Gloucester History Festival Special #4 - Elizabeth Unspiteful: Challenging the Jealous Queen Myth with Susan Doran

History Rage

Step back into the regal world of the Tudors and beyond as we ignite a scholarly inferno in this live special of History Rage, straight from the Gloucester History Festival's grandeur at Blackfriars Priory. Host Paul Bavill welcomes the formidable Oxford professor of history and author, Susan Doran, to dissect the venomous myths surrounding Queen Elizabeth I's so-called 'spiteful' nature. Prepare to have your perceptions royally challenged!

The Elizabethan Enigma:

- Susan Doran skewers the misogynistic labelling of Elizabeth I as 'spiteful' and 'jealous', particularly towards her cousins and ladies-in-waiting, arguing for a deeper understanding of the queen's actions, untainted by gender bias.

- A historical dissection of the fates of Catherine and Mary Grey, revealing the complex blend of personal betrayal and political necessity that shaped their harsh treatment by Elizabeth.

The Ladies of the Court:

- A glimpse into the life and duties of the queen's attendants, debunking the notion of their roles as mere servitude, and highlighting the honour, political leverage, and matrimonial opportunities that came with being a lady of the bedchamber.

- An exploration of the intricate relationships between Elizabeth and her trusted confidantes like Blanche Parry and Catherine Ashley, and how the queen navigated the delicate balance of affection and authority.

The Courtly Chessboard:

- Susan unravels the intricate tapestry of court rivalries and Elizabeth's strategic prowess in maintaining control, without resorting to spite or malice.

- A critique of the portrayal of Elizabeth as a flirtatious monarch, manipulating her suitors, and an impassioned plea for a re-evaluation of her decision-making as circumspect rather than indecisive.

A Historian's Crusade

- Doran calls out the persistence of Elizabethan myths perpetuated by both historical works and pop culture, urging a renaissance in understanding that appreciates the queen's actions through the lens of her kingly rather than feminine attributes.

Join us as Susan Doran fervently refutes the fabricated image of a petty and envious Elizabeth I, advocating for a narrative stripped of sexism and rich with the complexities of a monarch who navigated her reign with the heart and stomach of a king.

To delve into the Tudor-Stuart transition with Susan Doran's "From Tudor to Stuart" and her other esteemed works, follow her on Twitter @SueDoran26898513. Engage with us using #HistoryRage, and for the devoted history enthusiasts, visit patreon.com/historyrage to join our 'Angry Mob' for exclusive content and the prized History Rage mug.

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