History
Fact-checked

At HistoricalIndex, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

Why Was Elizabeth I Called "the Virgin Queen"?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Elizabeth I of England is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Queen, in a reference to her choice not to marry. However, the reasons behind her choice are quite complex; Elizabeth certainly enjoyed the company of men, for example. It would appear that Elizabeth's reasons for remaining chaste were probably political, and her chastity has actually been called into question by some biographers, as she certainly had several close male friends with whom she appeared to be quite intimate.

The early year's of Elizabeth's reign were marked by instability and uncertainty, partly because of the Queen's eligible status. She took on the mantle of the Virgin Queen herself, declaring herself married to England. In doing so, the Queen created a sort of personal myth, associating herself with mythological virgins like Diana, the Virgin Huntress, and Mary, the mother of Christ. By becoming the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I set herself aside from other women, which may have made it easier for her to command respect in a very patriarchal society.

Elizabeth I is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Queen due to the fact that she chose not to marry.
Elizabeth I is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Queen due to the fact that she chose not to marry.

That patriarchal society was probably one of the driving reason's behind Elizabeth's decision not to marry. Since men commanded more authority and respect than women in Tudor England, Elizabeth would have become the Queen Consort had she married, essentially losing all of her power. Elizabeth was probably also sobered by her father's multiple marriages, some of which ended in executions. Given the abuse of authority demonstrated by her father, Henry VIII, Elizabeth may have been afraid to marry because she feared losing her authority and her life.

Elizabeth I contributed a great deal to England during her career.
Elizabeth I contributed a great deal to England during her career.

Politics were also an important concern. The Queen would have been afraid of creating factional infighting in England by marrying an Englishman, and she may have been concerned about being involved in foreign disputes if she married a foreign man. The Queen's potential eligibility as a wife may also have kept foreign powers from attacking England, as even after she became the “Virgin Queen,” foreign kings might have wanted to keep their options open.

By all accounts, “Good Queen Bess” was greatly beloved by the English people.
By all accounts, “Good Queen Bess” was greatly beloved by the English people.

Elizabeth often stated that she ruled by divine right, and she may have felt that creating a persona as the Virgin Queen reinforced this idea in the eyes of her people. By all accounts, “Good Queen Bess” was greatly beloved by the English people, and she certainly contributed a great deal to England during her career. She once said that “I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England, too,” recognizing that many members of her society questioned her fitness to rule. She went from the bastard child of the King's beheaded wife to Gloriana, the Virgin Queen, proving to English society that a woman was perfectly capable of governing her nation. Other powerful and talented women have since ruled England, including Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HistoricalIndex researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HistoricalIndex researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

PurpleSpark

@CarrotIsland: Lady Anne Boleyn was the second wife of Henry VIII of England. She was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536. Her marriage to Henry VIII and her execution made her a key figure in the political and religious upheaval that started the English Reformation.

Lady Anne secured a post at the court as maid of honor to Henry’s Queens consort, Catherine of Aragon. When the King began to pursue her, she refused to become his mistress. The King then tried to annul his marriage to Catherine, but Pope Clement VII wouldn’t grant one. The Archbishop of Canterbury granted Henry and Catherine an annulment.

She married the King on January 25, 1533 and gave birth to a daughter. She suffered three miscarriages and couldn’t give the King a son. The King had Anne investigated for treason. She was arrested and found guilty. She was sent to the Tower of London where she was beheaded.

CarrotIsland

Who was Elizabeth I mother?

anon81863

great!

anon15661

This is a very interesting article. Very beautiful words are used and which can be learned to describe a woman.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Elizabeth I is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Queen due to the fact that she chose not to marry.
      By: Georgios Kollidas
      Elizabeth I is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Queen due to the fact that she chose not to marry.
    • Elizabeth I contributed a great deal to England during her career.
      By: Les Cunliffe
      Elizabeth I contributed a great deal to England during her career.
    • By all accounts, “Good Queen Bess” was greatly beloved by the English people.
      By: Negura Dincolo
      By all accounts, “Good Queen Bess” was greatly beloved by the English people.