Born in Greenwich. England, Elizabeth was the daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn. Elizabeth received an excellent education and had a love of learning and literature. In 1558 Elizabeth succeeded her sister Mary while the country was threatened by an impoverished economy and rife political and religious feuds. As queen. Elizabeth's first task was to appease the Roman Catholic population by offering a religious settlement the Acts of Unity and Supremacy of 1559. Elizabeth's foreign policy was complicated and delicate with many diplomatic moves centered on the possibility of her marriage. In 1559. Elizabeth ended Mary's war with France and for 30 years she kept an uneasy peace with France and Spain. Throughout her reign she also encountered many problems with Scotland. She supported the Protestants and after Mary. Queen of Scots was forced to abdicate in 1568. Elizabeth gave her refuge in England despite innumerable plots against the monarch. Finally Elizabeth had Mary executed in 1587 which caused Elizabeth great personal grief and an 'hysterical breakdown' The execution forced Philip of Spain to seek the English throne to join his country with England against France. His attempts were unsuccessful and then infuriated by Drake's pillage. Elizabeth's Dutch policy and a raid on Cadiz, he launched the Armada to invade England. Elizabeth reviewed her troops at Tilbury and pledged in an emotive speech, to live or die with them and "to lay down for my God. and for my kingdom, and for my people, my honour and my blood even in the dust. I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and a king of England too." England drove off the Armada and Philip was forced to retreat The thirty years of terror were over and England began to build on a position as a major world power Elizabeth was able and decisive a woman of caution and sound judgement who brought stability to the country and led England's rise to commercial prominence She was vain and capricious reveling in grand clothes, jewels and ornamental attire Her court was a dazzling center for recreation and learning while Elizabeth projected a charismatic royal image and encouraged nationalism and the flourishing culture of her time. Her long reign brought Plenty and great adventure in the New World yet amidst all the excitement. Elizabeth grew into a lonely woman without family or direct heir. One new study was released annually from 1986 to 1989. and after each edition of 5000 is fully subscribed it will never again be created. Further testimony to their uniqueness is the numbered certificate of authenticity which accompanies each figure in its silken-lined display case. Also the backstamp will include the Royal Doulton crown and HN number,the artists initials and the figure's number - all evidence of the company's pride in the piece. For future generations, this means the figures will be recognised as works of art that deserve a special place as cherished heirlooms. The first figure depicts Elizabeth I in her early years as Queen of England and Ireland, circa 1560. The pose reflects the young Queen's particular passion for stately dancing as she carries a 22 carat gold mask, of the type which allowed royal personages to delight in the mystery of their true identity. Her court attire has been modeled with care and patience so the full skirts seem almost to rustle, the stiffened lace ruffs stand proud and regal, the gentle wave of the peplum highlights the fashionable wasp waist. The over-dress is a particular point of interest as it has been created in a meticulous and traditional way by hand-painting layers of ceramic pigment to achieve the delicate shading. Framed by auburn curls, the queen's face is delicately and realistically treated, highlighted by the faintest pink blush to depict the true woman rather than the unattractive pallor seen in portraits of the day.