Elizabeth I died at Richmond Palace on 24 March 1603 at the age of 69 after a reign of 45 years. Her health had been poor from the early 1590s onwards: arthritis, gastric disorders, chronic insomnia and migraines were just some of the ailments which plagued her. Yet, uniquely among English monarchs, she refused to make provision for the succession.
James I made great efforts to ensure that his escape from the Gunpowder Plot would not soon be forgotten
From Tudor to Stuart is Susan Doran’s enthralling account of the behind-the-scenes manoeuvres of those who had a viable claim to succeed the Virgin Queen. The group included the Habsburg Isabella Clara Eugenia (a descendant of John of Gaunt); Lady Arbella Stuart (a descendant of Henry VII); and Edward Seymour, Lord Beauchamp (another descendant of Henry VII). The book is also a history of the first decade or so on the English throne of the candidate who prevailed: James VI of Scotland.
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