Elizabeth I

A look at the turbulent early years of Elizabeth's life, from the age of three with her mother's execution and consequential banishment from court, to the schemes of Thomas Seymour and vitriol with her half-sister, Mary.

Elizabeth never feels secure during the first 25 years of her reign. She must deal with Catholic plots at home and abroad, and must ponder on the problem of Mary Queen of Scots. Elizabeth's counsellors also want her to get married.

As the Spanish Armada approaches, Elizabeth rallies her troops with a famous speech at Tilbury. However, even Elizabeth is powerless against the march of time.