Elizabeth I – the last Tudor monarch – ruled for 45 years and left a long and lasting legacy. Discover more about her rule, and find out more about what portraits of the Queen tell us about her life and impact.

Royal portraits in Royal Museums Greenwich’s collection
Come face to face with Kings and Queens, and discover 500 years of royal portraits at the Queen's House in Greenwich
22 Dec 2021
Three portraits, one unique display – the Armada Portraits of Elizabeth I
In February 2020, the three surviving Armada portraits of Queen Elizabeth I went on display together for the first time in their history. As the National Portrait Gallery’s portrait leaves Greenwich, we reflect on what we learned from bringing the three paintings together.
The power of youth: portraits and symbols in Tudors to Windsors
Listen to Lewisham students respond to key paintings in the National Maritime Museum's major exhibition
How to bring Queen Elizabeth I to Life
Make learning fun with this dressing-up activity. You will be able to construct Elizabeth’s image by choosing outfits from Her Majesty’s extensive wardrobe.
09 Oct 2020
Queen Elizabeth's Oak: a tree of legend
Lying on its side within the historic Greenwich Park is Queen Elizabeth's Oak. Myths and legends surround the tree as thoroughly as the foliage which now covers it. We can only imagine what it has seen in its long past...
21 Jul 2020
Hidden gendered symbolism in the Armada Portrait
How did Elizabeth I use gendered symbolism in the Armada Portrait? Dr Kit Heyam explores.
Symbolism in portraits of Queen Elizabeth I
Find out more about the Tudor symbols used in portraits of Queen Elizabeth I and discover what they mean
Why are there three versions of the Armada Portrait?
Did you know there are three versions of the 'Armada Portrait' of Elizabeth I? Take a closer look at the different faces of a Queen...
Queens of the Queen’s House
Find out who the Queen's House was built for, and learn more about the female rulers who left their mark on Greenwich's royal villa
Elizabeth I in film and TV
All sorts of incredible actors have taken on the role from Glenda Jackson to Judi Dench and now, with the release of Mary, Queen of Scots, Margot Robbie. But how exactly do these films represent her?