The death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603 marked the end of an era that had defined English history for nearly half a century. It was a moment fraught with both sorrow and anticipation, as the Tudor dynasty gave way to the Stuarts, ushering in a new chapter for England, Scotland, and beyond. This article explores the significant events surrounding Elizabeth’s death, the peaceful transfer of power to James VI of Scotland , the cultural and political impact of this transition, and the lasting legacy of Elizabeth’s reign and her commemoration.

The Final Moments and the Passing of the Tudor Legacy

Queen Elizabeth I died in the early 17th century, ending a reign that had stabilized and elevated England after years of religious turmoil and political uncertainty. As the queen’s life ebbed away, one of her attendants, Miss Scroope, performed a symbolic act that foreshadowed the imminent change of power. Upon realizing the queen had passed, Scroope discreetly removed a sapphire ring from Elizabeth’s hand and threw it out of the window to her brother, Robert Cecil, who was waiting outside.

This sapphire ring was more than a mere piece of jewelry; it was a tangible token of legitimacy and succession. By delivering it to Robert Cecil, who then rushed to Scotland, the signal was clear: the next monarch was James VI of Scotland. James understood the gravity of this symbol—accepting the ring meant accepting the throne of England, uniting the crowns of Scotland and England under one ruler.

The Spread of News and the Initial Public Reaction

The news of Elizabeth’s death and James’s impending accession spread quickly through London, particularly within Whitehall Palace and the surrounding areas. According to contemporary observers, there was no immediate outburst of public celebration. The mood was one of somber reflection and grief rather than jubilation.

This restrained response was understandable. Elizabeth’s reign had been long and momentous, and many felt a deep personal loss. The queen had become a symbol of national pride and stability, especially after the turbulent reigns of her predecessors. Yet by evening, subtle celebrations began to emerge—campfires were lit and church bells rung, signaling a cautious welcome for the new era. People were beginning to accept that the Elizabethan age had passed into history.

Robert Cecil’s Journey to Edinburgh and James’s Ascension

Three days after Elizabeth’s death, Robert Cecil arrived in Edinburgh, exhausted and covered in mud from his hurried journey. His arrival came just as James VI was preparing for bed. Despite his fatigue, Cecil knelt before James and formally addressed him as king of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France—a title reflecting the historic claims of the English monarchy.

Handing over the sapphire ring, Cecil effectively transferred the mantle of English kingship to James, marking the peaceful conclusion of what could have been a contested succession. James’s acceptance of the ring symbolized the union of two kingdoms under a single crown for the first time in history, a moment of profound political significance that would lay the groundwork for the eventual formation of Great Britain.

The Queen’s Last Days and the Preparation of Her Body

Meanwhile, back in London, the mood at Richmond Palace was bleak and subdued. With the royal court having moved back to the capital, the queen’s death left the palace in a state of desolation. Elizabeth’s body lay alone for a day or two, attended only by three loyal ladies-in-waiting who prepared her for burial.

No formal autopsy was conducted, reflective of the period’s customs and the respect accorded to monarchs. The queen’s body was anointed with ointments, wrapped carefully in shrouds, and placed into a lead coffin—a practice designed to preserve the remains for the time being. This preparation was the first step in the elaborate funeral rites that would follow.

The Transfer of the Coffin and Public Mourning

Five days after Elizabeth’s death, her coffin was transported under the cover of night by torch-lit barges to Whitehall Palace. There, it was placed in the great hall and kept under constant guard by nobles and attendants. This vigil was not only a mark of reverence but also served as a public signal of mourning.

Subsequently, the coffin was moved to Westminster Abbey, where it lay in state to receive public condolences. Adhering to long-standing tradition, the body remained there until the new king decreed the burial arrangements. This period allowed the nation to collectively grieve and pay homage to their departed monarch.

The Royal Funeral: A Ceremony of Grandeur and National Unity

More than a month after Elizabeth’s death, on April 28th, her funeral procession set out for Westminster Abbey. It was a spectacle of solemnity and grandeur designed to honor a queen whose reign had defined an epoch.

The coffin was carried in a hearse draped with black velvet embroidered with black swans—a symbol traditionally associated with mourning and purity. Resting atop the coffin was a life-sized wax effigy of Queen Elizabeth, dressed in her royal robes and crown, clutching the orb and scepter that symbolized her sovereignty. Six earls held a canopy over the effigy’s head, underscoring the queen’s high status even in death.

