Ladies-in-waiting's political engagement was in no sense a part of their office, but was how Elizabeth managed the business of her court.

What exactly were gender expectations in the 16th century? An unmarried woman ruled for 45 years - this was a violation of gender norms.

Assumptions about gender and education dilute the value of 17c. Shakespeare nerd's tiny notebook & reenforces the patriarchy of the academy.

Robert Carey claimed he married his cousin Elizabeth more for her worth than her wealth. The queen was furious.

Anne Russell Dudley, Countess of Warwick's gender did not bar her from participating in military, domestic, foreign or church affairs. 

Katherine was the daughter of Mary Boleyn, and therefore the queen's cousin if not her half sister.

At 16 and married for almost 5 months, she convinced her father, the Lord Admiral, to make her new husband the Vice-Admiral of Ireland . .

I am a bit aghast that I agreed to impersonate a political analyst for a lecture on Elizabeth I.