Ten Facts About Elizabeth and Her Subjects

1. WITCH HUNTS

People in England were as paranoid about witches as we were. This phase of witch-hysteria lasted throughout Europe during the era; many “witches” were publicly hanged when found guilty by the Elizabethans.

2. HAUNTED

Ghosts were as real as the time of day in Europe. Popular ghost hot spots include castles and mansions, with Queen Elizabeth herself rumoured to haunt Windsor Castle to this day.

3. A DRINK FOR THE ROAD

People drank beer at breakfast

4. SHOES

Queen Elizabeth owned forty pairs of velvet shoes under she later got them all refurbished for Spanish Leather

5. 16TH CENTURY JAMS

The most popular music was classical, often being played with a poem or a play

6. GOV.

Catholics threatened to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots

7. CHILDREN

Out of 100 babies born, only 70% lived to their first birthday, less than 50% to age 5

8. SPIES

Cecil and Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth’s secretaries of state, developed a secret society of spies that were spread throughout Europe

9. THEATRE

Female roles were played by men

10. LAST BUT NOT LEAST...

There were rumours that Queen Elizabeth was William Shakespeare’s mother (untrue, but still)