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The Race for Elizabeth I's Throne (eBook)

Rival Tudor Cousins

P&S History > British History > Tudors & Stuarts P&S History > By Century > 16th Century P&S History > By Century > 17th Century P&S History > Royal History P&S History > Social History

By Beverley Adams
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
File Size: 11.7 MB (.epub)
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9781399037358
Published: 29th August 2025

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As the childless Elizabeth I lay on her deathbed, discussions over who would succeed her as ruler of England raged on amongst her advisors.

The succession to Elizabeth’s throne was hotly debated throughout her reign (1558-1603) and despite having no direct heir, the queen refused to name her successor over safety concerns, being convinced a plot would be raised to oust her in favour of the heir.

There were many contenders to the crown, but Elizabeth’s main rival was Mary, Queen of Scots but her Catholic faith and ill-advised marriage to fellow claimant Lord Darnley, against Elizabeth’s wishes, damaged her claim. Her claim was ended when the English queen had her Scottish counterpart executed in 1587.

Other claims came from the Grey sisters Katherine and Mary, and later Margaret Clifford and Arbella Stuart. But the crown finally came to King James VI of Scotland, son of Mary and Darnley, in what was a smooth transition. His accession marked the end of the Tudor dynasty and the start of the Stuart era in England.

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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book was a delve into the various people who were considered to be a contestants in the quest to replace Elizabeth I which she died.
I didn't know there was so many and found this book very interesting .
Yes I knew the obvious ones but the rest I was not aware of so this book was great.

NetGalley, Carol Faulconbridge

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

What a great read! The plotting and intrigue of the Court was unrelenting. At least, in our own time, things have not been severe after the death of Queen Elizabeth II!

NetGalley, Nancy Frank

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

With Elizabeth I childless and refusing to name an heir, a fierce debate raged over the English throne, with contenders like Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Grey sisters vying for power. This engaging and informative book looks in-depth at the rivalries that developed, introducing the various claimants and showing how James I ultimately gained the throne.

NetGalley, Andrea Romance

The Race for Elizabeth I’s Throne is a fascinating and well-researched look at the political intrigue, ambition, and danger surrounding one of England’s most iconic monarchs. Beverley Adams brings history to life with clear, engaging prose and a strong grasp of character and context. While it occasionally leans heavily on historical detail, it remains an accessible and compelling read for fans of Tudor history.

Recommended if you liked: immersive, well-documented Tudor nonfiction like Elizabeth the Queen or The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

NetGalley, Megan Clemons

This was a great explanation of the people and politics of the time. The writing of the book felt very well thought out and researched while also being easy enough to read and not overly complex, which I greatly appreciated. The actions and motivations of the characters were carefully considered and, when different outcomes were possible, they were discussed. The book was fairly short so obviously not everything possible was discussed, but this is a great introduction to the topic and addresses the main players of the time. I'd definitely read more books by this author about this time period!

NetGalley, Emily Neoh

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

An interesting and in-depth look at Elizabeth Tudor’s heirs and the man who won the race to succeed her - James I.

NetGalley, Caroline Palmer

About Beverley Adams

Beverley Adams was born and raised in Preston, Lancashire. She gained her MA in English in 2018 and her first book, The Rebel Suffragette: The Life of Edith Rigby, was published in September 2021. She is passionate about bringing the lives of inspirational women back to life. Her interests include history, in particular local history, reading and travel.

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