Elizabeth I

The Rule of Women | Marriage & Virginity | Elizabeth as Religious Leader

Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton
"A dutifull defence of the lawfull regiment of women" (1589)
Newberry Library (Case MS fJ 5452 .634)
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Northampton spent thirteen years writing his treatise in answer to Knox's First Blast. Northampton's defense is phrased so that it would apply to all women rulers, including Elizabeth's rival Mary Queen of Scots. It is no surprise, therefore, that Elizabeth never completely trusted him. Ultimately, Northampton's loyalty to Mary Queen of Scots won him a seat on the Privy Council in the reign of Elizabeth's successor James I, Mary's son.

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