Key Ministers

Elizabeth's most important adviser from the start of her reign until his death in 1598. He wanted a strong, Protestant England.

Elizabeth's spymaster. He uncovered Catholic plots and was key in the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.

A favourite of Elizabeth. It was rumoured that they were lovers and that she had wanted to marry him.

Elizabeth's most important adviser from the start of her reign until his death in 1598. He served as Secretary of State. He wanted a strong, Protestant England and urged Elizbeth to assert control over Ireland.

Elizabeth's spymaster who uncovered Catholic plots, including the Babington Plot that led to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. He was a Puritan sympathiser.

A favourite of Elizabeth. It was rumoured that they were lovers and that she had wanted to marry him until the death of his wife in suspicious circumstances made this impossible. Leicester was also a Puritan sympathiser.

Elizabeth's most important adviser from the start of her reign until his death in 1598. He served as Secretary of State. He wanted a strong, Protestant England. He helped to build up the navy and urged Elizbeth to assert control over Ireland. He was also important in reforming the Poor Laws.

Elizabeth's spymaster who uncovered Catholic plots, including the Babington Plot that led to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. He was a Puritan sympathiser who had been shocked by the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572 and was determined to neutralise the Catholic threat to Elizabeth. He supported the development of the navy and managed to undermine Spanish military preparations. He died in 1590.

A favourite of Elizabeth. It was rumoured that they were lovers and that she had wanted to marry him until the death of his wife in suspicious circumstances made this impossible. Leicester was also a Puritan sympathiser. He died in 1588.