The relationship between Englands Elizabeth I and Sir Walter
Raleigh has been open to conjecture since their fortunes were bound together
in 1581. There were many claims that Elizabeth was in love with Raleigh
and incidents held as 'proof', encluding the fact that in 1592 when his
secret marriage to Elizabeth 'Bess' Thockmorton was discovered, she imprisoned
him in the tower and dismissed Bess from her position as Lady in Waiting.
It is more likely, however, that Raleigh and Bess incurred Elizabeths
wrath because they failed to gain Elizabeths approval for the match. He
was later released because, after all, he was Elizabeths man - more faithful
than many other courtiers.
|
|
Elizabeth I, Queen of England was born
in 1533 in Greenwich, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Dropped
into the center of political and religious intrigue, she learned at an
early age to control her emotions to survive. Upon the death of her
younger half brother, Edward VI and the succession of her older half sister
Mary to the throne, Elizabeth found herself walking a treacherous line between
Protestant and Catholic. Marys death in 1558 allowed her accession
to the crown, beginning one of the most prosperous periods of English history.
During her reign, the religious strife that preceeded her reign was
lowered in prominence and England prospered on the ocean, building and utilizing
the finest navy in Europe, English colonies were established in the New
World and the arts reached a pinnacle. In character, she was strong
willed and high strung, legendary for both the mechanations of her mind
and the volatility of her temper. She surrounded herself with loyal and able
people who helped her acheive her goals for her country. #R795DX Dress has fitted bodice, shoulder picadills and long sleeves. Bodice has squared neckline and comes to a point in front. Skirt is full and has contrasting overskirt. Costume is made using wedding grade satin, satin jacquard, and velvet with quality trims. (Necklace & hair ornament not included) Available in Misses sizes 8-24 Available in Gold, Red, Dark Blue or Dark Green Polyester fabric $400.00 |
|
|
Sir Walter Raleighis known for many things.
One of Elizabeth I loyalists and a passionate Protestant, he was a
reknowned explorer and soldier. Convinced that amazing wealth was to
be found in the New World, he sailed to Virginia in the present day US and
founded the ill-fated Roanoke colony. In 1592, Elizabeth made him Captain
of the Guard and conferred the estate of Duham House upon him. In
1585 he wsa made a knight and in 1588 Vice Admiral of Devon. He secretly
married Elizabeth 'Bess' Throckmorton in 1591, and when his marriage wsa
discovered, was imprisoned in the Tower for a time. In 1594, he formed
an expedition to Venezuela to search for the city of Manoa, supposedly full
of gold and treasure. Upon his return without a load of gold, he found
himself somewhat out of favor, though Elizabeth later succumbed to his charms
and in 1600 made him Governor of the Channel Island of Jersey, where he
was in charge of defences on the channel. When Elizabeth died in 1603,
he found himself on the wrong side of the next monarch, James I, whose regime
had him imprisoned and charged with treason due to his supposed involvement
in an uprising. Raleighs eloquent argument in his defense held off
the executioner, however, he was sentenced to imprisonment and held
in the Tower for 13 years. Upon his release, he led an expedition back
to Venezuela in search of the legendary city of El Dorado. His hatred
of Catholics, and the Spanish in particular, precipitated his destruction
of the Spanish outpost of San Thome while in South America. The Spanish
king was so outraged, he used his influence with the rather insipid King
James to have Raleigh executed. The sentence was carried out in 1618.
His wife had his hed embalmed and carried with her in a velvet bag
until the end of her days. Their son reunited head with body at St.
Margarets church in Beddington, Surrey upon his death. Raleigh is remembered
as an explorer , warrior and for the rather questionable contribution of
bringing tobacco back to England. #R750DX Costume features doublet with pinked waist and shoulder picadills. Sleeves are slashed to reveal contrasting fabric. Ruffed collar. Paned trunk hose with contrasting fabric. Garter. (Hose, boots, instrument not included) Costumes is made using satin, satin jacquard and velvet with quality trims. Available in Mens sizes 34-52 Available in Gold, Red, Dark Blue, or Dark Green Polyester fabric $300.00 |
