The ‘Rainbow Portrait’ of Elizabeth I, which hangs at Hatfield House

Birth of Princess Elizabeth

Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, was born on 7 September 1533 at Greenwich Palace.  She was named after her grandmother, Elizabeth of York, the eldest daughter of Edward IV.

Elizabeth spent part of her youth at the Old Palace at Hatfield, Herts., built by Bishop John Morton.  She was residing here when her sister, Queen Mary, died on 17 November 1558.  She ascended the throne as Queen Elizabeth I and  would reign for nearly 45 years until her death on 24 March 1603.

Tags: Elizabeth I, Henry VIII