The Lady Elizabeth

The Lady Elizabeth
by Alison Weir

Weir, Alison. The Lady Elizabeth. New York: Ballantine Books, 2008.

The story of the Tudor family is one of the first true soap operas. Filled with love, lust and loyalty, the reign of the Tudors shaped the history of England. The Tudor dynasty was founded in 1485 under King Henry VII, marking the end of the War of the Roses. Henry VII, his son Henry VIII, and his three children Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth, ruled for 118 dynamic years.



In her book The Lady Elizabeth, Alison Weir explores the early years of Elizabeth Tudor. Beginning in 1536, when Elizabeth was merely three years old, Weir tells the story of a young Elizabeth growing up during a time of religious and political turmoil. Elizabeth must learn at a young age to bite her tongue – a feat that proves very difficult at times – and avoid trouble if possible. During a time when persecutions and executions were commonplace, Elizabeth Tudor had to be careful at all times if she wished to stay alive to eventually inherit the throne.

Although the story of Elizabeth Tudor is nearly 500 years old, her experiences of her youth remain relevant today. After the death of her mother, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth had a series of 4 different step-mothers – Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine Parr. Additionally, she had two half-siblings who were before her in line for the throne. The novel portrays Elizabeth’s clear rivalry with both siblings, first with her brother Edward becoming the favourite for her father’s attention, and then with her sister Mary over religious integrity. Elizabeth must cope with the loss of people that she holds dear, including her parents, family members, first crush, and even her cousin who is executed at her own sister’s command. Weir also includes the internal struggle of Elizabeth over matters of the heart and her bold decision not to take a husband.

Weir’s The Lady Elizabeth is a work of fiction that cleverly integrates real history into the story. Alison Weir uses her research as a professional historian as a backdrop for her novels. For example, the narrative includes the story behind the famous oil painting of the Tudor family c. 1545 where Edward, Henry VIII and Jane Seymour (who had already been dead for a decade) in the center of the portrait with Mary and Elizabeth represented on the peripheries. The painting is currently on display at the Hampton Court Palace. The book also included selections from Elizabeth’s scribblings that are found in books, and illustrates her very real love for learning. If you enjoy personal stories, history, or even tales of princess and princes, this book is a must-read. The details included in the book make this story truly incredible. From the joy felt at ceremonies during the holidays, to the feelings of despair while imprisoned in the Tower, Alison Weir has created an intriguing protagonist. Although Elizabeth’s early life was filled with plots and enticements, she avoids them all and proves herself to be a born ruler long before she inherits the throne and officially becomes Queen Elizabeth I.