Delaying the Tower. Excerpt from chapter two: Second Person. Queen Elizabeth Tudor: Journey to Gloriana

The reign of Queen Mary I Tudor was a tumultuous time for England. As protestants raised their voices and risked their lives opposing Mary’s religious reforms, younger sister Elizabeth became a frequent focal point for protestant rebellions, much as their cousin Mary Stuart would over twenty years later.

In March 1554 Queen Mary ordered Elizabeth arrested on suspicion of conspiracy against her throne. Terrified, Elizabeth wrote desperately to her sister, a letter historians refer to as the ...