Royalty & Nobility · 16th Century
Elizabeth I’s Last Words
“All my possessions for a moment of time.”— Elizabeth I, March 24, 1603
Who Was Elizabeth I?
Elizabeth I ruled England for 45 years during its golden age. The 'Virgin Queen' presided over Shakespeare's plays, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and English expansion into the New World.
The Final Moments
Elizabeth died at Richmond Palace, having refused to name a successor until near the end. She lay on cushions on the floor as she faded, unable to sleep.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple conflicting accounts exist, and Elizabeth reportedly stopped speaking in her final days. This particular quote is widely circulated but poorly sourced and likely apocryphal.
Sources
- firsthand Sir Robert Carey's Memoirs
- other Various conflicting contemporary accounts
- biography Alison Weir's The Life of Elizabeth I
Legacy
The Elizabethan Age remains one of the most celebrated periods in English history. Elizabeth is the standard against which all British queens are measured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Elizabeth I’s last words?
“All my possessions for a moment of time.”
How did Elizabeth I die?
Elizabeth I died on March 24, 1603 at the age of 69. Cause of death: Blood poisoning (septicemia).
Were Elizabeth I’s last words documented?
Multiple conflicting accounts exist, and Elizabeth reportedly stopped speaking in her final days. This particular quote is widely circulated but poorly sourced and likely apocryphal.
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