Genre: History, nonfiction
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Pub date: 16 January 2023

Elizabeth I. Tudor, Queen, Protestant. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth I had to deal with many rebellions which aimed to undermine her rule and overthrow her. Led in the main by those who wanted religious freedom and to reap the rewards of power, each one was thwarted but left an indelible mark on Queen Elizabeth and her governance of England. Learning from earlier Tudor rebellions against Elizabeth’s grandfather, father, and siblings, they were dealt with mercilessly by spymaster Francis Walsingham who pushed for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots due to her involvement, and who created one of the first government spy networks in England. Espionage, spying and hidden ciphers would demonstrate the lengths Mary was willing to go to gain her freedom and how far Elizabeth’s advisors would go to stop her and protect their Virgin Queen. Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots were rival queens on the same island, pushed together due to religious intolerance and political instability, which created the perfect conditions for revolt, where power struggles would continue even after Mary’s death. The Elizabethan period is most often described as a Golden Age; Elizabeth I had the knowledge and insight to deal with cases of conspiracy, intrigue, and treason, and perpetuate her own myth of Gloriana.

The reign of Elizabeth I is remembered as the Golden Age, but she did face multiple attempts to overthrow her and replace her on the throne.

Helene Harrison delves into five rebellions faced by Elizabeth, including those centred around Mary Queen of Scots and the final rebellion of her reign by the Earl of Essex.
This book doesn’t just give details of the rebellions but discusses those involved and the impact on participants and those around Elizabeth. Elizabeth was extremely lucky to have the network of Francis Walsingham, who unfortunately had to pay his spies himself. For the service his network provided, you would think Elizabeth would be more than happy to reward and finance this circle, but surprisingly not.

Helene Harrison also discusses how those outside of England were involved in the rebellions.
It is fascinating to read how the schemes and plots were uncovered, particularly those involving Mary Queen of Scots. Helene reviews how these plots affected the relationship between England and Scotland and the reaction of Mary’s son, the future James I.

It is interesting how each is reviewed in detail with the question of whether it was a rebellion or a plot.

It is apparent Helene Harrison has done a lot of research on this subject, and her passion for the topic shines through in her writing.
For anyone interested in knowing more about the plots and rebellions of the Elizabethan era, I’d recommend this book.

Lastly, I just want to add some appreciation for this cover, I really like it. The small details of Elizabeth’s signature and coded words are wonderful, if you have the opportunity take some time to have a look at the smal

My first book, Educating the Tudors published on the same day as Elizabethan Rebellions and it has been really nice meeting Helene through our love of all things Tudor. I am very much looking forward to seeing what comes next from my fellow Pen and Sword author.