Queen Elizabeth I, a monarch who reigned for over four decades, remains one of England’s most iconic and studied figures. Her reign, often referred to as the Golden Age, witnessed significant cultural and political developments. However, the end of her life, much like aspects of her reign, is shrouded in some mystery and speculation. One frequently asked question by those intrigued by this era is: How old was Queen Elizabeth I when she died?
Queen Elizabeth I was born on September 7, 1533, and she passed away on March 24, 1603. Therefore, Queen Elizabeth I was 69 years old when she died. While not exceptionally old by modern standards, in the 16th and 17th centuries, reaching this age was a notable feat, particularly for someone in a position of such immense stress and responsibility.
The Circumstances Surrounding Queen Elizabeth I’s Death
Elizabeth I died at Richmond Palace, a location that served as a royal residence for centuries. The date was March 24, 1603, marking the end of the Tudor dynasty and ushering in the Stuart era with the ascension of James I.
Unraveling the Possible Causes of Death
The exact cause of Queen Elizabeth I’s death remains uncertain. Adding to the intrigue, Elizabeth herself forbade a post-mortem examination, leaving historians and researchers to rely on accounts from the time and propose various theories.
One prominent theory suggests blood poisoning as a potential cause. This theory links her death to the prolonged use of “Venetian Ceruse,” a popular lead-based makeup of the era. Known as “the spirits of Saturn,” this cosmetic was later officially recognized as a poison, decades after her death.
Other medical explanations have been put forward, including pneumonia, streptococcus infection (possibly from infected tonsils), or even cancer. Without a conclusive medical examination, these remain speculative possibilities.
A peculiar detail often mentioned in accounts of her final days involves her coronation ring. Having worn it for 45 years without removal, the ring had grown into her flesh. Doctors insisted on its removal, and interestingly, her death followed within a week. Whether this was a contributing factor or merely a coincidence is debated.
Physical and Mental Decline in Her Final Days
Accounts from those close to Queen Elizabeth I paint a picture of declining health in her final months. She was reported to have heavily relied on makeup, described as being an inch thick on her face at the time of her death, possibly to conceal the effects of age or illness. She had lost many teeth and suffered hair loss. Furthermore, she reportedly refused personal care, including bathing and being attended to by her ladies-in-waiting.
Historians note periods of melancholy and depression in her later years, especially after the loss of close companions. She also expressed regret regarding the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, indicating a possible emotional burden. Some accounts even mention unusual behavior, such as standing for extended periods and visions, though some of these accounts are considered less reliable.
Her rumored last words, “All my possessions for one moment of time,” although poignant, are considered apocryphal by historians.
Queen Elizabeth I’s Funeral and Burial
Despite the uncertainties surrounding her death, Queen Elizabeth I’s passing was marked by a grand funeral ceremony. Her embalmed body lay in state at Whitehall Palace for three weeks before the funeral on April 28, 1603. Thousands lined the streets of London to witness the procession, which included a vast array of royal household members.
An effigy of Elizabeth I, dressed in royal attire, was placed atop her lead coffin. Its lifelike appearance reportedly caused gasps among mourners, highlighting the symbolic and theatrical aspects of royal funerals.
Queen Elizabeth I was buried in Westminster Abbey. Initially placed in the vault of her grandfather, King Henry VII, her coffin was later moved to the Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey in 1606. There, it was placed beneath a monument erected by King James I, near a monument to Mary, Queen of Scots. Her coffin rests in the same vault as her half-sister, Mary I, with a Latin inscription commemorating them as “Partners in throne and grave, here we sleep Elizabeth and Mary, sisters in hope of the Resurrection.”
In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth I died at the age of 69, after a long and impactful reign. While the precise cause of her death remains a historical puzzle, accounts of her final days and the subsequent elaborate funeral provide a glimpse into the end of an era and the lasting legacy of this remarkable queen.
