a Protestant, it would make them angry if he was a Catholic! He should not be too powerful (A foreign king was no good!) English men would not want a foreigner interfering in their business. He must be quite important and suitable for a queen any old peasant would not do! If she married an Englishman she must not make any other men jealous because they may rebel against her. The marriage must only be good for England.

King Philip II Of Spain Religion: Catholic Wealth: Spain is very rich. It Owns a lot of other countries And they bring back lots Of gold from south America. Land: Philip was king of Spain He controlled Spain and other Areas of the world. Info: Spain had a large army. The pope was keen for Spain To fall out with protestant Countries. Philip had ruled England when he was married to Mary Tudor. Philip would not be Popular with English protestants Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Religion: Protestant. Wealth: Elizabeth was believed to have fallen in love with him. She thought he loved her for her, not just because she was queen. Elizabeth made him the Earl of Leicester. He was one of the Queen favourites. He made lots of money trading and working in Elizabeth’s Court. Land: Elizabeth had given him lots of land and big estates around Britain. Info: he had known Elizabeth since she was small But he was not of equal rank and there was a bigger problem he was already married!!! His young wife Amy had died in mysterious circumstances! Some even said the queen had been involved in her death! Not only this but he was the son of a traitor and his grandad had been a traitor too, treason seemed to run in the family. Many in England believed that he could not be trusted.

King Eric Of Sweden. Religion: protestant. Wealth: He was not as rich as many of her other suitors despite being king of his country. Land: He owned Sweden but not a lot of other land! This meant he would not have been a great ally for England. Info: He was popular with Elizabeth’s ministers as he was popular in his own country. It was rumoured that Elizabeth had accepted his proposal and they had even made medal with their pictures on. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex: Religion: A Protestant who enjoys the good life, maybe a little to much A hero in battle and a firm supporter of the Queen. I am the only person in England allowed to import sweet wine. Made a mint, although like you, I love the fine things in life and to be honest have a temporary cash flow problem at the moment. Info:I have fought a lot of wars for you Your Majesty, and served you well on the privy council. Please, choose me. Land ; I am not a king so do nit have lots of land but I am rich

Francis, Duke of Alençon Religion: Catholic from France! Info: My brother is the King of France and I have lots of money and some estates in France. However my older brother inherited most of my fathers land. Land: my brother will inherit my fathers land Although I am Catholic, please remember we French do not hate England as much as the Spanish do. I understand that some people in England have published a pamphlet warning you not to marry me. Please don’t listen to them.

Robert Devereux Earl of Essex Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester Philip II of SpainFrancis Duke Of Alencon Eric Of Sweden Money Religion Alliance( Would marrying this man make England stronger?) Nationality Other useful Information: Elizabeth’s Suitors:

May 1583, Dear Elizabeth, I have returned from a trip to interview all of your Possible suitors. I believe the best suitor is… This man would be the best to marry because…. (Give at least 2 reasons here!) The ones I do not think you should marry are… This is because……. I hope you take my advice….. Best wishes your good friend……