39. Elizabeth I

In this podcast episode, we explore the complex legacy of Elizabeth I, highlighting her incredible impact as a powerful woman amid a turbulent political environment. Historian Tracy Borman, a specialist in Tudor England, discusses Elizabeth’s shrewd pragmatism in forming the Church of England, her political savvy during the Spanish Armada, and the darker aspects of her reign, marked by concerns over surveillance and succession. The episode ultimately reveals that Elizabeth's lasting image is a nuanced blend of myth and reality, shaped by modern portrayals and the significant influence of her choices on today's views of monarchy.