The procession was led by the Queen’s Knight Marshal, who held the reins of her caparisoned, saddle-less horse, a poignant emblem of royal dignity and loss. The Earl of Northampton, a noblewoman of great standing, led the funeral party, followed by hundreds of mourners dressed in black cloaks and hoods reminiscent of monastic habits. Among them were aristocrats, councilors, gentry, courtiers, heralds, servants, and 276 impoverished citizens—a vivid cross-section of English society united in grief.

The mayor and clergy also participated, and the choir of the Royal Chapel lent their voices to the solemn occasion. Sir Walter Raleigh and forty royal guards brought up the rear, their halberds pointed downward in respectful mourning. Colorful banners and military standards fluttered in the wind, while trumpets blared a dignified fanfare, creating a visually and aurally striking tribute.

Public Grief and Historical Significance

The streets along the funeral route were packed with thousands of citizens, all eager to pay their respects. Historical accounts describe the scene as unprecedented, with ordinary people, nobles, and officials alike overwhelmed by a collective sorrow.

One historian remarked that Westminster was filled to bursting, with crowds lining every available space—windows, rooftops, gutters—to glimpse the wax effigy of the late queen. The mourning was so profound that it was described as unparalleled in history, a testament to Elizabeth’s extraordinary bond with her people and her enduring legacy.

Burial and Symbolic Closure

Under the auspices of Archbishop Whitgift, Elizabeth’s body was interred in the north aisle of Henry VII’s Chapel at Westminster Abbey. Her coffin was placed atop that of her sister, Mary I, symbolizing the final resting of the Tudor sisters together.

As part of royal custom, high-ranking officials ceremonially broke white badges that represented their offices, scattering the fragments over the coffin—signaling the end of Elizabeth’s reign and their service to her. The tomb was then sealed, concluding the final rites.

The Monument and Memorialization of Elizabeth I

King James I commissioned a grand monument to commemorate Elizabeth’s life and reign. Designed by the sculptor Maximilian Colt and completed in 1606 at a cost of 765 pounds, the monument was crafted from white marble.

The centerpiece was a statue of the queen, depicted as an elderly woman. Many believe Colt based the sculpture on a death mask taken after Elizabeth’s passing, which may explain the somber and aged appearance. The statue was painted by the renowned artist Nicholas Hilliard and gilded by John de Critz. Though the original colors and gold leaf have since faded, the monument remains a powerful symbol of Elizabeth’s dignity and legacy.

A Latin inscription on the monument celebrates her virtues and reign, offering a poetic tribute likely to have pleased the queen herself. This memorial stands as a testament to the enduring reverence for Elizabeth across generations.

The Legacy of Elizabeth’s Death and the Stuart Succession

Elizabeth I’s death and the subsequent rise of James I represented a peaceful and constitutional transition of power that was rare in an era often marked by violent successions. The unification of the English and Scottish crowns under James laid the groundwork for the future political and cultural integration of the British Isles.

Elizabeth’s reign had established England as a major European power, fostering the arts, exploration, and religious stability. The mourning and elaborate funeral rites underscored her importance not only as a monarch but as a symbol of national identity.

The Stuart dynasty, beginning with James I, inherited a kingdom transformed by Elizabeth’s rule—a kingdom poised for new challenges and achievements in the 17th century. The careful handling of Elizabeth’s death and the respectful transition ensured continuity and stability, allowing England to build on its Elizabethan foundations.

Conclusion: The End of an Era and the Dawn of a New Dynasty

The death of Elizabeth I was a watershed moment in British history. It marked the close of the Tudor dynasty, an era characterized by religious reform, cultural flowering, and national consolidation. The peaceful succession of James VI of Scotland to the English throne symbolized a new political reality and the birth of the Stuart era.

The ceremonies, mourning, and memorials surrounding Elizabeth’s passing reveal the deep affection and respect she commanded. Through these events, we glimpse a nation at a crossroads—honoring its past while stepping cautiously into a new future. Elizabeth’s legacy endures not only in history books but in the very fabric of British identity, reminding us of the power of monarchy to shape the destiny of a people.