Young Elizabeth I: the making of a queen

Nicola Tallis explores Elizabeth I’s early years to reveal how her formative experiences influenced the monarch she later became

Published: September 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM

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Elizabeth I is one of history's most iconic monarchs, but her path to the throne was anything but secure.

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In this first episode of our four-part Sunday Series on the 16th-century royal, Rachel Dinning is joined by historian Nicola Tallis to explore Elizabeth’s turbulent early years – from the execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn, to the political and personal dangers she faced as she navigated childhood, illegitimacy, and the treacherous Tudor succession. Together, they uncover how these formative experiences helped shape the woman who would become a formidable queen.

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Want to know more about Elizabeth I and her remarkable reign? Rachel Dinning rounds up essential reading from the HistoryExtra archive that explores Elizabeth's early life, rise to power, and the legacy that made her one of England’s most iconic monarchs. Go beyond the podcast.

Authors

Rachel DinningDigital editor (engagement and video)

Rachel Dinning is digital editor (engagement and video) at HistoryExtra

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