Accession of Elizabeth I

During November, 1558, Queen Mary (the eldest child of Henry VIII) acknowledged her half-sister, Princess Elizabeth, as her heir.  On the 17th of that same month, Mary died. 

History tells us that Elizabeth learned the news of her accession at Hatfield House.  The scene is recreated in Elizabeth R, with Glenda Jackson playing the role of Elizabeth.

Her famous response to William Cecil - "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes" - is a quote from Psalm 118:23.  Elizabeth, however, spoke the words in Latin:  A Domino factum est illud et est mirabile in oculis nostris.

Credits

Clip from Elizabeth R, starring Glenda Jackson as Elizabeth I, online courtesy BBC.

Original broadcast, 1971.  DVD released, October 16, 2001.