Not Just the Tudors Elizabeth I's Succession Crisis
Jan 8, 2026
Historian Tracy Borman, an expert in Tudor and Stuart history and author of The Stolen Crown, joins the discussion about Elizabeth I’s troubling succession crisis. They delve into Elizabeth's strategic refusal to name an heir, fearing the rise of rivals like Mary, Queen of Scots, and exploring the impact of smallpox on her reign. Borman highlights the political dangers posed by various claimants and the tension surrounding James VI. The conversation reveals how these succession struggles shaped the course of English history and the ensuing chaos after Elizabeth’s death.
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Vacuum At The Heart Of Elizabeth's Reign
- Elizabeth's refusal to name an heir created a political void that dominated her reign and fostered secret manoeuvring.
- Ministers, ambassadors and opportunists scrambled to fill the vacuum, making succession a persistent national crisis.
Camden's Manuscript Was Rewritten
- New British Library findings show William Camden's manuscript was heavily altered after Elizabeth's death to claim she named James.
- The original draft said Elizabeth died without naming a successor, reframing the succession as contested rather than inevitable.
Use Ambiguity To Manage Rivalries
- Avoid naming an heir if you fear creating a rival; Elizabeth refused to name one to prevent unrest.
- She used ambiguity and favour to influence outcomes without committing publicly, shaping succession by correspondence and patronage.
