Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 1558 until her death. Daughter of Henry VIII, she was born a princess, but her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed 2 1/2 years after her birth, and Elizabeth was declared illegitimate. Her half brother, Edward VI, bequeathed the crown to Lady Jane Grey, which was a contradiction to statute law. His will was set aside, Lady Jane Grey was executed, and in 1558 Elizabeth succeeded to the throne.
