Today in 1603 Elizabeth I was buried in Westminster Abbey. She died on March 24, when her body was placed inside a lead coffin and then traveled by barge from Richmond Palace to Whitehall. King James was headed south from Scotland while the body of the Queen would lie in state.
Today, the 28th of April, her coffin left Whitehall for Westminster Abbey – the coffin was covered in purple cloth, and on top was an effigy of Elizabeth with her crown and scepter. The coffin was covered by a canopy held by 6 knights, and the head mourner was the Countess of Northampton, who led the group of noblemen. She was buried in the vault of her grandfather, Henry VII, until in 1606 she was moved to a new tomb, buried next to her sister, Mary I.
That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com.
Suggested link:
Spring 2019 Tudor Summit: Dr. Estelle Paranque on Elizabeth I Through Foreign Eyes
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